71 percent of the Earth’s surface is water. Odds are, some of that water will end up in your house at some point. It is unavoidable: no matter how well you waterproof your house, some H2O will leak in. So since you cannot prevent it from entering, here are some good ways to make sure it does not ruin your house and belongings.
Raise and Anchor Outdoor Equipment
Make sure general equipment are raised above flood level: this includes all fuel tanks, air-conditioning units, and generators. This equipment should also be anchored, as unanchored equipment can easily break free in the event of a flood.
Modify Water Valves
This is pretty basic: no one wants a sewage leak. If your house floods, you are at greater risk of a sewage breach. Don’t put yourself through a disgusting clean up: install either an exterior backflow valve or gate valves. Gate valves have a more complicated installation, but provide stronger seals.
Safeguard In-Home Electrical and Climate Systems
Raise circuit breakers, wiring, switches, and sockets a foot or more above the expected flood level in your area. Modify the furnace, water heater, and any other anchored indoor equipment so that it sits above your flood level.
Consider a Major Retrofit
If you have a house that floods frequently, you may need to completely adjust your home. Try raising your home on piers or columns, so that your lowest floor is above flood level. You can “wet-proof” your home by installing foundation vents. These allow water to flow through the building, instead of accumulating inside and causing more damage. You can also try to do some “dry proofing” by applying coatings and other sealing materials to your walls. All of these can be expensive, but if your area is prone to flood, it will save money in the long-run.
Map the Way That Water Flows Around Your House
The angle of the ground around a house, also known as the grading or scope, can direct water towards or away from the house. If the water goes back towards your house, either look to landscape around your house or talk to the county about altering the angle of the roads the next time they do maintenance.
Use Last-Minutes Water Rising Measures
Before a downpour, try to prepare your home for a flood. Elevate major appliances that might be in harm’s way onto concrete blocks. Move electronics, rugs, furniture, and other belongings to upper floors. Clear downspouts, gutters, and drains. Shut off electricity at the breaker panel.
Install Levees or Floodwalls in the Yard
The yard usually floods before the house, so sometimes the key to stopping a house flood is stopping the yard from flooding. This can be done by installing levees or floodwalls in the yard.
While these are all very helpful tips to spare your home from floodinga, nothing will entirely flood-proof your house. Here at TJ Woods Insurance Company we offer flood insurance to protect you when water seeps into your house. Contact us if you are interested in protecting your home, or if you want to find out about our other various insurances we offer. Also check out our blog for more information on our other services.
