The Flood of 2010

My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced any kind of damaged received in last week's flood. Thank you to my past clients, friends, and family whom have come to me since last weeks flooding with questions regarding water in the basement, clean up, etc. For those who needed recommendations for contractors, carpet cleaning, etc. Now and in the future I will work hard to be your trusted real estate advisor.

According to Milwaukee city officials, this recent weather event -- approximately 8" of rain in a 3 hour period -- is the largest of its kind since we began keeping records. If your house has had no previous water problems, two local foundation experts agree that a wet basement as a result of record rainfall and flooding isn't considered a house problem, but a weather problem.




When it comes to keeping water out of a basement there are many things you can do that are not very expensive:
1. Test your sump pump regulary to ensure it's in good working order.
2. Double check the capacity of your sump pump. If you have a larger home, foundation base, then you many need a pump with a larger capacity.
3. Extend downspouts at least 8 ft (experts may suggest farther) away from the home.
4. Make sure the gutters are free and clear of debris.
5. Purchase and install a battery back up for your sump pump.
6. Ensure the grade pitches away from the house in all areas. If you have mulch or stones in your landscape you may want to pull back the mulch/stones to double check the soil's pitch. Just because the mulch/stones look to be graded away from the house that doesn't mean the soil underneath is doing the same.
7. Install plastic covers over basement window wells.
8. Make sure there are no gaps around the basement windows.
9. Spend a little more money and purchase a generator. I heard two ladies talking the other day that said they used their generator during the flood. They each had a smaller generator that supplied the refrigerator and sump pump. If you live in a more rural area you may wish to purchase a larger generator to also provide power to a well and/or septic system.

If your house has experienced water in the basement before, or never before but you have water during the next rain, then you may want to have your drain tile system checked. When flooding occurs, mud and silt may clog previously-functional drain tile.

And whenever water, especially sewage, invades finished living space, wet drywall and paneling should be removed.due to the risk of mold growth.

The city of Milwaukee has helpful tips on cleaning up after water and sewage intrustion: http://www.milwaukee.gov/FloodCleanup

Again, thank you for all of you whom have reached out this past week for real estate advice. Good luck to all in your clean up efforts and to those who did not experience any water, congratulations!