Flooding has become quite common with a lot of people losing their homes and possessions in the process. If you live in a flooding prone area, you need to know the best ways to protect your home from flooding.
1. Make Sure The In-House Climate And Electrical Systems Are Safeguarded
The electrical sockets, wiring and the circuit breakers should be placed at least one foot above the flood levels in your home or the area. After the flood occurs, you should call a Kaneohe electrician or electrician near in your area to check your electrical systems for the safety of your family. Also, you need to modify the water heater, the furnace and any other indoor equipment to make sure they are above the flood levels.
2. Elevate And Anchor The Outdoor Equipment
Generators, air-conditioning systems, and fuel tanks should be elevated about the flood level and anchored accordingly. If not, they will break free and the supply lines will reach the water levels posing a dangerous risk. The electrical power units or generators should never be placed directly on the ground. In the event of a flood emergency, the backup generators will become useless if they are placed on the ground and the flood water reaches them.
3. Modify The Water Valves
If the sewer system is flooded, it will cause a sewage back-up into your home. You need to install a backflow valve in the interior or exterior of the home. You should also consider adding gate valves. They are actually more complex and it’s easy to operate them manually. Actually, they have a stronger seal than their counterparts such as flap valves or check valves. Note that, the latter usually opens automatically to remove the water and closes when anything tries to get inside. Make sure the valves are installed on all the pipes getting to the house to prevent flooding.
4. Learn How The Water Flows Around Your House
The slope or grading of the ground will determine how water is directed to or away from your house. You will enjoy the benefits if the house was built with the water draining away from it. You can determine it easily by checking how the water accumulates or flows during a regular rainstorm. If there is some standing water during regular rainstorms, you need to talk to the experts.
5. Consider A Retrofit
Does your home flood frequently? Are you stranded such that moving isn’t an option? You need to consider a retrofit to protect your home in the event of flooding. You can raise the columns or piers above the flood level. You can also wet-proof or dry-proof your home to prevent any incidents.
You can call water damage services if your home has been exposed to damage from water leaks or major floods. They can make your home properly dried, cleaned, and restored.