Prevent Basement Flooding: Essential Maintenance Tips Every Overland Park Homeowner Needs

Your basement is more than just storage space—it might be your laundry area, a home gym, or even a finished living space. But it's also one of the most vulnerable parts of your Overland Park home during heavy rains or sewer backups. At Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we help homeowners protect their basements from flooding year-round. Here's how you can do the same.

From the Higgins team - Drawing from decades of basement flood cleanup experience, we know prevention is always better (and cheaper) than restoration.

1. Keep Floor Drains Clear and Flowing

Floor drains are your basement's first defense against flooding during storms or plumbing mishaps. These critical drains can easily become clogged with lint, debris, or sediment over time—especially in older Overland Park homes where the drains may not have been maintained regularly.

Routine floor drain cleaning ensures your drainage system can handle sudden water flow during Kansas summer storms and keeps odors and backups at bay. A clogged floor drain can turn a minor leak into thousands of dollars in water damage.

2. Schedule Annual Sewer Line Inspections Before Spring Storm Season

Sewer backups are a major cause of basement flooding throughout Overland Park. Roots, grease buildup, or foreign objects in the main line can stop wastewater from exiting properly—and when it backs up, it often comes through basement floor drains first.

Higgins provides professional sewer line inspections using high-definition video technology to spot and remove blockages early. Schedule your annual inspection before spring storm season hits to avoid emergency situations.

3. Don't Overload Basement Laundry Systems

Laundry areas in basements are prone to clogs, especially with heavy use during rainy seasons when people are doing extra loads. Spread out laundry loads and don't ignore warning signs like slow draining, bubbling sounds, or detergent smells coming from floor drains.

Higgins offers fast service to clear laundry drain clogs before they escalate into basement floods. A $150 drain cleaning is much cheaper than replacing flooded belongings.

4. Control Outdoor Water Flow Around Your Foundation

Make sure downspouts, landscaping, and exterior drains are positioned to route water away from your foundation. Poor exterior drainage puts extra pressure on your basement's internal drainage systems during storms.

While we focus on interior drain systems, these exterior steps reduce pressure on indoor floor drains and help prevent overwhelmed systems.

5. Know Your System and Have a Backup Plan

Know where your main sewer cleanout is located and keep it accessible—don't let landscaping or storage block access. If you experience frequent clogs or flooding, talk to our team about regular preventative cleaning schedules that fit your home's specific needs.

For older Overland Park homes with clay tile sewer lines, annual maintenance can prevent major flooding events that could cost thousands in damage.

Concerned about basement flooding? Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning offers expert floor drain and sewer line services across Overland Park. Call today to book a preventative service before the next storm—your basement (and your wallet) will thank you.