Reduce the risk of future basement flooding by implementing easy solutions to eliminate the most common causes of flooding. In some cases, more complex steps will be required to keep your basement dry. A few suggestions are provided below.

1. Lot Grading

When a house is built, the earth around the outside of the house is graded to slope away from the foundation walls. Over time, the direction of this slope can change due to the ground settling and shifting causing the ground to slope towards the house. The result is that the surface water travels towards the house, down the outside of the foundation wall and eventually into the house. If your drain tile or sump pumps areconnected to the sanitary sewer, the excess water can lead to flooding in your basement and/or a sewer overload. In addition, if you have cracks or holes in your foundation walls, the surface water that has traveled down the outside of the foundation walls can seep into the basement through the foundation cracks. Even if your basement does not flood, you may be contributing to higher flows in the sanitary sewer which can lead to downstream flooding. Likewise, your neighbors may be causing basement flooding in your home.

Take a walk around the outside of your home and check the outside walls at ground level. If the land slopes in toward the foundation, rainwater is being directed toward the drain tile system or your basement . To correct this problem, you will need to grade your lot so the land slopes away from the foundation.

2. Downspout Drainage

Clear the leaves out of your gutters and downspouts regularly and ensure that the downspout outlets are extended away from the foundation wall. If possible, redirect the downspouts to discharge at least6 feet from your foundation walls. Ensure the water is draining onto your property, and not onto your neighbors property. You may notdischarge water in a manner that adversely affects neighboring properties.

3. Flood-Proofing Devices and Techniques

In some cases a drain tile system and/or sump pump may be needed in order tohandle the amount of water around the property. Drain tiles are pipes with drainage holes located underground around the perimeter of the basement foundation intended to prevent ground water from entering the basement.It is illegal to have a sump pump or drain tile system connected to the sanitary sewer system.If either of these systems are connected to the sanitary sewer, you musthave it professionally disconnected and re-routed properly.In conjunction with this work you may need to install a back-flow prevention system. A plumbing permit may be required from the City.

Tips for keeping your basement dry:

• Grade the lot away from the foundation walls.
• Check for,and fix,leaks in walls, floors and foundation. Cleangutters and downspouts.
• Extend your downspouts 1.8 meters (six feet) away from the basement walls.
• Disconnect all downspouts from the sanitary drain.
• Keep your sewer unobstructed - do not pour grease down the drain or flush objects down the toilet.
• Consider soft-surface landscaping that allows storm water to soak into the ground.
• Have a qualified plumber regularly inspect all back-flow prevention systems and plumbing fixtures to ensure proper operation.
• Keep the sewer service clean-out cap in place. The clean out is usually located downstream from the floor drain.

Cleanup of Flooded Basements - If you have standing water or water damage in your basement, please visit the water cleanup section.

Whether you have a couple of inches or several feet of water in the basement, some precautions and actions must be taken to keep you safe and return the property back to a good condition. The following is a summary of issues that should be considered in the cleanup process.

Health and Safety

Health and Safety should be your top concern when dealing with basement flooding. Apart from the mess, a flooded basement presents hazards which require special precautions.

• Flooding may affect electrical and gas systems including related appliances, creating the possibility of serious electrical shock or explosion. Electrical and gas systems should be turned off until a licensed electrician or contractor has verified proper operation. Affected furnaces, water heaters, water softeners, washers, dryers, and other appliances should be checked for safety.
• Flood water could be highly contaminated with disease/bacteria from raw sewage and other pollutants. Affected food, medications, cosmetics, furniture and other materials should be discarded.
• During clean up you may be exposed to a range of contaminants including corrosive cleaning agents and irritants found in leftover sludge. Resulting molds and mildew can trigger problems for asthmatics.
• Water damage may also seriously weaken wall and ceiling structures. In more severe floods, the outside pressure may cause basement walls to collapse.

Tips to Minimize Basement Damage

Here are some tips to minimize the damage to your basement when flooding or sewer backup has occurred:

• If water is backing up from your building drain, DO NOT flush the toilet, run the washing machine, the dishwasher or turn on any taps - this will only create further flooding. You should call a licensed plumber immediately.
• Report the flooding emergency to the City of Brooklyn Center at (763) 569-3300 or after hours at 9-1-1. This is important. Reporting a flooded basement allows us to track the immediate source of the problem in your neighborhood and also to plan ahead for future investigations into the sanitary and/or storm systems. City staff will inspect the area to determine its source. The City may recommend steps you can take to prevent another basement flood in the future.
• If you have insurance coverage for sewer backups, you may want to call your insurance company as soon as possible and report any property damage caused by the flooding. Take photographs of the damage and keep receipts for payments for emergency repair work and clean-up work done to prevent or reduce further damage. Record the amount of time needed to cleanup.

Clean Up

Cleaning up is a messy and unpleasant job, but it is important to start the process as soon as the property has been safeguarded to prevent further damage to the home and its contents. The following tips will help you safely clean up the property.

• Wear protective clothing - overalls, gloves, protective eyeglasses, rubber boots and a face mask.
• Stay clear of electrical equipment. Do not attempt to change any fuses if you are standing in water or on damp ground.
• If you can, shut off the electrical power. Be sure gas equipment is working properly and pilot lights are operable.
• If weather permits, open basement windows to allow fresh air in. In addition to speeding the drying process this helps to prevent odors.
• Remove items of value that are in, or near, the source of water.
• Roll back or remove rugs close to the source of water.
• Use old rags or wet/dry vacuums to eliminate excess water.
• Fans and/or dehumidifiers can reduce dampness and speed drying.
• Minor debris can be left out for regular garbage pick-up.
• Scrub affected furniture with antibacterial soap and water and place outside to dry (weather permitting), or steam clean. Items that are absorbent and cannot be sanitized may require disposal.
• Clean and deodorize carpets or have them professionally cleaned.
• Disinfect the walls and the floor using a chlorine bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Wait for the area to dry completely before re-using it. Always follow manufacturer's instructions when using chemicals. Test any chemicals being used in an inconspicuous location in order to check for staining or discoloration before use.
• Throw out canned goods and other foods that may have been affected by flood waters. If your freezer has lost power, move frozen food to a neighbor's freezer, or throw it out if you cannot keep it frozen.
• If the source of the problem is a leaking water meter turn off the valve in front of the meter. Place rags or pails beneath the meter to catch the drips or if the valve is spraying water, wrap towels around the leaking valve.

Significant Water Damage

If water is widespread and there is serious property damage, it is suggested that you:

• Make a written list of all property that is damaged. Note which property is permanently damaged (i.e. won't be usable after being properly dried).
• Take photos to document the water spread and the wet property.
• Record the amount of time you spend working on the cleanup.
• Advise your insurance agent or broker promptly.

Lawn Care

Lawns under water for less than four days typically should survive. However, you may need to rake or aerate the grass to remove any crust or debris.