How to Prevent Flooding in Your Home
So, you’re thinking about doing preventative maintenance against possible future floods in your home. You can cover all your bases with a simple dehumidifier, right?
Well, not exactly. Some areas are more prone to flooding than others, especially if you live near water, or in a state that gets a lot of rain and snow. To combat the potential of your home filling with water, you’ll need to look into a few other items.
Sounds like a hassle? It sure can, but it’s better to prepare yourself now on how to prevent flooding. So, let’s dive in.
Identifying Potential Flood Risks
If you live in an area prone to flooding, find the risk factors and plan your flood prevention measures. Inspect your property for any signs of vulnerability, such as low-lying land, poor drainage, or a high water table.
Assess any changes that may have been made in the vicinity that could increase the chances of flooding. Take note of any rivers, reservoirs, or channels that may originate nearby that could result in flooding when levels spike.
Talk to local emergency managers or officials and consult historical records to understand any known earlier flooding in the area. Prepare emergency plans and keep supplies on hand as necessary during a flooding situation.
Maintain Your Gutters and Downspouts
Minimize any blockage for that water can flow away from your home and into the following system. Before any rainfall, check for debris, leaves, and twigs, since these can block water from properly draining and lead to flooding.
Inspect your downspouts to make sure they are firmly attached and are directing water away from the foundation of your home. Invest in a rain gutter insert to help prevent clogging and re-direct water into rain barrels for garden irrigation use.
Install a Sump Pump
Installing a sump pump is easy and inexpensive. It should be installed in the lowest area of your basement or crawl space.
The sump pump will pull any water collected in the area away from your home and direct it outside. This can be achieved through a Drain Tile System, which will allow for proper drainage in your home.
It should be connected to a backup power system so it will always be functional if a power outage. It should be tested regularly to ensure it’s working properly.
Seal Cracks and Leaks
Patch any holes and cover any weak spots with a waterproof sealant or caulk. Check around doors, windows, pipes, vents, and any other areas prone to water leakage.
Make sure the sealant around your roof is in good condition. Look also at the condition of your gutters, downspouts, and storm drains to prevent water from entering your home during heavy rain and prevent possible flooding.
Elevate Appliances and Valuables
Raising your electronics and other items off the floor can be a lifesaver. Move any furniture and electronics up a few inches or onto raised platforms to protect them from the water if a flood were to occur.
Secure any furniture, wall art, or electronics to a higher shelf or wall, if available. Keep important documents and irreplaceable items in a waterproof, plastic container and in an area that is more than 6 feet above the ground.
To protect any basement electric tools or appliances, have waterproof boxes and covers for them. Seeking the help of a professional is recommended for elevation to take specific professional tools or machinery to move such items.
Install a Backflow Preventer
Backflow preventers are designed to stop water from flowing backward into your plumbing system. It’s installed where the water line enters your home, and it will restrict the flow of water going backward or refluxing.
It will prevent contaminated water from entering your home during a heavy downpour. The backflow preventer will help reduce the amount of water entering your home if a water line breaks.
Utilizing Landscaping Techniques
You can grade the land around your home to slope away from the house. The excess runoff can be channeled away from home and towards a garden or other landscaped area.
Plant vegetation that is native to your area and best suited for flooding conditions. These plants have deep root systems and their spent foliage will help absorb the water, rather than letting it all flow downhill.
Seeking Help From an Expert
A water damage expert can locate weak points in your home’s defenses against flooding. They can also address their problems and give home maintenance before you experience a disaster.
They can ensure your gutters and drains are clear and in good condition. They can also tell you how to best waterproof your home, seal off any sump pumps, and direct water away from the foundation.
Installing Simple Flood Protection Devices
These flood devices can detect rising water levels and can alert you if there is ever a problem. Installing water sensors near doorways, around basement windows, and in the basement will alert you of potential home flooding.
Water shut-off valves are also a great way to prevent flooding. Installing these valves in the bathrooms of your home will prevent water from backing up into the house and flooding other areas.
Create a Flood Plan
Identify areas in and around your home that are prone to flooding. Look at the local maps and check for areas with low-lying land, intersections, or roads that have poor drainage, creeks, sloughs, and other water sources.
Take steps to protect your home as much as possible and ensure drainage systems are in good working order. Make sure that you and your family know what to do if there is a flood so that everyone can get to safety and call for help.
A Guide on How to Prevent Flooding in Your Home
Flooding can cause extensive property damage, so it’s important to take steps to help prevent it. This guide on how to prevent flooding can install preventive measures for signs of flooding-related issues.
Following the above tips will help you in reducing the risk of a flood in your home. So, what are you waiting for? Start safeguarding your home and have peace of mind today.
Check out our other blog posts for more tips and info.
