Local experts give tips on how to prevent basements from flooding

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- Rain is moving into Michiana and with it comes concerns for flooded basements.

Experts tell ABC57 prevention is key in most flooding cases. As we prepare for more rain Wednesday evening, they tell us placing sandbags close to potential problem areas could make all the difference.

Michael Scott and his team at First Response expect calls every time rain hits Michiana.

“It’s pretty common in older homes. That is the foundation has moved a little bit and shifted. You get some of those hairline fractures," said Scott, Vice President at First Response Disaster Restoration Specialists in South Bend.

Scott says melted snow combined with rain moving in can make drainage a struggle, causing flooding.

“That’s a lot of water that needs to find somewhere to go and with the ground being frozen it’s gonna go the path of least resistance," said Scott.

At A+ Plumbing Heating and Cooling, Jose-Noel Rocha says most basement floods are caused by lack of maintenance.

He recommends simple prevention methods like closely sealing basement windows and clearing out any drains near your home.

“Damages really come from outside areas so water that’s building up inside of your front yard that can become stagnate and then flow into your basement through some of the cracks and the bricks, said Rocha.

Both experts tell ABC57, if your home regularly sees flooding, move valuables from your basement -- and have a generator on standby in case you lose power.