So much rain! Be sure to keep an eye on your basement.

We’ve gotten some record breaking rain in the past few weeks.  In the past week alone, we’ve gotten between 3 and 5 inches of accumulated rain in the Kansas City area. (You can see this data on the Storm Watch website. Storm Watch collects rainfall data across dozens of sensors located around the metro.)

With so much rain, it’s very important that you regularly keep an eye on your basement to watch for any sign of water leaks. Our renters are asked to notify their property manager immediately if they find water in their basement so that we can address the issue.

It’s important to make sure that the systems installed in your home to divert water are working properly.  Here are some basic, but important tips for you to consider:

Gutters, Downspouts and Splash Guards

One of the major causes of water damage in basements is storm water that’s not properly directed away from the foundation.

Make sure your gutters are draining well during light/medium rains.

Check the downspouts around your property to make sure they are attached properly and angled away from the foundation, preferably towards soil graded away from the house.

Splash blocks can help move water away from foundation walls but don’t work at all when broken or turned back towards the house. Make sure your splash guards are positioned correctly beneath your downspouts.

Sump Pump

If your house has a sump pump, check the drainage lines for leaks or breaks, especially at the exterior of the home. Some of these pipes have complex runs (like the picture at the right) to move the water to an appropriate drainage point.

A break at any point drops the water back against the foundation creating an unproductive loop.

Watch Your Basement for Signs of Moisture

Keep an eye on your basement (especially finished basements) for signs of water or moisture. If you notice a musty or damp odor, chances are there’s water somewhere, even if you haven’t been able to find it visually.

Humidity can be controlled with a properly sized, stand-alone dehumidifier or potentially by alterations to the HVAC ducting (with owner approval for our tenants).

Utility drains should be inspected regularly and kept free of debris or potential blockages.  Did you know that obstructions leading to flood are potentially a renter liability?

Avoid Expensive Repairs

Hopefully, this information will help you avoid expensive repairs by making sure water is being diverted away from the foundation of your home during this rainy season!