Basement flooding is one of the most disastrous events that can hit a homeowner. Moreover, it is a consistent threat to residents of Annandale, VA, and the greater Tidewater region because of its low floodplain. Yet home plumbing can also cause basement flooding. You can avoid this disaster with some simple steps: clean and check your drains, divert rainwater runoff, test your sump pump, and invest in a backup pump or power source. Additionally, turn to Hicks Plumbing for burst pipe repair services should the need arise.
A full-service plumbing, sewer repair, and drain cleaning company, Hicks has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Our licensed and professional technicians have extensive experience, which helps them deliver outstanding craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Check our complete list of available service options on our website, or call us today at (703) 803-7466.
Clean Your Floor Drains
As their name suggests, floor drains prevent water from collecting on floors. However, all drains clog as detritus—carried by water—flows into them. These materials build up over time and may block pipes from draining properly. Nevertheless, you can reach out to Hicks for professional drain cleaning services and ensure their functionality.
Check and Clean Your Gutters
Gutters can directly influence whether your basement floods or not. Gutters blocked by twigs, leaves, and dirt cannot pass precipitation down their downspouts, so water overruns them and lands around your home’s foundation. From there, it seeps into your basement, damaging the foundation as it penetrates.
Clean gutters, however, allow water to drain properly. You should also check gutters for leaking and poor condition, which can lead to similar problems.
Divert Rainwater
In addition to gutter functioning, you should ensure that your property does not collect rainwater or drainage. Large puddles seep into the ground, where their water makes its way into your basement. Consider installing a drainage system for your property or regrading your yard so that precipitation drains away from your home.
Check Your Sump Pump
A professionally installed sump pump is one of the best defenses against basement flooding. These devices collect water that seeps into your basement and pump it to a nearby drainage point. Nevertheless, sump pump owners should test their device once in a while by pouring 5 gallons of water into it. If functioning properly, the pump will automatically turn on and remove the water. You should also check and secure the pump’s power connection.
Have a Back-up Sump Pump or Power Source
Since sump pumps require power to operate, a bad thunderstorm can knock them out. You can avoid this problem by hooking up your pump to a backup power source, such as a generator. Alternatively, you could install a battery- or water-powered backup pump.
Get Burst Pipe Repair for Your Annandale, VA, Home Today!
At Hicks Plumbing, we believe it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, we urge our customers to take precautionary measures against basement flooding before a disaster strikes. If the situation arises, we can provide professional burst pipe repair in Annandale, VA, or the surrounding region. Just give us a call at (703) 803-7466 or schedule a service online today.