Preventing Water in the Basement
Tips for protecting your home and your possessions

Heavy rains, overflowing catch basins, clogged sewers, and backed up drains can all lead to a major headache for homeowners — often centering in your basement. Regardless of your insurance coverage, it is a mess and an inconvenience everyone would rather avoid. Here are a few tips to help you prevent the problem in the first place.

Your Check List

• Cracks in the foundation walls that might allow rainwater to seep into the basement, and lead to bigger cracks as the ground freezes and thaws.
• Leaking pipes that may dampen basement floors or walls. A drip of just one drop per second adds up to 2,700 gallons over the course of a year.
• Grade levels that slope toward the house. The land should be re-graded so it directs any surface water away from the house.
• Gutters that are clogged with leaves or debris. They should be cleaned to allow rain water to flow quickly.
• Downspouts that end within six feet of the foundation. They should be extended further away from the foundation. If your gutters connect into a storm sewer, make sure they are clear.
• Pumping devices, anti-backflow devices and water cut-off valves should be checked by a plumber to ensure they are working properly and do not need replacing.
• Storage areas in the basement should be of particular concern. Be sure to keep items off the floor. Make sure nothing is blocking any floor drains.
• Toilets and sinks should never be used to dispose of grease or items too large for the pipes.

Note: These tips are designed to help you assess the safety and maintenance of your home and property, and to offer some precautions. Application of any or all of these suggestions may not prevent damage or protect you, or your property from harm. Your knowledge of the situation, use of your common sense and compliance with local and state codes should direct your course of action. These recommendations may or may not have any relationship to your insurance coverage.