Spring is here, although you can’t tell by looking out the window! There’s still snow on the ground and the temps have been chilly. However, warm weather will be coming soon. With that comes the Spring thaw and rains. This can often create problems for homeowners whose properties are prone to seepage and/or flooding. If you are one of them, here are a few different ways of keeping your basement dry during the Spring thaw.
Make Sure Your Sump Pump Is Working
A common cause of water problems is a malfunctioning sump pump. If your pump hasn’t kicked in all winter, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s working before spring. You can do this by submerging the pump in a bucket of water or adding some water to the sump pump hole.
Fill Gaps in The Foundation
Part of keeping your basement dry during the spring thaw involves stopping water from entering your home to begin with. Perform a quick check of your foundation to ensure that there are no new holes or gaps from the winter. Fill in any openings that you come across.
Check Gutters & Downspouts
With Spring rains come lots and lots of water. You’ll want to make sure that water is directed away from your home rather than pooling near the foundation. First, make sure your gutters are not clogged. Clogged gutters will overflow down the side of your home and to the base of your foundation. Secondly, make sure your downspouts are extended and directed away from your foundation.
More Ways of Keeping Your Basement Dry During the Spring Thaw
In addition to the above ways of keeping your basement dry during the spring thaw, it’s also helpful to detect and address issues early. For detection, consider purchasing an audible alarm from your local hardware store. These can be placed on your basement floor and will sound when water is present. Some even have wifi capability and will send an alert to your smart phone! If you have any amount of seepage, be sure to install a dehumidifier. This will help dry the air in the basement. These measures will minimize damages and are therefore worthwhile.
Water damage in your basement can be expensive to repair. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may only cover it if you specifically have a flood insurance policy or rider. If your home is prone to flooding, contact your Massachusetts homeowner’s insurance company for information on how to best protect your home.
