Are you or your family dreading a flood? Follow these flood prevention tips to avoid facing any such tragedy at home.
The plumbing equipment and appliances you depend on every day are bound to fail at some point or another, which can damage your home. Whether you live in a flood zone or not, you need to protect your home from water damage, no matter how small it may be. Therefore, you should take measures to keep flood issues at bay.
Learn some flood prevention tips from a trusted water damage restoration company and take action before a small leak becomes a major catastrophe.
- Obtain Flood Insurance Coverage
The home-owners insurance coverage does not cover the damages caused by the flood. Flood insurance coverage is a separate policy, which you should get by talking to your insurance company. You should discuss with them the best possible insurance coverage for you and your home. You will have the option to adjust your premiums, deductibles, and limits to suit your home requirements.Some areas may make it a mandatory requirement for you to obtain flood insurance due to the likelihood of experiencing a flood. Whether you live in a high-risk or low-risk area, you need to obtain flood insurance coverage, as flooding can occur anywhere. Flood insurance coverage has two parts. The first part covers the building, whereas the second part covers the contents or personal belongings of the home.
Alter the Water Valves
To prevent water flooding from the sewage system, you should install either an exterior or interior backflow water valve such as the gate valve, which is more complex and needs to be operated by hand. Even though this may seem inconvenient at first, it will strengthen the seals. However, these valves and flaps open automatically, allowing the water to flow outside and then close when the water attempts to enter inside.You should install gate valves on all the pipes that go into the home.
Moreover, it would be best if you also examined the direction the water flows around your property. For instance, the slope or grading of the surface can direct the water to or away from your property. Make sure that the water drains away from your home.
You can determine this by looking at how the water flows or collects during rain. If the street on which your home is located is prone to have standing water after rain, talk to the proper authority in your area to deal with this situation. They can provide you with suggestions on how to deal with the problem.
- Check and Alter the Systems in Your Home
Inspect the circuit breakers, sockets, wiring, and switches in your home and make sure they are at least one foot above the flood level in your location. You should alter your water heater, furnace, and any other equipment, placing them above your home’s flood level.
You should also elevate and attach the outdoor equipment, such as heating and cooling systems, generators, and fuel tanks above the flood level. Failure to do so can break free and damage the supply lines, leading them to contaminate the surface.
