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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Residents of Sullivan County - Protect Your Basement From Flooding

6/20/2016 (Permalink)

Do not feel "flooded" with worry - call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan and S.Ulster Counties!

According to the National Flood Insurance Program, floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States.  In 2014 alone, the NFIP paid more than $345 million in flood insurance claims to policyholders.

One of the most common places for your home to be flooded is the basement.  Even if you do not live on a floodplain or anywhere near a body of water, basement flooding can still be a possibility.  The water can come from numerous places such as:

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

  • Heavy rain which can cause surface water to pool around your home

  • Storm sewage backup

  • Foundation drainage failure

  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

Fortunately, basement floods are 100 percent preventable.  Below are some steps that you can take to ensure that your basement will not flood.

Clean your gutters and downspouts.  

It is important that you clean your gutter a couple of times a year in the fall and the spring.  Keeping gutters free of debris and positioning downspouts away from the foundation can keep stormwater from collapsing your gutter. The goal is to drain storm water at least three feet away. If necessary, consider running extensions or troughs.

Inspect your house’s foundation.

Simply inspecting the exterior foundation and your basement’s walls and floors can save you money.  For simple foundation cracks or small warning signs, use epoxy to fill the cracks or apply masonry sealer indoors.  If your home has already been damaged by water, call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan and South Ulster counties and we will be here to help.

Check your sump pump.

If you have a below-grade sump pump, check to make sure it is free of debris.  If you have a portable pump, position it in the lowest part of the basement and make sure it is connected to a power source.

Inspect your sewage and septic system.

If you have not had your sewer inspected or your septic tank cleaned, spring is a good time to address these concerns.  During periods of heavy rainfall, clogged sewers and over-taxed septics are a disaster waiting to happen.  Septic pump-outs for residential use are recommended at least once every three years.

Cover your windows.

If you have below-grade basement windows, install window well covers that will fasten securely to the home’s foundation. In addition to preventing floods, clear acrylic covers allow light to enter and eep leaves and pests out.

Consider buying a generator.

The summer is filled with thunderstorms that sometimes have the power to knock out electricity.  Remember, a sump pump only works if you have power.  If you live in an area that experiences strong storms, consider buying a generator.  


Did these tips find you too late? If your home has suffered water damage - call SERVPRO of Orange, Sullivan and South Ulster Counties.  We can make it like it never even happened.  We are available 24/7.  You can visit us at our website http://www.SERVPROsullivanandsouthulstercounties.com/?gclid=CKCBxJ34rM0CFdU7gQodkd8Ccw or call us at 845-791-7647

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