Did you know that the average household’s leaks can waste 10,000 gallons of water every year? That adds up to over a trillion gallons across the country annually. And while some leaks are a little trickle, others can turn into a big flood that could cause significant damage.
Water damage from floods can be extremely dangerous and expensive to repair. Are you concerned about residential flooding? Luckily, this guide can teach you how to prevent flooding in your home.
Common Causes of Flooding
There are many different causes of flooding, ranging from a burst pipe to a failed sump pump. If your house’s eavestroughs or gutters are full of debris, water can pool and leak into your home. Sometimes a clogged toilet can be the culprit if it overflows and floods the bathroom.
How to Prevent Flooding
One of the top ways to prevent flooding in your home is to make sure that the foundation is solid. Use a sealant to fill any cracks in your foundation, and then have the interior of your basement waterproofed. You can check out a good example of this here at https://luxcando.com/basement-waterproofing/fairfax-va/ online and learn more about waterproofing.
Flood Prevention Maintenance
In addition to those methods of flood prevention, you can develop a flood prevention maintenance routine. Have your eavestroughs and gutters cleaned regularly. If you have a basement, make sure your sump pump is serviced every year.
Is your House in a Flood Zone?
There are many parts of the country that are in a flood zone. This means that there is a high risk of flooding when certain conditions occur, whether it is from rising sea levels, overflowing rivers, etc. You can check out government flood maps in your area to find out whether or not your property is in a flood zone.
Use Technology
If you want peace of mind in regard to leaks in your home, you can utilize technology. There are flood sensors that can be added to your home security system that will alert you to small leaks when they occur.
Prepare for Floods
For homeowners who live in a flood zone, it’s important to take the necessary steps in advance to protect your property from damage. If your home has multiple stories, store valuables on the highest floor. Move furniture off of the ground floor and try to sandbag doors and other gaps that could allow floodwaters in during a flood event.
Protect your Home from Flooding
Now that you’ve learned how to prevent flooding, you can protect your home with confidence. Create a flood prevention maintenance plan to ensure that your house gets regular check-ups every year. And if you are in a flood zone, stay informed during flood conditions and be ready and prepared in order to safeguard your home.