Prevention is also critical for keeping your basement dry.
Here is what you can do to protect your home's foundation.

CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS
Gutters run along the edge of your roof, collecting the water so that it doesn't accumulate around your foundation. In order to keep your gutters working effectively we suggest:

·  Clean out your gutters twice a year
     - In the spring and in the fall after the leaves have dropped
·  Clean out your gutters periodically, especially after rainfall

A clean gutter will go a long way towards preventing water from sitting near your foundation and causing leaks in your basement.

CHECK THE LOCATION OF DOWNSPOUTS
Downspouts are important for carrying the water from your gutters away from your foundation. In order to effectively prevent water from accumulating near your foundation, you need to check the location of your downspouts and whether they dump water at the surface or below the surface. We recommend that the end location for your downspouts be the following distances from your house:

·  At least 5 feet away if your ground slopes sharply
·  10 feet away if your ground is flat
·  50 feet away if you live in an area with more sand content than clay content in the soil

EXAMINE GRADING
Prevent water from accumulating near your foundation, and allowing leaking into your basement. Have your lawn graded, a minimum of 2 - 3 inches of drop for every ten feet, with a slope away from your house.