Rain, Rain, Go Away: Your Guide to Basement Flood Prevention

Rain, Rain, Go Away: Your Guide to Basement Flood Prevention

After weeks of relentless rain, your sump pump is doing overtime, your dehumidifier’s begging for mercy, and you’re starting to eye that puddle in the corner of your basement like it’s plotting something. Whether you’ve got a trickle or a full-blown indoor kiddie pool, we’re here to help you dry things up and keep your foundation happy.

Here’s what you need to know to fight back against a soggy basement — and the tools we’ve got at Pettigrew to help.

1. Know the Enemy: Where Is the Water Coming From?

Most basement flooding comes from three things:

• Surface water that pools near your foundation

• Groundwater rising through cracks

• Plumbing leaks (aka, your pipes throwing in the towel)

Identifying the source is key — otherwise, you might end up playing a never-ending game of Wet Whack-a-Mole.

2. Get Ahead with Gutters and Grading

Sometimes, the best basement defense starts outside. Make sure:

• Gutters are clean and draining at least 4–6 feet away from the foundation

• Downspout extensions are in place (we carry flexible and rigid types)

• The soil around your home slopes away from the house

➡️ Ask us about downspout kits, splash blocks, and yard grading tools.

3. Sump Pumps: Your Basement’s Unsung Hero

If you don’t have one, consider installing a sump pump in a basin at the lowest point of your basement. If you do have one:

• Check that it’s working (pour a bucket of water in — it should kick on)

• Make sure the discharge line isn’t frozen or blocked

• Consider a battery backup in case of power outages during storms

➡️ We stock sump pumps, battery backups, check valves, and discharge hose kits — everything but the rain itself.

4. Seal It Up

Concrete is tough, but it’s not waterproof. For minor seepage:

• Use hydraulic cement to patch cracks

• Apply masonry waterproofing paint to interior walls

• Install a dehumidifier to keep the air dry and prevent mold

➡️ Yep, we’ve got all that too — including fans and mold control products.

5. For the Cleanup Crew

Already flooded? Act fast to prevent long-term damage.

• Wet/dry vacs for water removal

• Disinfectants and mold control sprays

• Fans and dehumidifiers to dry it out

• Rubber gloves and boots so you don’t turn into Aquaman

➡️ Stop in and grab what you need — or give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.

Still soggy? We can help.

At Pettigrew Feed & Hardware, we’ve got the tools, supplies, and good old-fashioned know-how to help you keep the water outside where it belongs. Come in and chat — we’ll help you stay high and dry, no ark required.

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