August in Covington, KY brings steamy temperatures, heavy rain, and sudden flash floods—especially after days of soaking humidity. And if your home isn’t properly protected, all that water can end up in one dreaded place: your basement.
Basement flooding is one of the most common causes of water damage during late summer, and the cleanup can be costly, stressful, and damaging to your health. But with a few smart precautions, you can keep your basement dry—even when the storms won’t let up.
At A+ Restoration, we’ve helped hundreds of Covington homeowners recover from basement floods. Now, we’re sharing how to prevent it from happening to you.
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Why August Is a High-Risk Month for Basement Flooding
In Kentucky, late summer storms come fast and hit hard. These downpours can overwhelm city drainage systems and cause flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods. Combine that with:
- Clogged gutters and downspouts
- Poor soil drainage around your foundation
- Cracked basement walls or floors
- Old or faulty sump pumps
…and you’ve got a recipe for water seeping into your basement—sometimes without warning.
Sump Pump Tips That Could Save Your Basement
Your sump pump is your basement’s last line of defense when water builds up around your foundation. But just like any piece of equipment, it needs to be maintained to do its job properly.
Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist:
- Test it monthly by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. It should kick on and drain the water quickly.
- Clean the pump intake screen to remove dirt and debris.
- Inspect the discharge pipe for clogs or freezing damage.
- Install a battery backup system in case the power goes out during a storm.
- Keep the pit covered to prevent debris buildup and odors.
If your sump pump is more than 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement. A failure during a heavy rainstorm can lead to major water damage in just minutes.
Proper Grading: Keep Water Flowing Away from Your Foundation
Water should always flow away from your home—not pool up beside it. If your yard slopes toward the foundation, every storm is pushing water exactly where you don’t want it: into your basement.
How to Improve Your Yard’s Grading:
- Re-grade the soil so it slopes 6 inches over the first 10 feet away from your house.
- Use landscaping materials like gravel or mulch to assist in drainage.
- Install French drains or surface drains where water tends to collect.
- Make sure downspouts extend at least 6 feet away from the house.
A quick walk around your home during a rainstorm can tell you a lot. If you see water puddling next to the foundation, grading may be the first thing to fix.
Sealing Basement Walls and Cracks: A Waterproofing Must
Cracks in basement walls or floors may seem small, but they’re major entry points for water during heavy rains or flash floods. Sealing these areas is one of the most affordable and effective ways to keep moisture out.
Key Areas to Seal:
- Hairline cracks in concrete floors or walls
- Window wells and egress windows
- Pipe penetrations through foundation walls
- Floor-to-wall joints
- Basement doors with poor seals
Use professional-grade waterproofing sealants or call in pros to apply interior or exterior waterproofing systems. If water is already making its way in, don’t wait—those cracks will only get worse.
What to Do If Your Basement Still Floods
Even with all the right precautions, unexpected flash flooding can still find its way inside. If your basement takes on water, the most important thing is to act quickly and safely:
Immediate Steps After Basement Flooding:
- Shut off electricity to the area if water is near outlets or appliances.
- Remove standing water with a wet/dry vac or pump.
- Call A+ Restoration for professional drying and cleanup.
- Remove wet materials like carpets, insulation, and drywall to prevent mold.
- Document the damage for insurance purposes.
At A+ Restoration, we specialize in fast-response water damage cleanup, mold prevention, and full structural drying. We work directly with your insurance provider and are available 24/7 when disaster strikes.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late—Protect Your Basement Today
Basement flooding isn’t just a nuisance—it can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and thousands in repair costs. August rains and flash floods in Kentucky are no joke, so take action now to keep your home safe and dry.
If you need help preparing, inspecting, or cleaning up after a flood, call A+ Restoration today.
Call 859-568-5284
Visit aplusrestoration.org
Or check us out on Google Maps
Let’s stop water in its tracks—before it takes over your basement.