“Better,” “Best,” “Very Best” Strategies
With lots of formerly dry Twin Cities basements suddenly . . . not, I thought it was timely to review homeowners’ various “water prevention” options.
Many homes don’t need drain tile and sump pumps: they sit on a (relatively) high piece of land and/or the grade slopes away from the home.
There’s simply no way for water to get in.
Prevention > Cure
But for homes with grades issues, in low-lying areas and/or that are adjoining wetlands, it may be necessary to have a more more proactive deterrent system — as well as a way to expel any water that manages to get in.
In order of desirability, here’s what offers homeowners the most protection:
Good: home has a functioning gutter system (and downspout extensions, if necessary); grade is corrected to be away from home.
Better: all of the above, plus drain tile and sump pump.
Best: all of the above, plus battery backup for the sump pump.
Very Best: all of the above, but water-powered backup instead of battery backup (plus a generator for the home!).
Backup Strategies
Why is a backup system so crucial?
Because the same storm capable of flooding area basements can also knock out local power.
For awhile.
Just last Summer, hundreds of homes in Minneapolis’ Cedar Lake area (including mine) were without power for a week(!).
Which is why a water-powered emergency sump pump is preferable to batteries with limited life.
Thanks to ace home inspector Steve Boe for that tidbit.
