Get Your Washington Home Ready for Spring - By: Rachel Stuart

Spring will be here before you know it, which means rain, melting snow and a high chance of flooding in the Pacific Northwest. Water can pool around your home and damage the foundation, and basements run a huge risk of flooding. It's best to be prepared before spring arrives to avoid costly damage by checking your gutters, downspouts and pipes, and making sure your basement stays dry with a high-quality waterproofing system.

While you're in the midst of spring cleaning or other seasonal preparations, be sure to also look into experts in basement waterproofing in Seattle and the surrounding areas. When a home is built, the foundation is erected on virgin soil. All of the loose soil that was dug up is then filled in around the completed foundation. This loose soil allows water to easily pass through and exert pressure on the foundation, making its way into the home through cracks and joists. The water pressure can also cause new cracks to form in the walls and floor. Moisture in a basement is a recipe for mold growth, and since the air in a basement can travel upward through the entire house it can bring mold spores with it.

The most efficient way to waterproof a basement is by installing a drainage system around the inside perimeter. Place a high-powered sump pump with a battery back-up system in the lowest part of the basement. This will ensure that any water that leaks into the basement will be collected and pumped out of your home and away from the foundation. A high-quality dehumidifier will also help get rid of moisture and prevent mold growth. Get one with a filter that will help get rid of any musty odors that are so commonly associated with dank basements.

When the weather gets warmer and snow melts off of rooftops, the water makes its way into your home's gutters. But if the gutters are clogged, it can result in water flowing into the ground around the foundation. Make sure your gutters are cleaned several times a year, and invest in a downspout extension. Keeping the water flowing as far away from the foundation as possible will mean there's less of a chance of it seeping into your basement. Your downspout extension should be pointed downhill and away from the house.

Outside elements aren't the only causes of flooding inside your house. During the life of your home, your water heater will need to be replaced numerous times because the average system lasts as little as seven years. Water heaters automatically refill themselves, so if one leaks that leak will be nonstop until you repair or replace it. Basements can end up filled with feet of water due to a failed water heater system, so this spring make sure you invest in water heater flood protection, such as a drainage ring installed around the tank.

Unless you turn off the water valves to your washing machine hoses every time you do your laundry, you're at risk of a flood. Washer hoses are under a continuous 50psi of pressure, which is more than they're designed to endure continuously. So when you're in the midst of spring cleaning and throwing everything into the washing machine, think about purchasing new high-pressure washer hoses that are designed not to burst under water pressure.

About the Author

Aqueous Basement Systems has been providing basement waterproofing and crawl space repair services to homeowners around Kent and Tacoma, WA, since 2002. They also specialize in foundation repair in Seattle and surrounding areas.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Rachel-Stuart/209340

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