Numerous Americans don’t have flood insurance. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) estimates that only 4% of properties are insured throughout the country through the National Flood Insurance Program. The saddest thing is that even in flood-prone areas, just one in three properties have insurance.
With climate change causing more flooding and extreme weather, plus household occurrences (like burst pipes), it should be an urgent concern. Even if homeowners don’t have flood insurance, they must protect their families, houses, and valuables by taking measures to get water out.
How to Avoid Flooding in Your Home
1. Keep Gutters Clean and Point Your Downspouts Away From Your Home
Most homeowners can handle cleaning their gutters even without hiring contractors. Clean your gutters twice a year – one in fall and one in spring. But if your home is close to many trees, you may need to clean more often in the fall. And during rainfalls, be aware of your gutters and spot overflowing or clogs.
Consider your safety first when cleaning your gutters. Place it on level ground and appropriately lock it in place. Always wear comfortable non-slip shoes every time you go up there. Also, hook an empty bucket to the ladder’s top to collect any debris you will remove. Use gloves and consider taking along a handy garden tool, such as a hand rake, for scraping any wet sludge from the bottom of the gutter.
Moreover, ensure to point your downspouts away from your home in a proper direction. Otherwise, water can pool at the corners of your house, which eventually creates leaks in the basement.
2. Repair Leaks Right Away
A minor water leak in the house may not be a big deal for some but can lead to a bigger problem. First, you have to find the source. Leaks usually occur in the toilet, pipes under the sink, water lines to appliances, pipes in walls, and roof.
If you don’t find the source of the leak, it’s always safe to “call today” and leave it to the experts.
3. Cover Window Wells
Sadly, even newer windows can trap rain and groundwater in the basement. Spending a small amount on good quality window well covers avoids a more expensive flood damage restoration. Opt for covers made of clear acrylic to allow light into your basement.
4. Fill in the Cracks
It’s normal to have minor cracks in your home’s foundation, especially if it’s an old building. But water can come in if you don’t fix it, resulting in flooding and weakening the structure of your house. If you see a tiny crack, use concrete patching paste to fill it in.
5. Install Check Valves on Your Pipes
A burst pipe is one of the major causes of household floods. Ensure that all pipes entering your house are with valves to prevent a flooded sewage system from backing up into your home. Consider using gate valves instead of flap valves because they provide a better seal against flood pressure.
6. Leave Space Between Mulch and Siding
Mulch around your home’s foundation can lead to some unexpected issues without proper care. During the rainy season, wet mulch can rot your house’s siding, which can result in leaks. It’s important to keep space between your siding and mulch so that the base of your home can completely dry after rainstorms.
What to Do If It’s Too Late to Prevent Flooding
In case of flooding due to extreme weather, you need to ensure your family’s safety first. Then save important documents, like passports and legal documents, photographs, appliances, and other valuables. If you don’t have flood insurance, review your auto policy. Though your homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damage, your car insurance may pay for the damage if the flood wrecked your vehicle.
Nonprofit organizations like the Red Cross can help. Check with your local government, state, and the national government for assistance, like free meals, temporary shelter, and any other help you need. There’s no other way to repair and restore your property than hiring a professional water damage restoration company, like www.puroclean.com.
You may apply for a low-interest loan for the expenses and pick experienced contractors and be aware of hidden charges. Besides, you don’t want to spend extra on something you didn’t know in the first place, especially during these difficult times.
