Flooding can cause catastrophic damage to a home. According to FEMA, a single inch of water accumulated in the average home can cost nearly $27,000 in losses.1
But you can prevent some flooding scenarios and keep your home safe and dry with a few easy maintenance tasks.
Clean rain gutters and down spouts
It’s likely your home already has one big flood deterrent: rain gutters and downspouts. These are designed to prevent rainwater and melting snow from running down the exterior walls of your house, where it will eventually leak through window sills and finally settling beneath the footings and foundation.
Gutters: In order for gutters to do their job, some periodic maintenance is required. Rain gutters must be cleared from debris at least twice each year to ensure water can flow freely to the downspouts.
Additionally, the gutters should be periodically checked for integrity. If they leak at all, over time the errant water will slowly do damage to the exterior of your house and eventually find its way inside. Left unchecked, water can erode away even the hardest of materials.
Downspouts: The position of the outlet of the downspout can keep rainwater and snowmelt away from your foundation and out of the basement or main level of your home. Place the outlet at a good distance from the foundation and direct the flow away from the home. Placement can vary depending on the type of soil in the area, the slope and landscaping of your property, whether or not you have a basement, how much it rains and snows each year, and other environmental factors. Keep an eye on it and make adjustments as needed.
Invest in flood sensors
Flood detectors are designed to provide homeowners with the earliest notification possible when water is detected where it shouldn’t be.
We recommend installing them near sources of flooding like pipes, sinks, AC systems, appliances with water lines, and water softeners. When integrated into a home security or automation system, alerts can immediately be sent by email or text message so you know as soon as something goes awry and you can respond quickly and directly at the source of the leak. Knowing exactly where the leak is will save you precious minutes and money on repairs.
Install automated shutoff valves
In addition to flood sensors, automated shutoff valves can spell the difference between manageable and disastrous. An automated shutoff valve is installed in a strategic location, typically near the main water inlet inside your home. Battery powered, automated shutoff valves are in a ready-wait state and instantly shut off the main water inside your home at the moment a flood sensor is activated. Wireless technology ensures a fast signal, even if there are walls and floors between the valve and the sensors.
These devices are relatively inexpensive but should be installed by a skilled plumber or craftsmen knowledgeable in cutting into main water pipes. Installed properly, automated water sensors can play critical role in preventing serious flood damage inside your home. Integrate them into your home security or automation system for ultimate control.
Get to know your location
While you can avoid some flooding with maintenance, your location can be a major risk factor.
Find out if you live in a flood zone. If you live in an area prone to flooding from rising water levels, river plateaus, and flood plains, consider your options. Sump pumps and flood insurance can help you protect your home from flooding and protect your wallet from damage flooding may cause.
Final word
Whatever methods you choose, do something to prevent flooding inside your home. A small flood can remain a manageable situation or can turn into something awful with untold damage including mold, structural integrity, and harming personal items like furniture, electronics, and priceless family heirlooms.
What other tips do you have for how to prevent your home from flooding?
Sources
- FEMA, “Estimated Flood Loss Potential“
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