Do you know why water is coming into your basement in North Georgia?

The first time you see water in your basement, you start to panic. Where is the water coming from? Is the water dangerous that can make me sick? Can I clean it myself? Who do I call?

The first thing to do it not panic. Unless there is sewage water coming up from your floor drain, then you may just have surface water coming in.

Water coming in at the exterior foundation or from one location usually indicates surface water problems. Go outside and do an inspection of the following:

• Make sure your rain gutters are free flowing. They may be full of leaves or small branches preventing the water from being carried away and soaking the ground next to your foundation. Check the downspouts as well for blockages. If you can’t do routine maintenance then maybe invest in some type of leaf guards.

• While it may not be attractive, your downspouts should extend a minimum of 6 feet from your home, and 10 feet would be even better. This will ensure the water coming off your roof will be carried far enough from the house.

• Check on your landscape slope. Over the years, the ground can settle changing the direction of the water flow making it head towards your house. Check for ground indentations by your foundation. If there are any, fill them in with dirt to carry the water away from the house. A clay type soil would be best as it helps repel water instead of a sandy soil that soaks up the water.

• If there are hills heading towards your house, then you may need a civil engineer to help find a solution.

Those are the most common reasons for water entering your basement. If you can't locate the source of the leak, then it's time to call in a professional.