Tips for Wet Basement Problems
(Provided by Patrick Conklin, Farm Bureau Insurance agent in Ypsilanti)
Spring can be the wettest season of the year—and that can mean water problems in Washtenaw County basements. We know how frustrating a wet basement can be, so here are some tips to help deal with it.
- Maintain sewer and drain lines. Homeowners are generally responsible for the sewer and drain lines running from the house to the street. Have them checked regularly.
- Install a sump pump. Heavy rains can trigger water back-up, but a sump pump will help pump out excess water.
- Test your sump pump before the start of the wet season. Like any mechanical item, sump pumps have a life span and need to be repaired or replaced every so often.
- Consider a sump pump back-up system. Sump pumps run on electricity, so when the power goes out in a storm, your pump will stop. You can buy battery-operated back-up systems that keep the pump running when the power goes out.
- Consider water back-up insurance. Many companies offer this kind of coverage as an addition to your home insurance policy. For example, Farm Bureau Insurance offers a Water Back-up and Sump Discharge or Overflow Endorsement. This covers losses caused by water that backs up through sewers or drains, or water that overflows from a sump. Flood is excluded. See your agent for details.
- Be careful about what you store in your basement. The results of water in your basement can be devastating, causing damage to your house and destruction of valuables. Don’t store the things that mean the most to you in an area where they might be damaged by water.
- Clean up promptly. Prompt clean-up of water or sewer back-ups can help minimize further damage. There are several companies that specialize in cleaning up wet basements.
- Have a qualified contractor look at your basement. If your basement is frequently damp or wet, it may be a problem with the walls or foundation. Experts can help you determine where the water is coming from and what you can do about it.
If you’d like to know more about water back-up insurance coverage for your home, contact Farm Bureau Insurance agent Pat Conklin at 734-663-1182.