How to Protect a Basement from Flooding Grand Rapids MI

Your finished basement is your pride and joy. You've already spent thousands of dollars and countless hours converting your concrete dungeon into comfortable living space. The last thing you need is a tidal pool of sewage infiltrating your new home office or wet bar.

Local Companies

myway Mobile Storage
888-336-9923
15 Ionia, SW, Suite 550
Grand Rapids, MI
Renovations by Legacy Homes
(616) 447-4073
1971 E Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI
Erie Construction Mid-West Inc
(616) 977-9861
4039 40th St SE Ste 8
Grand Rapids, MI
Handyman Matters
(616) 954-3663
Grand Rapids, MI
Innovative Garage & Basement Systems
(616) 281-5369
7444 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI
Isaac Construction Co
(810) 231-1400
Brighton, MI
American Engress Windows
(734) 427-7650
32825 Manor Park
Garden City, MI
Signature Basements
(989) 839-8126
Midland, MI
J.R. Anderson Construction
(586) 948-4000
46412 Community Center Dr
Chesterfield, MI

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Steps

Emergency Power

  1. Make sure you have a sump pump. It is more important than your plasma tv or a kegerator. Without it, it is just like the Titanic in an iceberg field:bad.
  2. Check to see if your sump pump has backup power.A simple 30-minute thunderstorm can quickly destroy weekends worth of sweat equity -- unless your sump pump has backup power. Emergency power comes in three basic forms. Backup battery systems work-for a few hours. If you want automatic AND long-term protection, consider getting a standby generator. They also protect your whole house, but it is more expensive. Standby generators can automatically keep your basement dry, your beer cold and your TV tuned into the big game. They can also keep your family safe and warm during a disaster.

Warning Systems

  1. Get a warning system. Even if you have backup power, you should be warned that your basement will flood.

Flood Insurance

  1. Avoid Homeowner's insurance. It only protects you from wind damages, not flood damages.
  2. Get a separate flood insurance policy to protect your basement from rising tides. Check with your local insurance agent for details.

Tips

  • Put a vent or hole in the the basement wall where where flooded water can flow out such as by the basement windows. This can lower the cost of your flood insurance.
  • Where the sump pump is, try making the hole deeper so it will collect longer before it floods out onto the floor where your plasma TV is.
  • You can help prevent basement water problems by keeping your rain gutters clean, extending rain gutter downspouts and other routine maintenance.
  • Be aware that weather isn't the only cause. Make sure your plumbing is good. Make sure your pipes don't leak or burst.

Warnings

  • Don't underestimate the chances of your basement flooding. This can happen in any home, no matter how well you protect it.

Things You'll Need

  • Generator
  • Monitoring System
  • Flood Insurance

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Protect a Basement from Flooding. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Featured Local Company

myway Mobile Storage

888-336-9923
15 Ionia, SW, Suite 550
Grand Rapids, MI
http://www.mywaystorage.com

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