As everyone living in Northeastern Indiana can agree, flooding is a constant threat for property owners during the spring and summer months. As soon as we get the mobile notification that announces the severe weather alert, it can be nerve-wracking to wonder if or when our homes or buildings will be flooded. Unless you are on the 2nd floor or higher, your home or building can be at severe risk for water seeping into your foundation.
However, ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors is an expert in flood extraction as well as providing tips for what you can do to prevent this catastrophe from occurring. While these do not guarantee that flooding will not occur, they will significantly reduce your chances of finding a swimming pool in your basement. Learn how to prevent flooding with these prevention tips:1. Install a Sump PumpThese beautiful home additions can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs by effectively pumping the water away from your foundation. Usually located in the basement, this mechanism can prevent in-home flooding if the storm is not severe. However, you will want to test it periodically by filling it with water to make sure it is in perfect working condition. This way, you will be ready for when the foundation is facing the risk of water seepage. 2. Inspect the FoundationYou may not realize it, but your home or building is vulnerable to water or flood damage from any part of the foundation. Because it is connected to a number of pipes, it may contain cracks in the cement, or the sealing within the floorboards may be wearing away; therefore, there is always the risk of flooding during each rainstorm. But to prevent the water from seeping in, be sure to inspect the following building materials:
4. Invest in Flood SensorsMany property owners are unaware of this new mechanism, but you can invest in a flood detection and prevention sensor to be notified in the earliest stages of flooding. They can be included within home security packages that are offered by LifeShield, FrontPoint, Vivint, ADT, SimpliSafe, and others. They also detect other sources of flooding, including unattended faucets, water-related appliance malfunctions, corroded water softeners, burst or leaking pipes, and other possible sources. But as soon as the water has been detected, you will receive a notification via text or e-mail to address the problem before it becomes catastrophic. 5. Automated Shutoff ValvesAgain, thanks to modern technology, you can also invest in automatic shutoff valves that will cut off the main water supply to the property when detecting an approaching flood. It can be installed near the main water inlet and will activate as soon as the flood sensor detects a water leak on the property. Although the mechanisms themselves are inexpensive to purchase, they should be installed by a trained plumber that is knowledgeable in cutting pipes. As long as they are installed correctly, they can prevent major flooding within the property, saving you from a huge headache of restoring building materials. 6. Raise Electrical ComponentsAlthough it can be costly, raising switches, circuit breakers, sockets, and wiring in the basement can save you from sustaining severe electrical damage in the future. In addition, make sure that all appliances under ground level are raised at least a few inches off the floor so they are not submerged if flooding does occur. Calling for Emergency ServicesWhile these tips can certainly reduce your chances of sustaining severe water damage during rainstorms, they will not guarantee that it will never happen. Water damage is actually common in many properties due to the significant number of sources. These can include burst or leaking pipe, cracks within the foundation, severe natural flooding, appliance malfunction, sewer backups, and many more. If you do happen to experience flooding on your property, you should never hesitate to call a professional water damage restoration company, such as ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors. If you wait any longer, the damage will spread to affect new surfaces, even harbor perfect conditions for mold to grow. But our technicians are trained and experienced in disaster restoration services, including flood cleanup and mold removal. In the case that you have a water-related emergency, do not hesitate to call us at (260) 420-1502. We are available 24/7 and will arrive within 2 hours of your first call. The original article was first published at www.servicemaster-rc.com/how-to-prevent-flooding/ Comments are closed.
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When it comes to disaster restoration and providing peace of mind in emergency property damage situations, catastrophe victims have been looking to ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors, a family owned and operated business since 1975. Servicing the Fort Wayne and the Northeastern Indiana area, we are proud to serve both small and large residential and commercial properties. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |