# How to Keep Water Out of Your Basement
Water in the basement is not only annoying, it can be devastating. Depending on how high the water rises in your basement. you could lose valuable possessions and potentially threaten the structure of your foundation. The best treatment is prevention. Preventing water in the basement is the best way to protect your home and your possessions from disaster. Although it is not always possible to beat Mother Nature, there are some things you can do to help keep water out of your basement. This article will show you the most important steps you can take.
Things You'll Need
- dirt
- shovel
- tile
- caulk
- caulk gun
- window well covers
- sump pump
Instructions
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1
Install gutters on your roof around the perimeter of your home. Gutters help your home because they give you more control over where the water flows around your house. Instead of falling all around the perimeter, it falls only at the corners. Professionally installed, gutters work miracles.
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2
Place dirt around the outside of your home up against the walls. Gradually grade the dirt away from your home. The grade should go down about a foot for every 10 feet away from your house.
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3
Dig a trench about 1 foot away from your foundation all the way around your house. This trench should be about 3 feet deep. Place tile tubing in the trench and cover with dirt. Tile lines have holes in the top to catch water that is running toward the house. Then, the tubing carries the water to a location farther away.
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4
Caulk between a concrete driveway and the house foundation if they meet. If you have a house that meets up with a concrete driveway, the seam is a perfect way for water to enter your basement. Apply a thick layer of caulk in between the cracks.
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5
Place window well covers over your basement windows on the outside. Window well covers can be purchased at any home improvement store. They will help keep flood water from seeping through your basement windows.
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6
Install a sump pump in your basement. Hire a professional to install the pump. Usually they sit in a drain hole in your basement floor and need to be installed correctly to work properly.
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