How to Protect a Basement from Flooding Plymouth MA

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

Mark Carozza
617-216-4117
80 Arch Street
Middleoboro, MA
Mastercraft-Siding-Roofing-Windows
781.829.2222
1810 Washington Street
Hanover, MA
Go Green LLC
866-301-GREEN
P.O. Box 213
Rockland, MA
Premiere Racing Inc
(781) 639-9545
67 Front St
Marblehead, MA

Provided By:

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

Mark Carozza

617-216-4117
80 Arch Street
Middleoboro, MA

Related Articles
- Insulating a Basement with Cellulose Plymouth MA
Probably the best option out there is to use a closed cell spray foam insulation sprayed directly onto the concrete foundation walls and a framed stud wall. However, spray foam insulation is really expensive and depending on where you live it may be hard to find an installer.
- Reverse Privacy Lock Sets Plymouth MA
- Basement Remodeling Contractors Plymouth MA
- How to Make a Windowless Room Appear Light Plymouth MA
- Brick Basement Walls Plymouth MA
- Walkout Basements Plymouth MA
- Basement Storage Room Plymouth MA
- Refinishing a Flood Damaged Basement Plymouth MA
- Bathroom Remodeling Plans Plymouth MA
- Basement Insulation Plymouth MA
Related Articles
- Insulating a Basement with Cellulose Plymouth MA
Probably the best option out there is to use a closed cell spray foam insulation sprayed directly onto the concrete foundation walls and a framed stud wall. However, spray foam insulation is really expensive and depending on where you live it may be hard to find an installer.
- Reverse Privacy Lock Sets Plymouth MA
- Basement Remodeling Contractors Plymouth MA
- How to Make a Windowless Room Appear Light Plymouth MA
- Brick Basement Walls Plymouth MA
- Walkout Basements Plymouth MA
- Basement Storage Room Plymouth MA
- Refinishing a Flood Damaged Basement Plymouth MA
- Bathroom Remodeling Plans Plymouth MA
- Basement Insulation Plymouth MA
Related Local Events
Conex Mascon
Dates: 1/13/2010 - 1/14/2010
Location: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
Boston, MA
View Details

Rhode Island Green Living Expo
Dates: 11/7/2009 - 11/8/2009
Location: Rhode Island Convention Center
Providence, RI
View Details

Rhode Island Green Living Expo
Dates: 11/7/2009 - 11/8/2009
Location: Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence
Providence, RI
View Details

RI Fall Home Show
Dates: 11/7/2009 - 11/8/2009
Location: RI Convention Center
Providence, RI
View Details

Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show - Providence
Dates: 10/23/2009 - 10/25/2009
Location: Rhode Island Convention Center
Providence, RI
View Details

Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
Career Financial Services Insurance Software
Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History