Tips to Prevent Home Flooding

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

1. Fix roof leaks.

Regularly inspect the roof for noticeable signs of water damage. Stains along ceilings and walls, mold in the attic and black marks are indicative of a leaky roof. While fixing the actual roof leak requires little effort, pinpointing the exact location of the leak is the most challenging part.

Find the roof leak by partnering with a friend. One partner hoses water along the roof, while the other looks for penetrations from inside the attic. Once the leak is discovered, take steps to seal the leak with caulk or re-shingle the defective areas of the roof.

2. Repair plumbing leaks.

Leaky pipes are not only a nuisance but can lead to extensive water damage if left unaddressed. Homeowners know they have a leaky pipe in their midst when water pools in the basement. Other telling signs include buckling, visible condensation and rusted pipes.

Small leaks can be temporarily handled by homeowners until a licensed plumber offers a long-lasting solution. Adhere waterproof tape over the leak on the dry pipe. While the tape stops the leak for the short-term, another leak may spring up elsewhere. Call a plumber immediately for a permanent fix.

3. Maintain the gutter.

If your building’s gutters aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, you risk water leaking into the building through its roof or foundation.

A clean gutter performs its task efficiently. Homeowners should remove leaves and debris from their gutter system at least twice annually, once in spring and once in autumn. Installing leaf guards prevents the accumulation of debris. Ensure the gutter downspout extends 10 feet away from the home.

Though a gutter is out of sight and out of mind, the importance of maintenance is clear. A clogged gutter sends a waterfall down the home’s siding, leading to a pool of water around the home’s perimeter. The foundation may begin to leak, leading to potential flooding in the basement.

4. Seal foundation cracks.

Excess moisture is responsible for cracks in the foundation. Every foundation displays trivial cracks. If either hairline or large cracks are noticeable along the foundation, take immediate steps to seal the flaws. Prompt attention only costs a few dollars and thwarts a pricey repair.

Minor cracks may be sealed with hydraulic cement or a vinyl concrete patching compound. Extensive cracks should be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulk. Use a caulking gun to push the sealants into the cracks, letting the material dry, then reapplying a second layer.

5. Regrade the lawn.

This DIY project is due if the yard slopes toward the home. With a downward slope, the force of gravity allows water to pool around the home whenever wet conditions exist. Consequently, the basement stands at a high risk for flooding.

Add topsoil around the home and plant grasses to create a slope and ensure moisture is directed away from the home—not toward it. The best time to engage in regrading the yard is late summer or early autumn. When the winter season hits, the lawn should be adequately settled.

6. Replant the greenery.

Vegetation, like trees with aggressive roots, can weaken the strongest foundation and make it susceptible to damage and flooding. Plant pesky greenery, like maples and aspens, at least 20 feet away from the home. Consider removing troublesome shrubs and trees if they are located too close to the property.

7. Maintain the sump pump.

Proper sump pump maintenance keeps flooding at bay. Regularly test the sump pump. Take extra precautions and install a backup sump pump in the event the electricity is cut or the pump is overloaded during heavy rains. If using a battery powered unit, keep the battery fully charged.

8. Install back flow valves.

When a sewer line is overflowed by flooding, the raw sewage water can back up the drain. The foul invasion can be prevented by installing back flow valves, which operate by blocking the pipes temporarily. As a result, sewer water has no path to re-enter the home.