Floods can cause a lot of damage to a home, and often the damage is not covered by insurance. There are some things you can do to help prevent or minimize flood damage, such as installing a sump pump, waterproofing your basement and keeping valuables off the floor. You should also have a plan in place for what to do if a flood does occur, such as evacuating your home and turning off the power. To see if we can help you reduce the chances of your home becoming flooded we have put together a list of 10 tips below including some preventative measures you can take.
Keep Your Drainage System well maintained One of the biggest causes of flooding in the home are blocked drains in London or anywhere else for that matter. You should endeavour to have your drains cleaned on a regular basis as this will help prevent blockages which are a major contributor to flooding in the home. Another thing you can do is make sure as soon as you suspect you have a problem with your drains get it dealt with immediately. Failure to resolve issues quickly will generally result in escalating damage and flooding.
Install a Sump Pump
You can reduce or prevent flood damage to your home by installing a sump pump. Sump pumps are used to drain water from basements and away from homes. A sump pump is an important protective measure if you live in a flood-prone area, and if you already have one, make sure it is in good working order and has a charged battery. If your home is already protected by a sump pump, make sure it is operational. Maintaining its functionality requires regular testing. It may be possible for your home to sustain significant water damage in the event of a flood if your sump pump fails.
Waterproof Your Basement
Basement waterproofing is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home from flood damage. When your basement is waterproofed, it means that there is a barrier between the basement and the earth around it, which prevents water from seeping in. There are a few different ways to waterproof your basement, but the most common method is to install a drainage system and seal the walls and floor with a waterproofing membrane.
Check Your Valves
Flooding can often be prevented by checking your valves regularly and making sure they are in good condition. If a valve is faulty or worn out, it can lead to water seeping through and causing flooding. By checking your valves regularly, you can ensure that they are working
properly and fix any problems before they cause any damage. During flooding there is a chance that water may get back up through your pipes into the house so we would advise fitting non-return valves to prevent this from happening.
Think about Sealing Exterior Walls
While most people think that flooding always originates at ground level this is not always the case. In periods of particularly inclement weather and heavy rain water can seep into your home through the walls especially if your brickwork is getting older. Treating your exterior walls with sealant can help prevent flooding in your home. If there is a crack or hole in your wall, water can seep in and cause damage. By sealing your walls, you can prevent this from happening and keep your home safe from flooding.
While there is no 100 % guarantee that the tips we have given you will prevent flooding in your home one thing we are certain of is that they will definitely give you the best chance of escaping water damage to your home.
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