Post date: Jul 30, 2010 7:11:22 PM
Based on some feedback and suggestions gathered during our heavy rain in May, we have put togeather a list of 10 things that can help protect agianst wet basements or flooded basements. If you have additional ideas of suggestions, please let us know!
Extend your downspouts to be at least 4 feet away from your foundation. In a heavy 3"+ rain like we had earlier this year, your roof could shed 2,000+ gallons of water. This can overwhelm your already busy sump pump during a downpour.
Test your sump pumps regularly so you know they will work when they are needed.
Install a 2nd sump pump. Consider putting the second sump pump on a separate electrical circuit or installing one that runs on city water pressure instead of electricity.
Install a 3rd sump pump. Consider having it discharge on your back lawn instead of through the same pipe as the other sump pump(s).
Check the drainage on your window wells (add stone, make bigger, seal them to the foundation better, clear drains, etc...)
Add flood insurance coverage.
Raise any low areas around your foundation. Adding soil will help keep water from pooling around the foundation and help it drain away from your house.
Consider adding rain barrels or a rain garden. Any water collected in a barrel or rain garden is that much less water trying to get in your basement or entering the storm water system.
Pickup any trash, toys, balls, Frisbees, etc... you see laying in the retention ponds. These items can get stuck in the pumps or get wedged in the floats on the pumps leading to failures.
If you do flood, let the us and the City know about it. This will help track patterns and identify problem areas for future improvements. Contact the city by calling Water & Sewer Division at 419-354-6278. Contact us by emailing quailhollowbg@gmail.com.