We have cleaned out our share of water-damaged goods from flooded basements. Before calling that waterproofing service, here are a few easy and inexpensive steps to take to keep your basement dry:

1. Clean out your gutters and downspouts regularly [TR1] to keep water away from the foundation. A one-inch rainfall on a 30' x 50' (1,500 sq. ft.) roof equals 965 gallons of water, in addition to the water that falls around the house. Imagine how much an all-day downpour would bring…

2. Clean out your gutters and downspouts. Yes, it's that important and most issues are remedied by this simple step.

3. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation. If your downspout is emptying too close to the foundation, it’s really just functioning as a funnel to direct water into your basement. Some contractors recommend 3' extensions, while others recommend up to 6'. Shorter lengths are fine as long as the soil slopes away from the house. Which brings me to the next step…

4. Check the soil around the foundation to make sure it slopes away from the foundation. Most municipalities require that the grade slopes 6" in a 10' run from the foundation. That's really not much of a drop, but it keeps water away. Add topsoil to dips, holes and any areas that slope toward the house and tamp it down with your feet or a brick. Fill any holes within 3' of the foundation.

5. Check your basement sump pump. The sump is usually located in a corner of the basement with a plastic lid, or something similar. I occasionally run a garden hose into the sump to make sure the pump activates when the water rises above it. A battery back-up sump pump is easy to install and can be done for as little as $300.

Check out this video to see how to test a basement sump pump:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlLJXUNLCr4

6. Check for cracks if your basement walls are exposed brick or block. You can get fillers at most hardware or home stores.

7. Keep drains clear at the basement entrance. Leaves often collect there and block the drain. You may also consider getting a cone-shaped (or similar) drain cover, as long as it's not a tripping hazard.

8. Cover basement window wells and secure them so they won't blow away on a windy day. You can buy covers at your local hardware or home store.

These steps are a great start for ensuring your basement stays nice and dry. Have a warm and flood-free Fall!



Would be helpful to say how often.