It’s often the case that the most idyllic house locations are also those that are most likely to flood. This is partly because of how attractive it is to live by the water. It’s also related to the amount of heavy rain that you experience. As extreme weather systems seem to be increasing, the risk of flooding is also increasing for many households.
When your house floods, you will lose many of your personal possessions, some of which are irreplaceable. At the least, this is traumatic and emotionally challenging.
That’s why it’s essential to consider the risk of flooding today and take steps to prevent it from happening.
Raising Your House
This isn’t something that most people can do. However, if you’re building a house and know it is in a flood area, you can build the house on stilts. This will effectively lift your home above the water level and prevent it from getting into your home.
Of course, you’ll need to know how high the water can rise to ensure your home is above that level.
The Sump Pump
Perhaps the simplest and potentially most efficient solution is to install a sump pump, these are also known as submersible pumps. The idea is to create a pit in your basement. The pit becomes the lowest point of your home. In effect, any water that enters your home will go here first.
In the pit, you place a submersible pump with a sensor. The pump will need to have a pipe connected that allows it to direct water out of the house. Make sure the water is being sent away from the house and won’t just come back in!
The sensor activates the pump when it detects water. This ensures the pump will protect your home from flooding before you even realize there is an issue.
The key to this system working successfully is to regularly maintain and service the pump and sensor. Don’t forget that a battery backup is a good idea, in case the extreme weather knocks out the power supply.
Waterproof Coatings And Sealants
These are a great idea if your home is sat below the water table level. Apply the sealants to all the walls below the ground and around doors and windows. It will ensure they are sealed and reflect the water away.
In other words, water can’t come through your walls.
Electrics
Any ground floor or lower electrics should be raised to protect them against water entering your home. It’s best to know the flood level and put them at least one foot above this. An expert can help you assess the likely flood level and relocate the electrics.
Grade Your Garden
Finally, take a look at your garden and make sure it is graded, effectively directing water away from your home, not too it. This is one of the biggest reasons that houses flood and surprisingly easy to rectify.
Being prepared really does pay off as your home stays dry, even in the harshest conditions.
Related Read: How To Clean Your House After Flooding