Tips on preparing for Isaac's rain

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - With the possibility for several inches of rain this week, homeowners can take a few simple steps to keep their homes dry during the downpour.

Start outside your house. Clogged gutters are the main cause of wet basements, says Paul Schneiders of Sullivan Hardware in Indianapolis. He says to check them now.

"Just basic. Make sure they are flowing. Make sure they are sloped so that they do go to the downspout. If they are pulling away from the house cause they are old or been up there too long you just want to make sure it's all draining to the downspout," says Schneiders.

Then, check the downspouts. You want them clean and aiming away from the house.

"If you need to put an extension, you do want that water draining a good at least 4 feet away from the house, if not more," he says.

Next if you have a sump pump make sure it's working, says Schneiders.

"Pull the plunger up, see if it will come up and kick on. Make sure there is no debris in your sump pit, things like that. Just make sure it's ready," he says.

Sneeders says sump pumps have warranties for three years and last on average about five years. If yours is older than that, you might want to buy a new one. You can even get one that comes with a battery backup. It will work for about six to 12 hours after the power goes out.

In older homes, consider buying a drain plug. It can keep sewage water from backing up through your floor drain. There are several different types, says Tony Hedlund of Hedlunds Hardware in Indianapolis.

Backup generators are still available, though you may have to look a little harder to find one this time of year. They can keep your sump pump and an appliance or two running during a power outage. And if you don't do anything to get ready, consider a wet-dry vac. It will come in handy after the storm passes.