Of all natural hazards, flooding is the most common, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory. The national yearly cost from flooding can’t be accurately calculated, but we can get an idea of the cost to repair a home from moderate water damage.
Consider 6” of water coming in your home, what that would affect and the cost of repairs.
Electrical wires and plugs damaged
Baseboards and walls ruined
Furniture damaged or ruined
Floor standing appliances such as refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer damaged
Plumbing damaged
Structural damage to the house
Sewage damage from backflow through toilets and sinks
Add to this the loss of personal or sentimental items that can never be replaced.
As grim as a flooding scenario may be, there are positive actions you can take to either prevent flooding in your home, or greatly reduce the likelihood of it. Many of these precautions are inexpensive and can be done without hiring a professional.
Simple means to flood proof your home
Here are some suggestions to flood proof your home:
To prevent water seepage, use a waterproof compound on the inside walls of your basement and first floor. Prior to that, check for cracks in the basement walls. Check the floors and foundation for leaks and also the windows and doors.
- Make sure your plumbing and draining is working well.
- If you have a sump pump, check it over making sure it works before you need it.
- Gutters should be clean to allow free drainage of water.
- All downspouts should drain away from the house and away from the basement.
More aggressive action for flood zones
If you’re in a flood zone and floods are not the exception, more aggressive action can be taken to prevent flood damage.
Some of these are:
- Apply non-return valves to water inlet and outlet pipes and drains. This will stop wastewater from flowing in.
- Install flood boards to the external windows and doors to prevent water from entering the house.
- If you can raise the external door threshold, that may prevent shallow flooding from entering.
- If you have airbricks in your walls, which are bricks with holes that allow airflow into the house, obtain specially designed covers that cover the holes.
- Delay water from rising through your floors by sealing the floors or replacing them with concrete.
- Landscape in such a way that water is diverted away from the house.
- Build a sandbag barrier along your walls.
Importantly, don’t wait until a flood threatens before taking action to safeguard your property. Be proactive and take steps as soon as possible to protect you and your home from a flood disaster.
Learn More About Water Damage in Houston
Jesse Dugan and his team of expert writers guest blog for sites all over the web in several different categories. Follow him @JesseDugan.
