TIPS O PREVENT SPRING FLOODING IN YOUR HOME

Spring flooding is a problem that too many people suffer from. For instance,  the springtime brings heavy rains, melting snow  and rising creeks or rivers flooding  many areas of the United States. Just in 2019, spring flood claims were an estimated $3 billion. Fortunately, it can be significantly reduced by taking proactive steps. The goal here is to educate you on what you can do to prevent flooding, which will prevent water damage that can cause major problems in your home.

1. Check Sump Pumps

Do you currently have a sump pump? Make sure that you do your regularly maintenance on it to ensure that it’s working properly. These can be culprits of basement flooding, but it can be avoided. Inspect your sump pump during your regular maintenance to make sure the float is freely moving and the intake valve isn’t blocked as well as looking to see if there’s any other debris that could lead to a blockage. You will also want to consider having a backup battery, as sump pumps do need electricity. The backup ensures your sump pump will work even if the power goes out, which can potentially happen with thunderstorms.

Don’t have a sump pump currently? It may be time for you to consider getting one. Sump pumps are devices that will collect any excessive water, protecting your basement from significant water damage. If your basement is below the water table level, then you should absolutely invest in a sump pump for your home.

2. Clean Window Wells and Outside Drains

Window wells should be cleaned out and inspected to make sure that they are in good condition. You should also cover your window wells so that it only lets in the natural light into the basement areas, preventing the rain or melting snow from getting into your home.

At this point, it can also be very important to inspect your outside drains. If there are any blockages in the outside drains, this can back up and lead to water damage in the basement. As you inspect the drain, remove any blockages  to prevent any future problems. 

3. Clean Gutters

By the time spring rolls around, you have probably noticed that your gutters are full of things like leaves and branches. There may even be other surprises that you need to clean out of your gutters. If you fail to clean out your gutters, this could lead to water penetrating your roof particularly if there are any areas of weakness in your shingles. It can even allow water to seep into the walls.

On a nice enough day, pull out your ladder and get to cleaning out your gutters or set up a maintenance  schedule with a professional.  While you are doing this, be sure that you also clean out your downspouts as these areas can also have various debris in it that could lead to blockages. Downspouts are important because these ensure that the water goes away from your home.

4. Inspect Sprinkler and Irrigation Systems

Your sprinkler system may help keep your lawn looking great during the summer months, but you need to make sure that these systems are properly maintained and in working order before you run them. If you run these systems without inspecting them first, you can cause water damage to your yard and home as well as waste water. It’s important that you have a professional check out your systems to make sure that there is no damage and that they are safe to run before you turn them on.

5. Inspect Roof and Chimney

Your roof is there to protect your home from the elements. However, if your roof is in disrepair it won’t do the job it’s supposed to. If you have concerns, we recommend hire a professional.    In addition to checking out your roof, they should inspect your  flashing around your chimney, vents and valleys.

If you notice water in the hearth or  water stains on the ceilings/walls, your roof and chimney could be the culprit.  These should be taken care of immediately.

6. Landscaping

 The drainage in your yard should be an important consideration as you plan out your yard’s landscaping.   If  the water is pooling near your foundation of your home,  it will get into your basement.  Next time it rains, you may want to walk around your home and check to make sure the water is not puddling around your foundation.  We are advising wearing a raincoat while your completing this chore.  If you have a problem, you may want to hire a landscaper to help you with this, to ensure you are optimizing your yard for drainage.

7. Inspect Foundation

Every year, it’s a good idea to inspect your foundation and quickly tend to any cracks that you may notice. Cracks in your foundation can increase the chances of water seeping in, leading to water damage. Small cracks can be easy to fix using cement patches, but you may want to consider hiring a professional for a larger job. You should also consider waterproofing the foundation walls in your basement by putting a special sealer on the cement.

Conclusion

Spring flooding can lead to serious issues if you don’t take the necessary precautions to prevent these problems. It can also be a good idea for you to review your policy with your agent and discuss any questions or concerns  i.e. sump pump coverage, coverage limits, sewer back up coverage, deductibles and mold coverage.  Being proactive goes a long way . The goal is to ensure that you are as protected as possible. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risks of spring flooding getting into your home. It can be a good idea to hire a professional for any of these steps to ensure that the job gets done right.