Reducing Flood Risk to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Biddeford-Saco

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Biddeford-Saco to get the restoration process started right away.

Wherever you live in the Biddeford-Saco region, it is important to prepare your home for a potential flood. Water can cause massive damage, even if it is only an inch or two.

Did you know that certain areas that aren’t typically prone to flooding may not even qualify for federal recovery aid? Preparing your home ahead of time can help reduce your repair costs if you do suffer damage.

Protecting your home includes both the inside of your house and around your property. Our risk of flooding originates around the Saco River when the water levels rise. We are also at risk when the snow melts in the springtime or when a severe storm with heavy rain comes through town.

<h3your-property">Protecting Your Property

All it takes is one instance of heavy rain to leave your yard wet and your gutters flowing over. Unexpected events like this can be avoided by preparing your home outside before incoming weather.

Clear out your gutters and remove any blockages so that the water can flow through them freely. You can also add extended downspouts to make sure the water flows even further away from your home.

Your garden can also be a preventive measure when it comes to flooding! If you plant your garden in an area that can help collect water, the soil and roots of your plants will help pull the water down into the earth. You can also utilize mulch along your home’s foundation to soak up extra rain water.

In addition to a garden, consider investing in a rain barrel to help collect all of that rain flowing from your gutters. That way you can control exactly where the water goes, and you can give your garden a free drink!

<h3protection-inside">Flood Protection Inside

Many flood problems originate in the basement, so it is important that your foundation is waterproof and your basement is sealed from any moisture troubles.

You can also look into installing a sump pump if your house can support one to help pump out water if it does make its way in. Having a battery-operated one can help ensure you are always prepared to address water issues even if your power goes out.

If you do wind up finding water in your home, don’t panic! Follow some simple steps to address the situation carefully and make sure to fully dry out the area.

If your home has older plumbing or aging appliances, be aware that those situations are two of the most common reasons for in-home flooding. Seal up any leaky pipes, and consider installing a leak sensor below your appliances to alert you right away to the beginning of a water leak.

Floodwater loves paper, so be careful to keep photographs, important documents and other keepsakes off of the ground and store them in a waterproof area. You also should keep your emergency plan in a safe location so you can always access it.

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.