Did you know, according to Canada.ca, every 2 out of 10 homes are at risk of flooding? But most of us are not even aware of it. Flooding damage can be a nightmare for homeowners because of the amount of physical, emotional, and financial distress it comes with.
Floods arrive with many dangers that can severely affect your health and cause damage to your property. It carries wastewater from drains and fills your home with all sorts of dangerous bacteria that can lead you to allergies, pneumonia, and other health diseases.
Excessive water caused by flooding can weaken the structural integrity of your building and damage valuable belongings. Even after getting rid of the flood, the calamity isn’t over. The aftermath poses potential mold growth, which itself is a threat to your health and property.
If you are wondering how to prevent flooding in home. Fear not! In this blog, we will provide you with the top 10 most effective flood prevention tips by which you can keep your family safe and prevent flooding from grasping all your property and valuables.
So let’s jump straight into the top 10 flood prevention methods:
1. Install A Sump Pump
Installing a water sump pump is one of the best ways to prevent flooding in home. Usually, sump pumps are installed in the basement to prevent flooding during heavy rain. The best thing is it automatically activates itself when water starts to build up and takes action to remove it. This simple investment can be a lifesaver during any sort of flooding issue.
We recommend installing a water sump pump with a battery backup so that you can be safe even if the power goes out. If you already have a sump pump installed, make sure to inspect it regularly to see if it’s working properly.
You can contact a professional plumbing service in Toronto to maintain your water sump pump from time to time, ensuring your safety during any flooding hazard.
2. Fill In Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks can allow water to seep into your home, causing home flooding and structural damage to your house. Some little cracking is common for foundations, but don’t ignore them. Filling these cracks will help you to avoid bigger issues later.
If you want to prevent flooding, start by examining your foundation for any visible cracks inside and outside your home. If you notice any small cracks, you can use concrete patching cement to fill them. However, consult a professional plumbing service to assess the damage and provide appropriate recommendations for tackling more severe cracks.
3. Keep Gutters Clean
Clogged rain gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and cause damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping. This is why it’s extremely important to keep your drainage pipes clean to prevent flooding.
Be extra cautious during spring and fall seasons because of dried leaves. Add leave guards to prevent debris buildup in your drain pipes. Check out This Old House’s blog on how you can also use downspout extenders which divert water up to 10 ft. away, to have extra protection from a puddle of water.
Regularly cleaning your drainage pipes will keep you safe from Toronto Flood ruining your home and save you from many expensive repairs.
4. Grade Your Yard
Grading your yard is another useful tip to prevent flooding in heavy rain that directs water away from your home’s foundation to drainage areas. If you notice the water accumulating near your home when it’s raining outside, you know your yard isn’t graded properly. Consult a professional landscaper for assistance in correcting your yard’s grading.
The soil surrounding your home should angle away from the foundation and toward the yard. Check the grade of your surrounding soil and add soil as needed to achieve a slope of at least one-quarter inch per foot to prevent flooding effectively. This might seem like a lot of work but think about the hassle and damage home flooding can do!
5. Check Window Well Covers
If your home has basement windows with wells, it’s crucial to have strong covers to prevent flooding. These will help you to keep out leaves, debris, and excess water from entering the window wells. Ensure that the covers are securely installed and in good condition.
If you don’t have window covers, rain, and groundwater can easily access your basement. Installing them isn’t going to cost you much but will provide a lot of value. You can choose a clear acrylic cover so that you get enough light coming to your basement.
6. Install Flood Sensors and Alarms
Imagine you are sleeping, and right after waking up, you saw your home completely flooded. Such misery, right? One of the most useful flood prevention tips is to install a flood sensor to avoid such drastic situations.
Investing in flood sensors and alarms that can alert you to potential flooding before it becomes a major issue. These devices can detect rising water levels and send notifications to your smartphone, allowing you to take immediate action and prevent flooding and it’s damage.
Find out more about the best flood sensors from The New York Times.
7. Install A Backwater Valve
A backwater valve is a simple yet effective device that prevents sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rains or flooding. This valve helps your plumbing system to work efficiently and prevents potentially hazardous situations.
In some flood situations, municipal sewage line blockage can push back water’s flow making the dirty water drive back into your home from the street. In this situation, a backwater valve prevents sewage water from entering your home, keeping your basement and bathroom safe from flooding.
Check out our blog on backwater valve installation for a more detailed view. Consult a professional plumbing service to ensure proper installation and functionality.
8. Maintain Plumbing and Water Supply Lines
Maintaining your plumbing system increases the lifespan of your plumbing system and enhances the quality of your water by keeping your pipes clean. Regularly inspect your plumbing system for leaks, corrosion, and damage. Replace worn-out hoses and fittings, and ensure that all water supply lines are in good condition.
Also, know the location of your main water shut-off valve and how to use it, so you can quickly turn off the water in an emergency. We recommend hiring a professional plumbing service in Toronto to inspect and maintain your plumbing system regularly.
9. Waterproof Valuables
It is a great idea to waterproof all belongings that mean a lot to you and put them in a lockable container. These can be documents like birth certificates, passports, property papers, etc. Basically, anything that holds the utmost importance in our life.
Although Ziploc-style bags may seem like a smart option, containers are made to survive floods and are more reliable in keeping important papers safer. One simple step can help you from massive hassle if you ever come across an unfortunate flooding situation.
10. Elevate Appliances and Electrical Systems
Despite all these precautions, water can still manage to enter your home sometimes. Even in such a situation, you can save your valuable devices and appliances by simply elevating them. Being vigilant and keeping them high off the floor by at least a few inches can minimize a lot of damage if unfortunate flooding happens.
You can buy pedestals separately or get them with some washers and dryers so they are raised off the floor. If you have that DIY spirit, you may construct a platform to place appliances on in case of floods so they stay dry.
You know water is the worst enemy of your electrical system. If the electrical system once comes in contact with water, it can bring an immense amount of danger. Ensure that electrical outlets and wiring are at a safe height above potential floodwaters so that you don’t have to face any unfortunate calamity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, flooding can posses immense dangers to homeowners, yet many are unaware of this. It’s crucial to prevent flooding to keep your loved ones safe and save your property and valuables.
You can start by installing a pump sump which is one of the best ways to prevent flooding. Other than that, you can take proactive steps like filling in the foundation cracks, keeping your sewage lines clean, and grading your yard properly with the help of a professional plumbing service in Toronto.
Also, maintaining your window well covers and water supplies will help you to stop water overflow, lessening the chances of flooding. Installing flood sensors and backwater valves will get you alerted as soon as flooding starts so that you can safeguard your family members and valuable belongings.
Finally, waterproofing your important items and elevating your electrical lines will help you to get a headstart in preventing flood damage compared to most homeowners.
So, follow our expert prevention steps and gain the peace of mind that you are all prepared and well ahead in preventing the Toronto flood.
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