Where the flood waters run: tips to prevent flooding in your home

Flooding in and around your homes will likely happen around the springtime. “Snow on the ground is melting because it is April, it’s going to start raining, and all the water is going to start seeping into the basements,” said Chris Adatte, president of A.G. O’Brien Plumbing and Heating.

Keeping your home foundation and basement in good condition can be maintained by avoiding water buildup." You basically want to keep as much water that builds up and collects, above your house and your foundation away so that it doesn’t seep into your basement and cause any flooding,” says Adatte.

During the winter months, keeping the snow clean from your roofs can be helpful. Cleaning the gutters and making sure there is no clogging is happening from ice, debris, and leave so the water can drain quickly. And with those gutters, adding an extra layer of protection can help. "Make sure that your gutter downspout has an extension piece, stated Adatte. So, that when the water isn’t just coming out of the bottom of the gutter and pulling up right next to your home. It has to go a couple of extra feet.

When it comes to basements getting flooded, it takes some time for the water to start creeping in, and that is when an odor or cracks in the foundation appear. “Water is going to take a little bit of time, it is going to make its way through cracks. Anything that is not sealed is going to slowly build up over time. The moisture is going to collect, eventually make its way to the lowest source of the house.” Once the water is at the lowest point of a home, Adatte stresses that it could take several days or even a few hours on a heavy rain day for water to break through the ground.

Other methods used in maintaining flooding issues can be cost-efficient. "Landscaping your yard, up against your house. Put dirt up there, so it creates a slope, hill, or a plane where the water drops down and whisk it away," says Adatte. If you have a french drain in your yard, somewhere where it can collect and discharge just away from your home.

Do not worry, you still have plenty of time to add those layers of protection around the home.