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Preparing Your Home for Heavy Rainfall in Connecticut

The recent record rainfall in late April and early May in Connecticut has caused problems in the household because of leaky basements.

Without proper drainage throughout your property, water can percolate through surrounding topsoil and pool the base of the foundation. During heavy rainstorms, water is forced through gaps and cracks in the foundation.

If you basement is properly waterproofed , issues can be traced to trouble with the drainage and landscaping around the outside of the house. If you are dealing with foundation leaks due to the heavy rains, here are some tips you can follow to prepare your Connecticut home before the next storm in the coming days / weeks:

1. Ensure that drains are flowing properly

Make sure that any drains located in outside stairwells, window wells, and egress exits are draining water properly. If they are connected to a sump pump system , you can slowly pour water into the drains to make sure the drain line is not blocked and there is clear passage of water to your sump pump.

2. Remove debris from outside window well drains, stairwell drains, and egress window drains

During sudden storms, stairwells and window wells can catch and collect water that accumulates. Checking and clearing any drains will help reduce the risk of water building up and causing pressure on the foundation.

3. Check sump pump discharge lines

Spring storms can bring about a lot of rain in a short time, and that means your sump pump is going to run. Check your sump pump discharge line to make sure it is not blocked by obstructions and that water is pumped safely away from your home.

4. Check gutter downspouts

Clean your property’s gutters to keep them in good working condition. Leave buildup will cause water to spill over the gutter and into your yard and walking areas, which can cause damage to your home and make walking conditions dangerous.

5. Check the driveway

Your driveway curbs should direct water so that it runs off into the street or away from the home. Sealing open cracks in the driveway can prevent water from gathering under the driveway and potentially making its way into your garage or basement.

6. Avoid aggressive roots when planting trees

Large shade trees, such as silver maple trees, should be planted at least 20 feet away from the home to help avoid foundation cracks from roots. Smaller trees, such a white fir trees, should be given a clearance of at least 10 feet from the home.

7. Ensure quality of soil around home

When landscaping around your home’s foundation, make sure that the soil you use is of the highest grade. This prevents water from pooling next to the home and spilling over the top of the foundation walls as well as causing undue hydrostatic pressure on the foundation underground.

If these methods do not prevent water from entering your home during these heavy rainfalls, it may be best to meet with a professional to assess the issue.