To prevent basement water damage in your home, follow these strategies.

Watch the Weather Forecast

Whether it’s watching the news or opening an app on your smartphone, check the weather forecast. Being aware of the temperature and local weather conditions can help you prepare for the day. This also includes being able to take care of your home. If the temperature is warm enough to melt snow, be sure to clear the snow from your home’s foundation and roof, if possible, to avoid potential flooding.

Check Landscape Grading

Inspect the grade around your home and make sure it slopes away from your home’s foundation and basement to help drain and direct water away. By addressing any grading issues, you can help prevent flood damage in your home. Contact a professional if your ground may require re-grading.

Check Foundation Walls

Have a look at your home’s foundation to see if there are any cracks or leaks that need to be sealed. You can use caulk to repair it or contact a professional if it’s more serious. Sealing cracks and openings is one of the best defences against water damage in your home.

Check Window Well Covers

If you have window well covers in your home, check to see if they are sealed properly. If they aren’t secured to your home’s foundation, water can build up inside the well and potentially cause a flood. When installed correctly, window well covers are an efficient waterproofing method.

Clean Eavestrough and Gutters

Take a proactive step and clean the eavestrough and gutters of debris. This can help prevent water damage to the foundation. It’s also important to check that the downspouts are positioned three feet away from the foundation so that the water will flow outwards from your home.

Maintain the Sump Pump

A common cause of a wet basement can be from an improper or broken sump pump. If your sump pump isn’t properly inspected and maintained, it can be problematic. A sump pump’s job is to pump water out that’s been collected to help prevent flooding. Sump pumps may lose power during powerful storms, so consider having a battery back-up just in case.

Avoid Electrical Hazards

Check that the electrical switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring in your basement are raised approximately a foot above flood level. This can help prevent electrical shock. If possible, move portable electronics to another floor. If you can’t move anything, unplug it instead.

Protect Sentimental Items

Keep sentimental items safe by placing them in waterproof containers or bags. Create a home inventory list of your personal belongings. This can help if you need to file an insurance claim. If you believe your basement may be at risk for flooding, move sentimental valuables to higher levels in your home.

Water damage to your home can be devastating. Keep your loved ones and belongings safe with an insurance policy you can count on. Desjardins Home Insurance can provide coverage to meet our clients’ needs.

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