Basement flooding can be caused by a wide variety of factors. There are several steps a homeowner can take to stem rising waters caused by excessive rainfall.

Step 1: Check gutters and down spouts to ensure they are free of debris. Cleaning gutters in the spring and the fall makes the most sense for most homes. Confirm gutters properly slope 1 inch for every 20 feet of length. Extend downspouts a minimum of 10 feet from the home’s foundation. Make sure the water flows out onto a permeable surface. Avoid directing overflow into the street or driveway.

Take steps to prevent basement flooding.

Step 2: Annually check for foundation cracks caused by natural settling and shifting or other mitigating factors. Fill the cracks in concrete foundations with hydraulic cement to prevent further damage. Stone foundations should be properly pointed with a mortar product consistent with its original design. Using a cement-based mortar on older structures will cause irreparable damage. If the structure is over 75 years old, consult a preservation specialist to determine the correct mortar mixture.

Step 3: Trim tree branches and shrubs back away from the house. Plantings should be a minimum of 24 inches from the home’s foundation. Mulch should be a minimum of 6 inches away from cinder block walls or wooden siding.

Step 4: Properly grade the yard using loose dirt to fill in around the home. Create a slope that drops 6 inches in the first 10 feet away from the foundation walls for proper drainage.

Step 5: Have sewer lines professionally checked to make sure they are draining properly. Confirm that rain water around the home is not being directed into the municipal sewer system. If it is, re-route the overflow into the yard or cistern.

Step 6: Install a sump pump and test it annually to ensure it is working properly. Confirm the pump is directing water at least 10 feet away from the home and is not releasing water into the municipal sewer system.

Step 7: Clean out window wells and backfill them with gravel to ensure proper drainage. If window wells tend to fill with water, install a drainage system or cover them properly with a sloping window well cover.

Step 8: Check rain barrels to make sure the overflow is adequately directing excess rain water away from the home’s foundation.

Step 9: For added protection, paint bare concrete walls with a water-blocking paint such as UGL Drylock coating.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.