Many Americans don’t have flood insurance. FEMA(Federal Emergency Management Agency) records show that only 4% of properties nationwide are insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. Even in high-risk areas for flooding, only one in three properties have insurance.
With climate changes bringing more flooding and extreme weather, in addition to household factors (such as burst pipes), this should be an urgent problem. Even if homeowners don’t have flood insurance, they must safeguard their family, property, appliances, and other belongings by taking some actions to get water out.
Ways to Avoid Flooding in Your House
1. Keep Gutters Clean and Point Your Downspouts Away From Your House
Many homeowners can manage cleaning their rain gutters without the need to hire contractors. Carefully clean your gutters at least twice a year – one in fall and one in spring. If your house is near many trees, consider cleaning more often in the fall. And in the rainy season, watch out for your gutters for clogs or overflowing.
Make sure to practice ladder safety when cleaning your ladders. Position it on level ground and securely lock it in place. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes, and hook an empty bucket to the ladder’s top to gather the particles you will remove. Use gloves and consider bringing a small garden tool like a hand rake to scrape any wet sludge from the bottom of the gutter.
Furthermore, ensure to point your downspouts away from your home in a proper direction. If not, water can pool at the corners of your house and eventually create leaks in the basement.
2. Repair Minor Leaks Immediately
A little water leak might be a minor issue for some, but this tells you there will be a bigger problem if you ignore it. Once you see leaks, find the source right away and address the issue. Common leaks usually occur in the toilet, pipes under the sink, water lines to appliances, pipes in walls, and roofs.
3. Cover Window Wells
Sometimes even newer windows can trap rain and groundwater in the basement. Investing a small amount in quality window well covers prevents more costly flood damage restoration services. Go for covers made of clear acrylic, so plenty of light still enters your basement.
The basement is one of the most flooded parts of the house. In case of flooding, consider getting in touch with experts in your area. Click here for professional advice on water damage restoration.
4. Fill in the Cracks
It’s normal to have little cracks in the foundation of your home, especially if it’s an old building. But leaving them unrepaired allows water to enter, leading to flooding and deteriorating your house’s structure. If you see a tiny crack, use concrete patching paste to fill it in.
5. Install Check Valves on Your Pipes
A burst pipeline is one of the leading causes of household floods. Ensure that all pipes entering your house come with valves to avoid a flooded sewage system from backing up into your home. Use gate valves rather than flap valves because they provide a much better seal against flood pressure.
6. Leave Space Between Mulch and Siding
Mulch around your home’s foundation can trigger some unexpected issues without proper care. During the rainy season, wet mulch can rot your house’s siding, resulting in leaks. Keep space in between your siding and mulch so that the base of your home can dry after rainstorms.
What to Do If It’s Too Late to Avoid Flooding
In case of flooding due to severe weather, you must ensure the safety of your family first. Salvage important documents, like passports or legal documents, photos, appliances, furniture, and other valuables. If you do not have flood insurance, review your auto policy. While your homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damage, your auto insurance may pay for your vehicle’s damage due to the flood.
Get help from nonprofit organizations like the Red cross. Try checking your local government, state, and even the national government for assistance, like free meals, temporary shelter, and any other necessary help you need. When it comes to your home, there’s no other way than hiring a reliable restoration company to clean up, salvage your belongings, and restore your property.
