Unfortunately, flooding is the most common kind of natural disaster. Heavy rains can quickly saturate the soil and overwhelm city sewers. As a result, rainwater has nowhere else to go. Before you know it, you have water in your home. We look at how to prevent floods and keep your home dry during heavy rainstorms.
How To Prevent Flooding in Your Home?
Although there are several things you can do right before a storm, the best way to prevent floods is with regular upkeep.
1. Test Your Sump Pump
You should test your sump pump at least once a month to make sure it’s working properly. Pour in a bucket of water so that it turns on. If it doesn’t run, check the float and either make repairs or replace it. Also, you should add a backup battery if you don’t already have one.
2. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters help keep water away from your foundation, so make sure you clean them at least twice a year. If you have a lot of trees on your street, you may want to clean them more often. After removing leaves, pour a bucket of water into the gutter to make sure they flow properly.
3. Check the Landscaping Around Your Home
Another way to prevent floods is to make sure that the soil slopes away from your home. If it doesn’t, you should add more dirt. Also, you should leave a gap between your landscaping and your home. There should be a few inches for grass, but at least two feet for bushes and three or more feet for trees.
4. Fix Cracks and Gaps in Your Foundation
Foundation cracks will let water into your home, so it’s important to fix them as soon as possible. Use an angle grinder to cut a v-shape into the crack. Then seal it with hydraulic cement. You should use a trowel to fill the gap, then scrape it across the crack for a smooth finish.
5. Waterproof Your Home
If your basement is damp and musty or you see water coming through your foundation walls, you should have your home waterproofed. Although you can apply a sealer to the inside, it’s best to have the outside of your foundation waterproofed.
6. Install a Drainage System
Another way to prevent flooding is with a drainage system. This can be adding a sump pump inside your basement or curtain or French drains outside your home. While there are differences between them, they all help keep water out of your home.
7. Block Doorways with Sandbags
Also, use sandbags to block your doors as well as your garage door before a flood. You should put sandbags about a foot away from your door, then stack them several layers high to prevent flooding. For your garage, put sandbags on both the outside and inside of the door for added protection.
8. Check for Water
During a severe storm, make sure you listen to weather alerts and check your home for water frequently. You should check your basement or crawlspace for water at least every five to ten minutes. Also, have flashlights ready just in case the power goes out as well.
How To Prevent Flooding in an Apartment
If you live in an apartment and are concerned about flooding, contact your property management office. They can help prevent floods and keep your apartment dry during severe weather. Ways to prevent flood damage in your apartment include:
- Put sandbags outside your patio door, especially for first floor or split level units
- Tape or seal windows and doors to keep out water
- Put important documents and possessions in airtight containers
- Lift furniture off the ground with bricks or other items
- Add flood insurance if you live in an area prone to flooding
No matter how hard you try to prevent floods, they can still happen at any time. While you can clean up flood damage on your own, we have the training and equipment to restore your home quickly. Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free estimate on flood restoration services near you.
