How to Help Prevent Basement Flooding During Heavy Rain

If water gets into your basement during heavy rain, look at where it is coming from. Water coming up through a floor drain is a different problem from water entering near a window, foundation wall, or overflowing sump basin.

Start by Identifying Where Basement Water Comes From

Groundwater can enter through foundation cracks or collect in a sump basin. Surface runoff can reach the foundation when the yard does not drain well. Window wells can fill with water when their drainage is blocked.

A foul odor or wastewater coming through a floor drain can signal a sewer backup. A leaking pipe or fixture is another possible source of basement water.

Make Sure Your Sump Pump Is Working Before Heavy Rain

Check the sump pump before a storm. Make sure it has power, look inside the basin, and check that the float has room to move as the water rises.

Look at warning lights or alarms and check the accessible end of the discharge line for an obvious blockage.

If the pump will not start, runs constantly, or struggles to empty the basin, schedule sump pump repair. Do not take the pump apart or work on electrical parts around water.

Consider a Battery Backup Sump Pump

A battery backup provides another way to move water if the primary pump loses power.

Runtime depends on the battery, pump capacity, and amount of incoming water. A backup also needs maintenance and does not replace a primary pump that is too small for the water reaching the basin.

Keep Gutters and Downspouts Directing Water Away From the Home

Clear leaves and debris from gutters so roof water reaches the downspouts.

Check where each downspout empties. Water should move away from the foundation instead of collecting next to the house.

Check the Grading Around Your Foundation

Look for low areas where rain collects against the foundation.

The ground should generally direct surface water away from the house. If the yard slopes toward the foundation or holds water near the basement walls, have the grading or exterior drainage evaluated.

Check Window Wells and Exterior Drainage

Remove leaves, dirt, and other debris from window wells and accessible exterior drains.

Watch for standing water around basement windows during rain. A window-well cover can limit direct rainfall where one fits the setup, but the well still needs drainage below.

What if the Basement Flooding Is Actually a Sewer Backup?

A foul odor, several backed-up drains, or wastewater coming through a floor drain signals a plumbing or sewer problem rather than groundwater seepage.

GAC provides plumbing services for drain, sewer, and other plumbing problems that send water or wastewater into the home.

Avoid contact with sewage and keep children and pets away.

Why Does My Basement Flood Only During Heavy Rain?

After hours of heavy rain, the ground around your house can become soaked. Water then collects around the foundation and puts more water into the sump basin.

Your sump pump has to keep up with that extra water. If the pump stops working, cannot move the water fast enough, or water is getting in somewhere else, you can end up with water in the basement.

Heavy rain can expose problems outside the sump system too. Overflowing gutters, poor grading, full window wells, or drainage that sends water toward the house can all bring water closer to the foundation.

What Should You Do if Water Is Already Entering the Basement?

Stay out of standing water near electrical outlets, appliances, panels, or other electrical equipment. Do not handle electrical devices while standing in water.

If an accessible plumbing fixture is leaking and you can safely stop the water, shut it off. Call the appropriate professional or emergency service for sewage, electrical hazards, or water you cannot safely control.

When Should You Call a Plumber or Sump-Pump Technician?

Call when the sump pump will not run, cycles constantly, makes new noises, or cannot keep the basin from filling. Discharge problems and recurring basement water also need service.

For pump installation, replacement, backup equipment, or help with an existing system, GAC provides sump pump services throughout central Maryland.

Basement Flood Prevention in Central Maryland

Check your sump pump, gutters, downspouts, window wells, and exterior drainage before periods of heavy rain, especially if water has entered the basement before.

Check GAC's Maryland service areas to see if we serve your community.

Schedule Sump Pump or Plumbing Service