Flooding can cause structural damage, the damage or destruction of your possessions and even the spread of mold and mildew throughout your home.
The following are a few professional tips you should keep in mind in order to minimize flood damage in your home.
- Clean and test the sump pump " Be sure to clean your sump pump and pit regularly. Also, pour water into the pit in order to test the pump periodically. Check to make sure the water from the discharge hose is delivered to an area that's well-drained and slopes away from the house. Make sure the hose outlet isn't too close to the foundation or on flat ground, otherwise the water will recycle back down through the house drain.
- Spare sump pump " Have a submersible portable sump pump nearby as a spare. You never know when something might go wrong with your main sump pump.
- Move your valuables " Items that are valuable, whether of monetary or sentimental value, should be moved to higher locations, such as the second story of your home.
- Move hazardous materials " Materials such as oil, cleaning supplies, paint and other potentially hazardous material should be moved to the top shelves of your closets or even a second story. Taking them off the flood-prone ground floor will prevent them from contaminating water.
- Make sure downspouts are in place " The downspouts should be aimed so melting snow or rainwater will be carried away from the house, not pooling nearby.
- Prevent water from reaching window wells " Your windows won't be able to withstand too much pressure, so make sure water drains away from the house.
For more advice on how to minimize flood damage, contact Rytech Inc. Our water damage specialists are available in 17 states across the nation.
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