Preventing Indoor Flooding

Flooding of a home or business property is a calamity that no one wants to experience. Even in the U.S. where flood prediction and mitigation is quite advanced, flood damage occurs all too often, amounting to over $8 billion worth of damage and contributing to the deaths of about 140 people every year. Not to mention, excess moisture can cause mold or unwanted bacteria, foundational issues, and other serious damage. However, there are smart precautions you can take to help prevent indoor flooding, or minimize damage if flooding does occur.

Your Guide to Preventing

Indoor Flooding

Regular Check-Ins

Check your basement with the change of seasons (or more regularly if you’ve had issues in the past.) Don’t forget—if basement flooding occurs, you can always call in professionals to determine the cause of the problem. They should also be able to help you fix it or give you the name of a reputable company who can.

Learn How Water Flows Around Your Property

Ideally, your home or business is built so that water is directed away from it through the use of grading and slopes. But this is not always the case. The next time you have a storm, watch how the water flows. You can also use a hose to recreate a storm water flow. Does it run toward the street and into a drainage system? Or does it build up around your foundation or in a low spot in your property? If the water doesn’t drain naturally, it’s time to call in the experts and seek advice about redirecting water flow.

Clean Your Gutters

Believe it or not, gutters can have a major effect on basement flooding. When your gutters are clogged, they tend to overflow. Excess water can build up around the foundation of your house and cause any number of problems, including leaks. If you haven’t taken a few hours to remove debris from your gutters, including leaves and grime left over from autumn and winter, it’s time to get cracking!

Additionally, you’ll want to install both leaf guards and downspout extenders. These items help ensure that water doesn’t have an opportunity to pool in your yard or around your foundation.

Change the Grade

Grading your landscape doesn’t just encourage a beautiful yard; it also assists with proper drainage. If you’re comfortable doing the job yourself, you can change the grade by making sure soil surrounding your home is pitched away at least 1⁄4 inch per foot. This ensures water will drain toward your yard rather than toward your foundation. For optimal results, you want the grade to be highest at the perimeter of your home. Not sure how to grade your landscaping on your own? We recommend hiring professionals to do the job for you.

Watch Your Trees

We don’t often think about trees being at the root of a problem, especially when it comes to indoor or basement flooding. Unfortunately, trees are behind more basement water leaks than you might think. To avoid becoming a victim of this scenario, make sure that trees, especially those that have aggressive roots, are planted at least 20 feet away from your home. Trees with less aggressive roots can be planted closer. Talk to your local tree nursery to find out which trees will do well in your area (and how closely those trees can be planted to your home.)

Raise Electrical Systems and Appliances

Whether you have a basement or your home is on ground level, make sure that electrical items such as circuit breakers, wiring, and switches are raised at least a foot above ground. This prevents them from being waterlogged in the event of a flood. Do the same for big-ticket appliances, including your hot water heater and furnace. The higher everything is, the less likely it will be damaged in the event indoor flooding occurs.

Anchor Outdoor Equipment

As you raise your electrical systems and appliances indoors, pay special attention to appliances that sit outdoors. Now is the time to anchor any outdoor equipment. Not only will this help prevent expensive equipment from being swept away in flash floods, it’ll protect your property from unnecessary flood damage.

Paul Davis Can Help With Indoor Flooding

The sad truth is disaster can strike at any time. At Paul Davis, we know firsthand that the aftermath of flooding can be devastating for you, your family, or your business. That’s why we’re a preferred resource to help restore homes and businesses back to normal. When water damage takes place, This Is No Time For Second Best™.

We hope you never do, but if you need help with flooding damage, reach out. For Immediate Assistance, call 651.243.0737