My husband owns a design/build firm. Every time there is a heavy rainstorm, the phone calls pour in. It isn't that all his clients, and our friends, live in leaky homes. The reason for the calls is that many of them live in homes with a 'walk-up' rear elevation.
For folks with basements, there are 3 types of rear elevations (basically all the rest are variations of these): walk-out, walk-up and fully enclosed.
If you have a walk-up basement, chances are extremely good that you have a drain that sits between the door to your basement and the first stair (if you don't that is another issue...you may want to get someone out to look at potential drainage issues).
Those of you with walk-up basements featuring exterior drains, stand up right now and go check to make sure the drain is clear. These drains, when blocked by leaves and other debris, cause an inordinate amount of basement flooding. Virtually all of the flooded basement calls that my husband gets are due to blocked drains. Knowing the source of the problem is little comfort when your carpet is soaked!
I have heard that there are covers that you can buy to protect these drains (a couple minutes spent searching on-line did not result in me finding anything). Of course, a drain cover that is covered by leaves will result in the same problem.
Remember to check this drain periodically; put a note in your calendar if you have to. You will be glad that you did!
Holly Weatherwax, Associate Broker
EcoBroker,Graduate of Realtors Institute,Accredited Buyers Representative,e-pro
If I can assist you with the purchase or sale of property in Northern Virginia, please visit my website: www.greatexperience.net , my blog Real Estate and Reston or email me at hollyweatherwax@mris.com. My direct number is 571-643-4902.
I believe buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE!
WOW I didn't know that thank you for sharing. You learn something new everyday.
Have a wonderful Monday,
Kim White
Excelent point! just showed a home that had 4 inches of water at the walk-up basement
your friend in Charlottesville Virginia!