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You may think your home or business is safe from flooding because you do not live in a ‘flood zone, ’ or the structure is on the upside of a hill or slant. However, every home has some level of risk for flooding. Moreover, it is not just flash flooding and natural disasters that can cause a house to flood.
Leaky pipes, a broken water main, appliance malfunctions, and other unexpected household problems can also lead to flooding. However, there are things you can do to lower your risk and minimize damage if flooding does happen at your home. Try the following to keep the water out and protect your valuables.
Repair Leaks Immediately
Leaky pipes and roofs let water into your home and can cause significant damage. Watch for wet spots on the ceiling and pooling water in the basement. Examine pipes regularly, looking for problems like rust, visible drops of water, and buckling. If you find a leak, fix it as soon as possible.
Keep Gutters Clean
Clogged rain gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool and back up around your foundation. Make rain gutter maintenance part of your spring and fall routines. Remove leaves from gutters and add leaf guards to keep debris from building up. For extra protection from pooled water, add downspout extenders that can direct water up to 10 feet away from your house.
Cover Window Wells
Basement window wells often trap rain and groundwater. The extra protection offered by window well covers is worth it. Installing them is relatively inexpensive and straightforward to do and, if you choose covers made of clear acrylic, your basement will still get plenty of light.
Check the Grade
Make sure water moves away from your house, rather than directly to it. The soil surrounding your home should angle away from the foundation and toward the yard. Check the grade of your surrounding soil and add soil as needed to achieve a slope of at least one-quarter inch per foot.
Fill in the Cracks
Foundation cracks let water in, which can lead to flooding and weaken the structure of your home. A small amount of cracking is normal for foundations, but repairing these cracks can help prevent significant problems down the line.
If you spot a small crack, you can use a concrete patching paste to fill it in. If you are concerned about more significant problems, bring in an expert to evaluate any damage and recommend a solution.
Mind Trees
Trees with aggressive root systems can wreak havoc on your foundation, which makes your home vulnerable to flooding. If you already have a tree that is too close, look at getting it removed to help avoid future trouble.
Raise It Up
Sometimes, despite all precautions, water still gets in homes. In the event this does happen, you want to have your appliances and electronics out of harm’s way. You can do this by just keeping them raised off the floor by at least a few inches. Some washers and dryers come with pedestals that hold them off the story, but you can also purchase the stands separately.
Waterproof Valuables
In addition to keeping valuables in locked containers, it is smart to waterproof them as well. Items like passports and birth certificates should be placed in waterproof cases while stored. Ziploc-style bags may seem like a good idea, but essential documents will keep better in containers specially designed to withstand flooding.
Preventing flooding and water leaks requires diligence and forethought. Moreover, floods happen. If you do experience flooding in your home or workplace, contact the experts at American Restoration!