Dealing with home flooding is a nightmare. Upon inspection of your home, you can often find some signs that you are at risk. While you can’t predict the next heavy rainstorm, you can figure out the spots in your home that increase your chances of interior flooding. Take a look at these common water pathways and solutions, so you can help prevent the next potential leak from happening.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters cause all kinds of problems for your home. As they fill up with leaves and debris, they make it harder for rain falling off the roof to go down the downspouts and drain away from the structure. Over time as the gutters keep accumulating leaves and sticks, rain will overflow the gutters and drop directly upon whatever is under the gutter, whether it is your foundation, the lawn, sidewalks landscaping or window wells.
Concentrated falling water will erode sidewalks and driveways, etch foundation walls, and wash away grass and landscaping materials, and worst of all, if there is a window well in the area, the water will collect and pool in the well. If the rain is a heavy one, the water will accumulate so quickly that the natural drainage in the well may not be able to keep up, and the water pressure will become greater. The basement window may start leaking around the seams, and in the worst-case scenario, the window will give way and burst, flooding the basement.
Also, it is likely that the moisture will get under your roofing and soak the decking. To avoid this problem, schedule regular gutter cleaning. If you have had clogged gutters for years, consider a roof inspection to look for water damage.
Foundation Cracks
Foundations tend to settle over time, and that settling often creates cracks that water can pass through. You might not notice it at first, especially if the cracks are minor or you have a lot of clutter in the basement. Once a year, survey your foundation exterior for cracks. When you spot one, look into foundation sealing to keep flowing water from running into your home.
Leaky Appliance Hoses
Appliances like your refrigerator, washer, or dishwasher rely on hoses connected to your water line to provide a steady stream of water for drinking or cleaning. Sometimes, these hoses start to wear down or get disconnected. Look for dripping or pooling water at the bottom of the appliance. If you notice it, turn off the water valve for the appliance and reconnect or replace the hose. Test the appliance and call a technician if you continue to have problems.
Pooling Water in Window Wells
Ideally, your window wells should be able to allow any water to seep into the subsoil harmlessly after a storm, even without having a drain installed. But if you do have a drain system and it gets clogged from debris in your window well, the water might funnel its way toward your house and drain into your basement through gaps around the window casing or cracks in the foundation. Consider installing metal window well grates to help keep debris out of your window wells. Take the time to inspect your foundation, windows, and framing. Seal cracks or breaks in the caulking around your windows. If water keeps pooling after every storm, call a window well expert.
Improper Grading of the Property
Your property should be graded to allow water to flow away from the home. Sometimes erosion or landscaping updates create an improper slope toward your home. If you have pooling water next to your foundation, hire a landscaping contractor to evaluate your property for incorrect grading. Re-grading the property can be a hassle, but it’s nothing compared to having to deal with a flooded home, requiring you to re-grade the exterior anyway.
Water damage can be complicated and expensive to repair, so it’s best to avoid flooding in the first place. If you take a look at these common water pathways and ensure that you have them in ideal working order, you can minimize your risk of home flooding.
