A Dry Basement Matters More Than You Think

Basements just don’t get enough love. They can often be an overlooked part of a house, a place where people linger only long enough to stash a box of Christmas decorations or turn over the laundry before running back up the stairs. A basement may be the last thing on your mind, until something goes wrong: a washing machine leaks, a pipe bursts, snowmelt seeps through the foundation, or a cloudburst floods your property.

Once water enters your home, the resulting water damage can be a real thorn in your side. Why not show your basement a little more attention and make sure it’s ready to handle whatever nature — or chance — throws at it? Preventing basement water damage is important to the integrity of your home, and it may be easier than you think.

The Usual Suspects

There are some common culprits behind basement emergencies. Look out for:

• Failed appliances: Washing machines, water heaters, and sump pumps often seem to give out at the worst times.
• Plumbing issues: Leaky plumbing is an infamous contributor to basement floods. Sump pumps and their backups can fail, causing significant amounts of water to accumulate quickly.
• Leaky basement windows: Leaves, snow, and branches can all accumulate in window wells, holding moisture tight against the home, stressing windows. And seals around windows don’t last forever — when they fail, rain or groundwater can seep right through and into your home.
• Bad drainage: Poorly installed, clogged, or broken downspouts, or improper yard grading can cause large amounts of water to pool around your property. Eventually, that water will find its way in through the foundation.

If You See Something, Say Something

Don’t pretend you didn’t see that pipe dripping. If you notice staining on your basement wall, see condensation, or smell something funny, that means moisture is moving in; the faster you do something about it, the less water damage it can cause.

Even small amounts of water in the basement can:

• Warp flooring, doorways, windows, and furniture
• Damage insulation, drywall, and carpeting
• Cause lingering odors
• Damage belongings
• Encourage mold growth 

What You Can Do About It

Taking steps now will make a huge difference in keeping water out and protecting your Cincinnati home for years to come.

• Keep gutters and downspouts clean: Don’t let leaves and debris clog this important system. Check them at least seasonally to make sure water is flowing as it should, and downspouts direct water as far from your home as possible.
• Grade your yard: It’s not always obvious if your yard is sloped properly, especially if erosion has occurred or foundation settling. You want a positive grade of at least six inches over the first 10 feet away from your house. Less than that, and water will be headed your way.
• Check windows: Keep window wells clear year-round, check to make sure seals are tight, and make repairs as needed.
• Seal your foundation: A professional waterproofing service can use strong sealants, hydraulic cement, and waterproof coatings to make your foundation as tight as a drum.
• Check that sump pump: These devices remove accumulated water, so making sure they work properly (and that their backup is operational) is a very important step to take. They last around 7-10 years, so make sure to replace it as needed.
• Get a dehumidifier: Basements are notoriously musty, and these will help keep humidity levels in check.
• Maintain landscaping: Plants can absorb a lot of surface water, reduce erosion, and help reduce basement flooding.
• Yes, you need flood insurance: If you have a basement, it’s essential to have flood insurance to protect yourself from a huge financial blow if things go wrong.

Basement Already Flooded? Don’t Fret

It happens. The first thing to remember if you find yourself in this situation is that your safety is the most important thing. A flooded basement can compromise electrical components, and pilot lights in a furnace or water heater can be submerged, creating a gas hazard. If it’s safe to enter the area, here’s what you can do:

• Turn off the power
• Turn off the gas
• Remove any valuables or move items to a dry area
• Contact a professional water damage cleanup and restoration company
• Take photos for insurance filing

Where To Go from Here

If you’re not sure where to begin, reach out to a professional who can assess your property and provide short- and long-term solutions. Your basement will thank you for caring. And if you’re already dealing with water-related damage, a trusted water cleanup and restoration company can be an invaluable resource, helping you protect your home and restore it quickly and safely.

Give Dry Ally a call. We keep Cincinnati homes dry, safe, and worry-free. If you need water cleanup, restoration, or basement protection, we are a trusted local choice in the Greater Cincinnati area.