With heavy rains, potential flooding is a concern. Iowa State University Extension offers several tips that may help to reduce basement and yard flooding:

• Clean the gutters and downspouts and have them repaired if needed.
• Install splash guards at the end of the downspouts.
• Add an extra piece of pipe or drainage tile (usually a 4 inch diameter black pipe) to the downspouts to ensure that the roof water is drained away from the footings and the house.
• Do not drain the roof water into the basement drainage tile (the perimeter tile) unless the drainage tile around the house was designed to accept water from the roof.
• Clean any surface water intakes or small waterways for proper draining of surface water and for reduced ponding in the yards.
• Inspect the basement sump and sump pump for proper operation and clean the debris from inside and around the sumps.

For more information on flooding problems, contact your local ISU Extension county office.

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