How to Prevent Home Flooding: The Ultimate Guide

Storms can do a lot of damage to your home, including dreadful water damage. If you aren’t prepared, your home may get flooded during rainy seasons. It’s up to you to safeguard your home before the storms start.

What are some methods of flood prevention you can use to protect your property?

If you are searching for protection against home flooding, you’re in luck. Here are some top tips to keep your home dry during major storms, as well as steps you should take if water gets into your home.

Repair Leaks as Soon as You Notice Them

Your first sign of flooding in your home will likely be leaked. Whether you have a leaky pipe that needs plumbing repair or there’s a crack in your home’s foundation, you need to get started repairing the problem right away. Pay close attention to the ceiling on the top floor of your home, as well as the floor in your basement; if you start noticing wet spots, it’s time to start searching for the source of the leak.

Clean Your Gutters Regularly

Buildup in your gutters prevents water from flowing away from your home properly. With enough buildup, the water sits in your gutters, unable to go anywhere. Eventually, this water can work its way onto your roof.

Water that gathers on the roof can cause it to buckle and leak water into your home. To prevent unnecessary water buildup on and around your home, make sure you clean your gutters regularly. You should also ensure that they send water away from your home and that they are well maintained.

Fill In Cracks in Foundation

It’s easy for groundwater to seep into your basement through cracks in the building’s foundation. Tree roots and general wear and tear can degrade the foundation of your home; this can lead to small cracks forming in the walls. 

Have you noticed water settling on the floor in your basement? If so, you may have cracks in the foundation that need filling. Make sure you fill those holes up right away to prevent them from growing over time.

Seal Basement Windows

Your basement windows are particularly vulnerable to water leaks. If they are not sealed properly, water can quickly enter your home through even the smallest cracks in your window. It’s crucial that you prepare them thoroughly before an incoming storm takes advantage of them.

If your basement’s windows are exceptionally old, you may also want to consider replacing them. Newer windows are made with better water protection in mind and may save you from water damage in a storm. You should still properly waterproof it with caulk and sealant for maximum protection.

Window well covers are also beneficial, even if you do have newer windows. They keep most water away from your windows entirely while still allowing plenty of light into your basement. If you live in an area prone to flooding, these are a great buy for flood protection. 

Keep Sandbags on Hand

Sandbags can be used in a pinch to divert water away from your home. They can also be used to seal off the doors and windows of upper floors during a severe flood. It’s good to have plenty of them on hand in a worst-case scenario to prevent extreme water damage.

Upgrade Your Water Valves

In extreme cases, water from storms can flood sewage systems, causing the resulting water to flood upwards back into your home. It’s recommended that you get an exterior and interior backflow valve to prevent this.

Backflow valves can be turned on and off manually in the case of a severe storm. Without these strong seals against the storm, you could end up with a flooded house filled not only with rainwater but sewage water as well. Water valves are a small price to pay to keep your house safe!

Make Sure Water Flows Away from Your Home

One great method of flood prevention is to ensure that your lawn slopes away from your home. This naturally allows water to flow down your yard into the street rather than sitting up against your home. 

You can determine the slope of your lawn simply by watching how water behaves during mild storms. If you notice that water isn’t flowing properly or is collecting at certain spots on your lawn, you may want to do some landscaping. Making sure everything slopes away from your home can help prevent unnecessary water damage.

What to Do If Your Home Does Flood

No matter how many prevention methods you use, water may still find its way into your home. If you do end up with a flooded house, there are some steps you need to take right away.

Your first step should be disabling any electronic devices in and around your home. The last thing you want to do is get electrocuted due to neglect. Once everything is disabled, try to move everything electronic to a higher floor to protect it from water damage; the same should be done with any items of value you own.

Next, look around to see the extent of the damage. Place containers underneath any leaks in the ceiling you can find; this will minimize water damage inside of your home until you can properly fix the leaks.

Take photos of any damages after the flood. That way, you have evidence that you can send to your insurance company. You’ll want as much documentation of the damage as possible.

Home Flooding Protection Made Easy

Home flooding protection is a must if you live in an area that is prone to storms. Before your next rainy season hits, make sure you take the time to prepare your home against flooding. 

Was your home damaged during a flood? 

We’re here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have about our water damage restoration services and continue reading our blog for more helpful information today!