How Can I Protect My Home from Floods?

1. Keep gutters clean

Homeowners should clear out their gutters and downspouts at least twice a year. These fixtures ensure that rainwater is sent away from the house, but their work can be significantly impeded if they are clogged with leaves and debris. If a gutter is obstructed, water will flow over, leading directly to the foundation of your home, making it possible that a flood will develop in your basement.

2. Check your seals

Leaks can be a big factor when it comes to floods. Even a small leak can break open to damage areas in your home. It's important to verify that all water connections, hookups and pipes are connected securely and that any leaks are patched up. Homeowners can use flashing to seal edges between roofs and chimneys. All weather caulking is highly effective for sealing gaps around door and window frames. Plumbing leaks in pipes can be repaired by an experienced plumber to prevent damage to walls and floors. Change your rubber washing machine hoses every three years and inspect them regularly for bulges or cracks. Each of these methods all work well to protect your home from flooding and water damage. Watch this helpful video for more flood prevention tips.

3. Adjust your equipment and systems

Floods can take out your systems and damage your equipment. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you can raise circuit breakers, wiring, switches and sockets a foot above the expected flood level in your area to ensure that it still functions. Equipment like AC units, generators, water heaters and furnaces can be raised and anchored above the potential flood level to prevent them from breaking free or malfunctioning.

4. Invest in battery backups

An offline sump pump can lead to floods within your home. If the power goes out or the equipment has an error, water will not be expelled, causing it to build up in the sump pit and beneath the basement floor until it spills into your basement. Battery-powered sump pumps are an easy and relatively inexpensive solution to keeping water out and ensuring your home stays dry even in the event of a power failure or if the primary pump stops working for any other reason..

If your home is likely to flood, you'll need to take steps to protect it. A Roto-Rooter plumbing professional can ensure that your systems are prepared to weather the storm and that damage is minimized as much as possible. And if water does get in, A Roto-Rooter water damage cleanup and restoration crew can remove it and dry out your home or business.