As Hurricane Irene approaches the east coast boasting an estimated 10 inches of rain and wind gusts of over 100 mph, the national basement waterproofing network Basement Systems, Inc., is urging homeowners to be prepared by checking their sump pump systems and getting a battery back-up.
East Coast residents have already seen a lot of rain in this past week, and with Hurricane Irene approaching it is time to make sure sump pumps are working accordingly. With saturated ground, the potential for a flooded basement is high.
“The key to an efficient waterproofing system is a powerful sump pump as well as a battery back-up sump pump that can take over when the power goes out,” said David Gullotti, General Manager of the local Connecticut Basement Systems dealership. “Sump pumps with more than one motor that can handle large volumes of water are also recommended.”
Here are 5 key tips to keeping your sump pump working when it is most crucial:
- Make sure your sump pump is plugged in and you have a battery-operated backup sump pump in case of a power outage.
- Test your system ahead of time to make sure it is working. A way to do this is by pouring some water into the sump pit and looking at the discharge spout to make sure all of the water is gone.
- Make sure the sump pump is clean and free of debris. Silt commonly deposits at the bottom on the basin. You may need to elevate your sump pump by using a brick to keep it unclogged.
- Keep the sump pit closed to prevent debris from falling in. This also presents less of a safety hazard for homes with children.
- Lastly, protect your belongings by bringing valuable items upstairs or placing them on shelves high off the floor.
Storm projections show that the eye of Hurricane Irene is likely to strike land. Although it is impossible to know the extent of the damage it will have, residents should be preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Basement Systems is an international network of basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and basement finishing contractors. The international headquarters is based in Seymour, Connecticut. Click here for their website.
