5 Ways to Prevent Spring Thaw Flooding

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

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In the Pacific Northwest we know springtime as being stormy and just plain wet. Heavy rains, combined with thawing snow from nearby mountains, carry the risk of sudden and severe flooding. If you live in a flood zone, here are a few simple steps you can take to protect your home from springtime floods:

1) Check Your Drainage Systems

All modern homes are built with water drainage in mind – but if the water has nowhere to go, it’ll back up right into your house. Check the nearby flood drains for any signs of blockages, as well as any floor drains you may have indoors (in the garage or laundry room, for instance). If your home has rooftop drains, don’t forget to take a look at those too.

2) Clear Out Your Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are also important parts of your drainage system – they prevent water from collecting on the roof, and route it away from the house’s foundation. And although you should check them at least a couple of times each year, it’s after autumn and winter that most blockages occur. Fallen leaves, twigs, snow, and ice chunks can all cause water to pool and seep into your home if not removed.

3) Install a Sump Pump

When water enters your basement – whether through an obvious flood or through slow leaking underground – there’s no time to waste in getting rid of it. Sump pumps protect your home by automatically activating when water is detected, and pumping it safely out of the area.

If you already have a sump pump at home, this is a great time to make sure the intake valve is clear and that the pump is working properly. You can test it by removing the lid, pouring some water into the crock, and ensuring that the device turns on and begins pumping.

4) Set Up a Water Alarm / Flood Sensor

This isn’t something a lot of people think about, but any homeowner would do well to install a water alarm, sometimes also referred to as a flood sensor. They work much like a fire alarm, alerting you immediately when unwanted water is detected in your home and before the damage can spiral out of control. These devices usually start at a very affordable $10-15 – a small price to pay for peace of mind.

5) Purchase Flood Insurance

When it comes to water damage, an ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of cure. But everyone gets caught off-guard sometimes, and having sufficient insurance makes the cure a lot easier to swallow. Make sure your home insurance policy covers flooding, especially if your home is in a flood-prone area.