How to Protect a Basement from Flooding Reading PA

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

Hackman Custom Woodworking
610-682-0858
220 Fredericksville Road
Mertztown, PA
Window Bubble
888-624-8699
Factory: 6051 Division Hwy., Narvon, PA
Honey Brook, PA
Basement Pro Inc
(215) 750-1604
2 Sandybrook Dr
Langhorne, PA
Contractors USA Inc
(570) 342-3181
Moscow, PA
Accurate Remodeling
(215) 549-0201
107 William Rd
Sanatoga, PA
United Basement Systems
(717) 393-8050
Lancaster, PA
Home Crafters Stores Inc
(215) 938-8522
14100 Bustleton Ave
Philadelphia, PA
Chew-Bittel Associates Inc
(215) 369-4369
Morrisville, PA
Clearview of Harrisburg Llc
(717) 671-1700
3990 Paxton St
Harrisburg, PA
Sun-Up Construction Inc
(724) 934-8823
3010 Wexford Rd
Wexford, PA

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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

Hackman Custom Woodworking

610-682-0858
220 Fredericksville Road
Mertztown, PA
stairs@dejazzd.com

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