Basement Waterproofing Made Easy: Seasonal Tips
As the rainy season here in Ohio continues, so do the threats to your home’s foundation and basement. Water intrusion can cause severe damage over time, but there are seasonal maintenance practices that you can start now to keep water out.
These tips include simple DIY steps as well as permanent, professional fixes to divert water out of your basement, season after season.
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1. Keep Gutters Clean and Functional
The first action you can take to ensure that water isn’t sitting stagnant against your foundation starts at the roofline.
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- Clean your gutters at least once to twice a year.
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- This prevents water from overflowing from the top of the gutters and causing flooding around the foundation.
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- Make sure the downspouts extend at least 6 feet away from the home.
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- This further discourages water pooling.
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- Repair any sagging or damaged gutters.
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- When gutters sag, they prevent water from properly channeling water away from the foundation.
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2. Use a Dehumidifier Year-Round
Even if you don’t see noticeable leaks, basements are naturally prone to dampness. A reliable, durable dehumidifier helps control humidity levels, which in turn:
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- Rejects mold and mildew growth.
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- Protects valuable stored in the basement.
- Creates healthier air and a comfortable space.
Cleveland Basement Systems carries the best dehumidifier on the market. The SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier is small but mighty and can remove 2.9 liters of water per kilowatt hour. It’s MERV 8 filter removes mold spores, dust mite droppings, dust and other particles. This patented model comes with a built-in hygrometer so you can ensure the humidity levels stay low. As a plus, the SaniDry is a self-draining system that can be hooked up to your sump pump!
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3. Maintain or Replace Sump Pump System
A sump pump is your basement’s emergency response system. A sump pump removes water from the lowest point of your basement to prevent flooding. It’s vital to seasonally check and service a sump pump.
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- Test the pump by pouring water into the pit to ensure it triggers the motor.
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- Clean the pit of debris and check for mud or iron ochre in the discharge pipe.
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- Make sure the battery backup is charged or consider installing one to prevent flooding during power outages.
If you’ve tested your sump pump and it’s not running efficiently, it might be time to install a new one. Cleveland Basement Systems has the most reliable, innovative sump pump. The TripleSafe Sump Pump is a three-pump system for triple protection. Pump one is equipped with one heavy duty 1/3 horsepower pump that can handle up to 2,600 gallons of water per house. The second pump is a ½ HP pump that turns on automatically if the first pump fails or there is excess water. Pump 2 can handle up to 6,200 gallons of water per hour. Pump 3 is a battery-operated pump that works under a power outage. This backup pump can remove up to 12,000 gallons of water on a fully charged battery. The TripleSafe Sump Pump is a resilient, reliable and long-lasting solution to any basement.
Basement water issues are often a result of a combination of small factors rather than a single, major flaw. By taking preventative measures with seasonal maintenance or replacement, you can protect your home and give yourself peace of mind during any season.
Need a professional opinion? Call Cleveland Basement Systems today to schedule a FREE in-home estimate with one of our expert inspectors!