By: Kevin Ahern on August 13th, 2015

How you can prevent water problems in your basement

Water problems are a regular occurrence in some basements when summer's storms set in. Moisture, water leaks and floods can lead to a variety of problems, from foundation issues to mold. Protecting your basement from water can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.

These methods are some of the many ways that you can improve your basement's water resistance and drainage, making your home better able to withstand water from summer storms.

Maintain, Repair or Replace Your Gutters

Your gutters protect your home and foundation by directing water away from the structure. When your gutters become clogged, this can cause water to overflow the gutters and pool around your home's foundation. Over time, this water seepage can enter your basement and result in a leak.

Protect your basement by maintaining your gutters. Remove clogs, keep your downspouts clear, and check to be sure your home's downspouts point water away from the structure. If your home's gutters are bent, cracked or pulling away from the house, look into having them repairs or replaced.

French Drain Installation

A French drain is a perforated pipe buried in the earth and surrounded by gravel. As water filters through the soil and encounters the gravel, it collects inside the pipe and flows away. French drains may be installed inside or outside a home's foundation. Exterior French drains can be expensive to install once the home has been built, so many homeowners seek to install an interior French drain when their home has drainage problems.

Pitch the Soil Away From Your House

The soil in your yard should be pitched slightly away from the house so that rainwater drains away from your home. Check the grade of your soil. If the soil is sloped toward your home, have a contractor slope your soil away from the house to prevent water from pooling around your foundation.

Sump Pump Installation

Sometimes in older homes the drains along the foundation's footing can lead into a sewer system that is now too small for the housing development where the house is located. When the sewers back up during a storm, water is forced into the soil around the home's foundation, causing a leak. Many times, sump pump installation and an interior drain will fix this problem.

About Kevin Ahern

Kevin is the Co-Founder of Litchfield Builders, an award-winning, industry leader with a reputation for managing projects others shy away from. They are known for their high-quality work, customer service, and reliability and though still relatively small in size, Litchfield Builders now competes with some of the areas largest firms in both the residential and commercial arenas.