Updated February 2025
When the rainy days of spring arrive it's a safe bet that some homeowners will have to deal with damp conditions.
Our brokers are here to offer some helpful advice for preventing and dealing with flooded basements. Here's what you need to do when the rain falls in Chicagoland neighborhoods.
Before the Storm
Let's start with an ounce of prevention. Before the spring rains arrive, it's best to take some precautions to prevent basement flooding and to minimize the damage in case flooding does occur.
- Inspect basement walls. Check your foundation and basement walls for cracks, indicating a possible leak. Small cracks are relatively easy to fix with hydraulic cement or epoxy, but larger cracks should be repaired by a professional. Even if no cracks are present, water can still seep through porous concrete, and this can often be prevented with a layer of waterproof concrete sealant.
- Maintain your gutters and downspouts. Make sure your gutters are free of leaves and debris, and your downspouts are oriented so that they direct water at least 3 feet from your foundation. Collecting water in rain barrels is another option to control runoff.
- Seal basement windows. Basement windows are a common source of water leaks. Check the seams around windows and use caulk or expanding foam to make them watertight.
- Install and maintain a sump pump. A basement drainage system, usually consisting of French drains leading to a sump pump set into a pit beneath your basement floor, is a great way to ensure that water in your basement drains away safely. Make sure your sump pump has a battery backup in case of a power outage.
After the Flood
If your basement has already taken on water, don't panic. Here's how to deal with a flooded basement while ensuring homeowner safety and avoiding additional costly damage.
- Identify the source of the water. If flooding is weather-related, you'll have to wait to proceed until it is safe to do so. But if a broken pipe or malfunctioning appliance causes flooding, you may be able to avert further damage by turning off the water at your home's main shutoff valve.
- Put safety first. One can usually assume that water in one's basement is unsanitary. Boots, gloves and a mask are essential for avoiding contact with potentially hazardous waste. There is also a danger of electrocution if floodwater has risen above the level of electrical outlets or appliances like your furnace or water heater. Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker if you're able to reach it; contact an electrician or your utility company if not.
- Pump out the water. Once safety is ensured, water removal is your next priority. Depending on the amount of water present, this may require bringing in an external pump to remove it, as basement flooding generally means your sump pump has failed or there is too much water for it to handle.
- Remove waterlogged items. If it is safe to do so, remove as many wet and water-damaged objects from your basement as possible and put them somewhere where they can dry out.
- Allow for ventilation. Open up every possible window and door to increase airflow to your basement and speed up the drying-out process. A dehumidifier is also helpful to get moist air out of your basement.
Contact us today to learn more about homeownership in the Chicago area.
