Flooding can happen anywhere at any time, whether it’s through a natural disaster, a bad storm, a burst pipe and many more things, and as you can image, can be very costly to repair the damages caused by the floods. Here is how to prevent your house from flooding:
1. Determine water flow
Your house will have a water flow, whether you’ve experienced flooding before or not. If water pools around your house, like if you live in a valley or the bottom of a hill, you’re more likely to experience flooding than those houses that were designed to drain the water away from the building itself. Living in areas that have standing water can mean you’re more likely to have flooding and there are a few things that can be done to prevent it, but it can come at a cost. Raising your entire house onto piers or columns may be possible, installing vents within the foundation that allow the flow of water to move easily throughout the space rather than building up inside the walls or investing in good-quality sealants to keep water out.
2. Keep gutters clear
If you keep your gutters clean, you’re minimising the risk of flooding. Simply investing in a tool to regularly scoop out your gutters or hiring a professional can make big strides towards preventing a build-up of water in bad weather conditions. The same can apply to drains and pipes, keep them clear of any gunk that may have accumulated, so the water flow can move easier and water build up is less likely to occur. Some pipes can be fitted with non-return valves, which allow water to flow through, but not back up, preventing a build-up.
3. Be aware of the warning signs
When flash flooding occurs, sometimes there’s no way to predict what’s about to happen. But in bad weather situations, you may be able to spot early warning signs of trapped water, a build-up of water or dampness rising on the walls within the home. Once you’re aware a flood is building, it’s easier to prevent it from causing a lot of damage. There are guards that can be fitted to gaps such as by external doors, windows and patio doors, as well as covers that can fit over ventilation areas and installing sealants on the floors.
Now you know how to prevent flooding on your property, it’s time to put the tips into practice. Since you never know when flooding can take place, especially if you live in a valley or at the bottom of a hill during bad weather seasons, it’s best to take precautions before it happens, to save you time and money down the line.