Your home is one of your most important investments. Whether you rent or own your dwelling, keeping it in tiptop shape is essential to the safe and convenient operation of your household.
Unfortunately, things happen no matter how prepared you are. A simple household accident can turn into house floods if you’re not careful.
Regardless of how it happens, a flooded house can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation. But if you know the most common causes of a flood, proper preparation and mitigation can help minimize damage.
Burst Pipes and Leaks
The most common cause of a house flood is a burst pipe or leak. This can happen anywhere in your home but is most likely to occur in areas where there is a lot of water pressure, such as the kitchen or bathroom. A burst pipe can cause a lot of water damage in a short amount of time, so it is important to know what to do if it happens to you.
If you have a flood in your home, the first thing you should do is turn off the water at the main valve. This will stop the flow of water and help to prevent further damage. Once the water is off, you can start to assess the damage and begin the flood cleanup process.
It’s important to maintain your home’s plumbing and to fix any leaks as soon as possible. You should also have a plan in place for what to do if a flood does occur.
Overflowing Gutters and Drains
Heavy rain can sometimes overwhelm your house’s gutters and drains. If this happens, water will pool on your roof and eventually seep into your home, causing flooding.
To prevent this from happening, regularly clean your gutters and drains and make sure they are clear of debris. You should also inspect your gutters and drains regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. If you know a storm is coming, take extra precautions to ensure your gutters and drains can handle the expected amount of rain.
Faulty Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are used to pump out water that has accumulated in a sump pit, typically located in the basement of a home. When sump pumps fail, flooding can occur.
A flood prevention tip for this one is to regularly inspect and maintain the sump pumps. Homeowners should also consider installing a backup sump pump system in case of failure.
Preventing House Floods
Homeowners should be aware of the common causes of house floods in order to prevent them. Some causes, like heavy rains, are out of our control. But others like clogged gutters and broken pipes can be prevented with proper maintenance.
By knowing the causes of floods, we can take steps to protect our homes and limit the damage when floods do occur.
Which of these common causes of flooding did you identify?