How to Keep a Basement From Leaking

If your house is equipped with a basement, at some point, you may be forced to deal with water leaks. Though flooding obviously can cause your basement to leak, the main reason for basement flooding and leaking is insufficient drainage of rainwater. If rainwater is not drained away from your home's foundation, it will inevitably begin to soak into the ground, and has a greater chance to find its way into your basement. There are a few simple steps that you can take ensure your basement doesn't develop any water leaks.

Rake
Splash blocks
Silicone caulk
Caulking gun

Instructions

- 1
  Clear away any yard debris from drains around your house. Drains are often found near creeks and in yards to help drain off excess rainwater and creek overflow. Use a rake to remove any leaves or other debris covering the drain's grate.
- 2
  Clean your rain gutters and downspouts thoroughly. Clogged gutters will allow rainwater to overflow and pool in spots next to the foundation of your house. These pools will seep into the ground and can cause basement leaks. Remove all debris from the gutters. Use your rake handle to push any debris through the downspouts.
- 3
  Remove any mulch situated right next to your home. Mulch will retain a great deal of moisture, and will prevent the soil from drying out. Rake and get rid of any mulch around the foundation near the basement.
- 4
  Refrain from overwatering any plants or flower beds near your house.
- 5
  Place splash blocks underneath all of your gutter downspouts. Splash blocks will angle the rainwater away from your house, and prevent it from collecting and soaking into the ground around the basement.
- 6
  Examine the inside of your basement for any obvious wall cracks. Fill in the cracks will silicone caulk.

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