4 Concerns That Constitute as Plumbing Emergencies
Many residents live in a floodplain. What does that mean? Because of their proximity to rivers, their homes are a bit more susceptible to flooding from overflow after a heavy rain. So, if you do notice water starting to pool around your home, what steps should you take to minimize flood damage as much as possible? Here are a few things you can do:
Prepare your basement
Once water begins pooling around your foundation, there's a chance it can start to drip into your basement, sometimes quickly. Because of this, the first thing you should do when you notice water building up is prepare your basement for a potential flood. Remove all of your valuables from the room, and place any electronics on a higher floor. Then, turn off the basement's electricity completely from your fuse box. Remember: If you're not sure whether your electricity is off, you should never walk or wade through a flooded basement.
Remove as much of the water as possible
The water that's pooling around your home will be hard to remove until the storm is over or the area has had time to drain, but if it's only a small amount of water, you can try using large buckets to transfer it away from your house. If water is already entering your basement, use buckets or a wet/dry vacuum to try to remove as much as you can and limit the damage.
Contact a professional for cleanup
Whether your basement flooded completely or only a little water seeped through your foundation, your home is at risk for water damage and dangerous mold. Hire a professional to complete a water restoration service to clear out any water or moisture and ensure your home is protected from mold growth.
Take preventative measures
Keep in mind that there are always ways to protect your home against flooding, so taking preventative measures can keep it from happening again. Contact your local Roto-Rooter professional to inspect your basement and install a sump pump that will immediately transfer any water that pools in your basement into a nearby storm drain. You can also have French drains installed throughout your yard to keep rain or floodwater from building up around your foundation. Also, if possible, it's a good idea to adjust your landscaping so your yards slope downward, away from your home - this will help water naturally flow in the direction you want it to.