How To Prevent Wet Basements This Winter

Homeowners don’t like to think about water in their basements; but if you’ve ever had this most unpleasant experience, you know how important it is to do everything possible to keep your house dry. Wet basements can occur at any time of the year, but there are winter conditions that you can prepare for. Don’t worry – If you haven’t waterproofed for winter yet, it’s not too late.

Although we all understand the danger of frozen pipes, we’d be remiss not to remind homeowners who leave their property for the season to be sure that they have prepared for potential water disasters. Make sure your sprinkler system has been winterized, and keep indoor plumbing safe from frozen temperatures. Leave cabinet doors under sinks open to allow air and heat to circulate. Check that any pipes running through unheated areas are well insulated.

Getting back to the leaky basement. Water that is coming in from outdoors is tricky. Particularly with a finished basement, where you’ll have trouble pinpointing the problem area.

First, check your gutters to be sure they’re clear of debris, and make sure your downspouts deposit water at least six feet away from your foundation. Garden beds and dirt around your house should slope downward away from the foundation to keep water flowing away. Do not use mulch or potting soil for this purpose, as they attract water, which is exactly what you’re trying to prevent.

After a heavy snowstorm, remove as much snow as possible from the base of your house. Once the snow melts, you’ll have excess water running down along your foundation. In the worst-case scenario, a drop in temperature after a melting will cause all this water to refreeze. Frozen water expands and can cause cracks or damage to your foundation.

Use these tips to keep water away from your foundation. It’s the best precaution you can take.