Protect Your Home from Water Damage with Seepage Protection

Does your basement smell musty? You may think this is just how basements smell – but you might also be dealing with water seepage or leakage, a common problem for homeowners. Over time pressure from groundwater can create small holes and cracks in the foundation of your home, allowing moisture in. Your basement may feel humid, or you’ll notice that musty smell. You may even experience standing water.

What Are the Effects of Water Seepage?

Water seepage damage can range from mild to severe. You may have water stains on walls, peeling paint, or cracks in your basement floor or foundation. Left unchecked, excess water can cause rusting to basement appliances. It can also lead to mold and mildew problems which is damaging not just to your property but to your family’s health. And perhaps the most extreme possibility is water reaching your electrical wiring, which can be a fire hazard.

What can you do?

There are a few actions you can take as a homeowner that can help prevent future water seepage problems.

  • If your basement has window wells, make sure you install window well covers and repair window liners. 
  • Make sure sump pumps are operational and that their drainpipes are clear of mud and other debris. 
  • Keep your gutters clear and direct drain spouts away from the house. 
  • Any landscaping should be built up so that water runoff runs away from the house. 
  • And most importantly, you can invest in a professional water proofing system for both the interior and exterior of your home.

Protecting Your Home from Damage

Some of the steps listed above are fairly simple and you can do yourself. Others may require professional help. So what can you do in the meantime? Most homeowner’s policies don’t cover damage caused by water seepage and leakage, but you can add an endorsement to your policy that specifically addresses this issue. If you’re worried about potential water damage caused by seepage, it’s worth your time to research coverage options.

Give us a call

If you’re a homeowner, adding this endorsement to your homeowner’s policy could potentially save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs. To discuss adding a seepage and leakage endorsement, give a Sea Mountain Homeowners Insurance Specialist a call. We’re happy to answer your questions.