How to Stop Basement Flooding and Protect Your Home

How to prevent basement flooding in the future

Basement flooding can occur for several reasons, ranging from heavy rainfall to issues with plumbing. The key to help prevent flooding is to address the underlying causes early. Here’s an overview of the common causes of basement flooding and actionable steps to protect your home from future water damage.

Improve yard drainage to keep water away from your home

Water pooling around your home’s foundation is one reason you may see water in your basement. This can occur if your yard has poor grading or improper drainage systems. When water gathers near your foundation, it can seep into the basement, especially during heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

How to prevent:

• Regrade the yard: Take a good look at the soil around your home, especially the first 10 feet from your door. It should decline at a slight angle. A properly graded yard helps water flow away from the foundation, preventing pooling.
• Extend downspouts: Make sure your downspouts direct water at least six feet away from your foundation, using downspout extenders if needed.
• Install French drains or swales: French drains are trenches filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from the foundation. Swales are shallow ditches that can also help manage runoff water, directing it away from your home. Both solutions can help direct the flow of water off your property.

Maintain gutters and downspouts to prevent overflow

Clogged or broken gutters can cause rainwater to overflow, causing water to spill over the sides and onto the ground below. Over time, this water can saturate the soil around your foundation, increasing the risk of flooding.

How to prevent:

• Clean gutters regularly: If you’re able to safely do so, consider gutter cleaning twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consider hiring a professional.
• Install gutter guards: Gutter guards help keep debris out of your gutters, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. They’re especially helpful if you have trees on your property.
• Check for leaks and sagging: Inspect your gutters for any leaks or areas that are sagging. Repair or replace the broken sections as needed.

Install and maintain a sump pump for flood protection

If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or storms, your basement might be at risk of flooding. When the soil around your home gets too saturated, it can overwhelm drainage systems, causing water to pool around the foundation. This can lead to water seeping into the basement through cracks, potentially causing mold, rot and even structural damage.

How to prevent:

• Install a sump pump: If you don’t already have one, consider installing a sump pump. This device will pump water out of the basement and away from your home, helping to prevent flooding. Test your sump pump every few months to make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Install a battery backup: In the event of a power outage, a battery backup will keep your sump pump running.
• Keep a secondary water-powered pump: It’s always a good idea to have a secondary water-powered sump pump as a fail-safe. These pumps work even when the power is out or your battery backup fails, providing added protection.

Install a backwater valve to prevent sewer backups

During heavy rains, city sewer systems can become overwhelmed, potentially causing a water backup or wastewater to flow back into your home. This not only creates a health hazard, but also increases the risk of basement flooding.

How to prevent: 

• Install a backwater valve: A backwater valve is a device that prevents wastewater from flowing backward into your home. It’s especially important if you live in an area with combined sewer systems, which handle both stormwater and wastewater.
• Inspect sewer lines for blockages: If you’re able, have a plumber inspect your sewer lines for blockages. Clogs in the sewer line can contribute to backup problems.
• Avoid flushing certain items: Avoid flushing items that can clog your pipes, such as wipes, grease or paper towels. These can create blockages that increase the risk of a sewer backup.

Waterproof your basement to block water seepage

Small cracks in the walls or floor of your basement can allow groundwater to seep in, especially during heavy rain. Over time, this may lead to serious water damage and mold growth.

How to prevent:

• Inspect basement walls and floors: Check your basement walls and floors annually for cracks, signs of water seepage or damp spots.
• Seal minor cracks: For small cracks, use waterproof epoxy or hydraulic cement to seal them. These materials are designed to resist water and help prevent seepage.
• Apply a waterproof coating: Consider applying a waterproof coating to your basement walls. This will provide an extra layer of protection against groundwater seepage.

Use water sensors for early detection

Sometimes, homeowners don’t notice minor water leaks until the damage is extensive. Water sensors can alert you to leaks early, helping you take action before a small issue becomes a major problem.

How to prevent:

• Install water sensors: Place water sensors in areas where flooding is more likely, such as near your sump pump, water heater or HVAC systems. Water leak detection devices are affordable and easy to use. The sensors can even send alerts to your phone or trigger an alarm when water is detected.
• Use moisture detectors: Moisture detectors can help you track humidity levels in your basement, especially in areas close to your basement walls and pipes, or your near sump pump. If moisture levels rise unexpectedly, it may indicate a hidden leak or a potential flood risk.

Take action to protect your home from basement flooding

Basement flooding can happen unexpectedly, but by taking proactive steps, you can help keep your home dry and avoid costly repairs. Prevention isn’t just about stopping water from entering your basement – it’s about minimizing damage and reducing the financial burden of repairs. In addition to the steps listed above, including preventive plumbing maintenance, may help avoid leaks and excess moisture in your home.

For added financial protection, consider flood insurance. While it won’t prevent flooding, it can help cover the costs of repair if your home is affected by flood damage.

Taking these steps and remaining proactive will help protect your home from basement flooding, giving you confidence that you've done all you can to safeguard your property.