Your landscaping may be to blame if your basement suffers from frequent flooding. The water that builds up outside your home can easily flow into your basement in several ways, leading to severe water damage, high costs, the potential risk for mold growth, and can even cause water to enter your home's foundation. Luckily, there are some things you can do to limit your risk of flooding due to landscaping issues. Use these tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore to improve your yard's drainage today.
1. CHECK YOUR LANDSCAPE GRADING
If your landscape grades run toward your home structure, you are at increased risk for water leaking into the basement. Home improvement experts suggest employing landscape grades that run away from the house to prevent water from seeping into your home.To improve your landscape grading, create a dry creek around the house. Fill it with gravel and river rocks to move water away from your home and keep your landscape dry.
2. CHECK YOUR DOWNSPOUTS
If water has seeped into your basement after a storm, your downspouts may not be directing water far enough from your home. Downspouts may also be clogged with dirt, leaves, and other debris, causing water to overflow and move into your basement.To fix this issue, ensure your downspouts move water at least 20 feet away from your home. If they don't, consider extending them before the next storm hits. We also recommend checking your gutters at least once per season to clear them of any clogs. That way, water can easily pass through without putting your property at risk for flooding.
3. USE MULCHING PROPERLY
If moisture gets trapped in mulch, the moisture can leach toward the side of your home and cause rot. If this occurs, mulch could deteriorate the side of your home, leaving it vulnerable to a leaky basement and costly water damage. If you apply mulch around your home, leave a gap of at least six inches between the mulch and your foundation siding to keep your home safe from any potential water damage.
4. LANDSCAPE WITH NATIVE PLANTS
A great way to improve yard drainage is to plant native plant species and grass. Indigenous plants can naturally prevent erosion and allow rainwater to drain well. Since these plants adapt to the landscape and climate, they tend to avoid excess water flowing toward the home. Instead, water will seep into the grass and soil, helping save you money on keeping your lawn green, too.
These simple tips allow you to keep water in your yard instead of your basement. However, the experts at ServiceMaster Restore know that accidents happen. If you experience a flooded basement, use our water damage restoration services to get your home back to normal fast. We'll act quickly to remove the water, prevent additional damage, and cost, and get your basement back to its original condition as soon as possible. Call us today at 1-800-RESPOND.