how can you protect your house from water

^{Flood-proofing renovations}

• Raise your home on stilts or piers. While expensive to build retroactively, raising your house on stilts will raise your house's flood level. ...
• Install foundation vents or a sump pump. Foundation vents, a form of "wet flood-proofing," allow water to flow through your home, rather than pool around it. ...
• Apply coatings and sealants. A form of "dry flood-proofing," coatings and sealants that you apply to your foundation, walls, windows and doorways help prevent flood water from leaking into your ...
• Raise your electrical outlets and switches. All outlets, switches, sockets and circuit breakers should be at least one foot above flood level to avoid significant electrical damage in the case ...
Install check valves on your pipes. Make sure that all pipes entering your house have valves to prevent a flooded sewage system from backing up into your home. ...
Grade your lawn away from the house. If your lawn tilts toward your house, rainwater will pool around your home. ...
Leave space between mulch and siding. Wet mulch can rot your house's siding, which in turn can lead to leaks. ...
Point your downspouts away from your home. If your gutter runoff is not pointed away from your house in an appropriate direction, it can pool at the corners of your ...

Full Answer

How can I prevent water damage to my home?

Check sprinklers and irrigation systems to be sure they are not creating water damage to the walls and foundations of the house. Turn off and drain outside faucets to protect against frozen pipes. Install gutter guards to prevent gutter clogs and keep water flowing away from the house instead of accumulating on the roof.

How do you keep water out of your basement walls?

You can apply a sealant to your walls, windows, doorways and foundation that will help keep water from penetrating your home. These sealants can be purchased at most home retailers or hardware stores. Buy a battery-powered sump pump. Sump pumps are a great way to prevent flooding in your home.

Why is it important to protect your home’s Foundation from water?

So to keep your house strong for years to come, it’s important to protect your home’s foundation from water—both from the outside and from the inside. Foundation water damage can cause cracking to occur, which can ultimately weaken your foundation, compromise the safety of your home, and lead to major repair expenses.

How do you protect your home from heavy rain?

Use a rain barrel to catch runoff. Regularly clean and maintain your eavestroughs and gutters so that they’re not blocked. Keep storm drains near your home clear of leaves and debris. Repair or replace your roof if shingles are deteriorating or missing.

What is the Ocean Protect Your Water logo?

Ocean"Protect Your Water" logo with the image of a glass and faucet. You can also use stencils to produce and distribute flyers to your neighbors. Remind residents that storm drains dump directly into their local water source.

What is the first step in assessing the protection area for public water systems?

States have completed the first step of assessing the protection area for all public water systems. Each assessment includes a delineation, a contaminant inventory, and susceptibility determination. You may find that the assessment in your local area is outdated.

What is the CCR for drinking water?

Your drinking water utility includes information about the drinking water source in their annual drinking water quality report, also called a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). A CCR also tells you how to get a copy of the source water assessment for your drinking water source. Find your local CCR online.

Why do we need to post signs along the water supply?

Post signs along the border of your source water protection area to notify people that any pollution in that area can affect the quality of local drinking water.

What are the threats to water quality?

Discuss water quality threats, including the dangers of polluted runoff and ecosystem loss. In your presentation, highlight actions people can take to protect water quality, such as limiting fertilizer use and properly maintaining their septic systems.

Can you pour hazardous waste down the drain?

Don't pour hazardous waste down the drain, on the ground, or into storm sewers. This could contaminate the soil, groundwater, or nearby surface water. A number of products used at home contain hazardous or toxic substances that can contaminate ground or surface waters, such as: Motor oil. Pesticides.

Is water a shared resource?

Water is a shared resource. You can work within your community, watershed, or neighborhood to protect your drinking water. Many partners are involved in implementing source water protection through watershed management strategies involving: Assessing the potential sources of contamination in the protection area;

Why is it important to protect your foundation from water?

So to keep your house strong for years to come, it’s important to protect your home’s foundation from water—both from the outside and from the inside. Foundation water damage can cause cracking to occur, which can ultimately weaken your foundation, compromise the safety of your home, and lead to major repair expenses.

How far away should downspouts be from foundation?

Downspouts should be designed to move water at least 10 feet away from your foundation. This will prevent the water from finding its way back to your foundation, even in major storms. If your downspouts aren’t currently emptying water at least 10 feet away from your home, in most cases the solution is as simple as purchasing downspout extensions ...

How much foundation should be visible for brick?

At a minimum, six inches of foundation should be visible for brick ...

Why is it important to check for low spots around the perimeter of a foundation?

Because ground can shift and settle over time, it’s important to check for any low or sunken spots around the perimeter of your foundation and to fill these in as needed. Extended periods without rain can cause the ground around your foundation to dry and shrink. Then, if the area around your house receives too much water too quickly ...

Can a sump pump handle water?

While a sump pump will take care of most of the groundwater that makes its way into your home, in the event of a flood, broken pipe, or another disaster, your sump pump may not be able to handle the amount of unwanted water. So in these cases, it’s in your best interest ...

What to do before traveling to prevent water damage?

Here’s what Travelers specialists recommend doing before you travel to help prevent water-related damage: Shut off your main water valve or, at the very least, the valves to individual appliances, such as your washing machine and toilets. Before shutting off your main valve, always consult a professional.

How to keep your home warm when it's cold?

Set your thermostat properly. If it’s cold, make sure your home will get continuous heat while you’re away (maintain a minimum temperature of 55°F). Install smart leak detection sensors. These will alert you if a water leak occurs while you’re out. Make sure you have a neighbor or friend on call in case it happens.

Why is it important to know where your water shut off valve is?

You’ll want to know where the shut-off valves are so you can isolate a leak when it occurs and help minimize the damage to your home.

What to do if you notice a drip in your plumbing?

If you notice a drip or signs of a leak, or other potential plumbing problems, immediately call a professional. Regularly inspect your exposed pipes and plumbing parts for signs of corrosion, cracks, deposits, discoloration and other indication of wear and tear.

What is the most common water damage?

But most water damage that homeowners experience is the result of leaks in pipes and connections frequently due to maintenance issues. When this happens while you are away or on vacation, it can be especially disastrous.

How to avoid loss of property?

Here are some tips to consider to help you avoid heartbreaking damage to or loss of your property: 1. Only Run Your Appliances When You’re at Home – and Awake. Appliances, as well as their supply lines, can fail at any moment, and turning them on before leaving the house creates a significant risk.

How long do water lines last?

Some supply lines are only designed for five or 10 years, but some people keep them until they fail, long after the designated life span.

How to prevent water from coming back into basement?

Install a backwater valve. Though less common than other causes of basement water, sewer backups are messy. Learn more about your sewer responsibilities and install and maintain a backwater valve, which allows sewage to go out, but not come back in.

How to prevent frozen pipes in house?

Check sprinklers and irrigation systems to be sure they are not creating water damage to the walls and foundations of the house. Turn off and drain outside faucets to protect against frozen pipes.

Why does water seep into my basement?

Water in the basement is often caused by cracks in building foundations or floor slabs. If you notice water seepage after heavy rain when you've never had a problem, it may mean that your once-waterproof cement floors and basement walls have deteriorated. Painting vulnerable areas with water sealant can prevent seepage.

How to prevent freezing pipes from bursting?

Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting. Check plumbing and heating pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have any necessary repairs made immediately.

How to prevent seepage in a building?

Painting vulnerable areas with water sealant can prevent seepage. Make sure water drains away from the building. Seepage is exacerbated by soil that has settled in a way to make water flow toward the building.

How to keep shower water from running while on vacation?

When away on vacation, shut off the water supply to the washing machine and never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running. Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home.

What is water damage insurance?

Different types of water damage are insured by different types of policies. Homeowners and renters insurance provides coverage for burst pipes, wind drive n rain and damage result ing from ice dams on your roof. Generally speaking, water that comes from the top down—such as rainfall and burst sprinklers—is covered by ...

How to protect your HVAC system?

Protect your HVAC system; if possible, have a professional elevate the furnace and hot water tank so that it is not sitting on the basement floor.

Why do you need window well covers?

Consider getting window well covers so that water does not accumulate.

What to do when your plumber is checking the weeping tile?

While your plumber is checking the weeping tile, have them look at the sump-pit and sump pump too (if you have them) to ensure they are working correctly and not blocked.

How far should downspouts be from house?

Make sure your downspouts extend three to six feet and drain in a direction away from your home as well as your neighbour’s.

Can grease be put down drains?

Never pour fats, oils and grease down your drains; they may solidify and contribute to clogged pipes.

Can you control weather in Canada?

Canada’s increasingly weird weather may be impacting your home insurance premiums. But, while you cannot control the weather, you can shop your home insurance rate to see if you could be spending less for the coverage you need.

How to protect your home from flooding?

Besides being prepared in the event of an evacuation, there are several things you can do to physically protect your home from flooding. Seal up any cracks in your foundation. You can purchase some very affordable mortar or masonry caulk which can be used to fill in any gaps in the foundation completely.

How to stop water from seeping into your home?

However, if water seeping into your home is a continuous problem, you may want to look for a more permanent fix. Apply coatings and sealants. You can apply a sealant to your walls, windows, doorways and foundation that will help keep water from penetrating your home. These sealants can be purchased at most home retailers or hardware stores.

How high should electrical equipment be above flood level?

All electrical equipment should be at least one foot above flood level to help reduce the risk of electrical damage. Have your lawn graded away from your home. If your lawn is tilted towards your house, this allows rain water to pool there and have a better chance of seeping in.

How to stop electrical damage from flooding?

Utilize sand bags to block any gaps that could lead to flooding. If flood water rises enough where it is close to reaching your electric panel, shut it off to prevent electrical damage. Open up windows and door (if it is not raining) to allow air to circulate through your home and dry things out.

What appliances should be raised above flood level?

In addition to these tips, you should also make sure that appliances in your home are raised above the flood level as well. Water heaters, washing machines, air conditioners, etc. should all be raised above flood level, especially if they are in your basement.

What to do if you have multiple story home?

If you have a multiple story home and flood waters are coming, moving your valuables to the second of third floor will help to protect them if damaging flood waters are able to breach your first floor. Install a flood sensor. Most home security systems offer flood sensors as add-on equipment.

What to do if your home is flooding?

If your home is flooding frequently and you are finding yourself having to constantly pay for maintenance, consider investing in home renovations to fix the root of the problem. A professional contractor should be able to come to your home and assess your home's issues and determine the best ways to protect it from flooding.

What is the best way to protect your home from a flood?

Even if your home is in a low- or moderate-risk flood zone, purchasing a flood insurance policy is highly recommended. It provides you with financial protection from a flood event.

What percentage of flood insurance claims come from properties that are not in an identified high-risk zone?

More than 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from properties that are not in an identified high-risk zone, but most homeowners in these areas are eligible for coverage at a preferred rate. Preferred Risk Policy premiums are the lowest premiums available, offering building and contents coverage for one low price.

Does storm water drain away from the building?

Stormwater should always drain away from the building; if necessary, change your landscaping to improve runoff. This may include building up any sunken areas around the foundation, digging small depressions to properly channel water, and otherwise improving the yard so that it slopes away from your home.

Do you need flood vents in existing homes?

Flood openings may be required for lower enclosures of homes being built in high-risk flood zones, but they can also be installed in existing homes. Once installed, make sure your flood vents are kept free of debris and will allow the free-flow of floodwater. Install a sump pump.

How to prevent heavy rain from foundation?

Make gutter duty a routine, and be sure that downspouts direct heavy rainfall away from the foundation with extensions or splash blocks.

What to do if storms leave puddles in lawn?

If storms leave puddles in the lawn and washouts around the foundation, address slope grading to redirect runoff away from your home and towards storm drains.

Why do we need retaining walls?

A retaining wall is usually constructed to stop erosion, but it can also effectively prevent flooding in your home. Often, a wall can span and protect several properties.

How does a trench drainage system work?

A trench is usually dug around your home’s foundation, and then the trough is lined with gravel to form a bed for perforated pipe.

Do vents protect against flooding?

While vents don’t technically protect the house from flooding, they greatly reduce the possibility of collapsing walls.

Does flood insurance cover flood damage?

Many homeowners don’t realize that their property insurance doesn’t cover flooding. You must purchase flood insurance separately, and it might not be available through your regular carrier. The coverage is affordable, but you have to weigh a number of factors including your location, policy limits and exclusions.

Why is it important to protect your home from floods?

As floods become more frequent and severe with climate change, protecting your home becomes even more crucial. Here’s how to assess your risk—and make sure you’re prepared for the worst. Rising sea levels, heavier and more frequent downpours, and a national landscape paved with asphalt are making homes more vulnerable to flood damage ...

What to do if your basement drains back up after rain?

If your basement floor drain backs up after heavy rains, consider installing one of these devices with help from a licensed plumber.

What is the best way to reduce stormwater runoff?

Digging depressions known as swales to channel stormwater runoff away from your house, converting concrete or asphalt driveways to gravel or brick, and using absorbent mulch can help manage heavy rain and reduce potential flood damage.

Do you need flood insurance if you live in a flood zone?

If you live within a 100-year floodplain, flood insurance is a must. Anyone with a federally backed mortgage who lives in a flood zone is required by law to carry insurance. People in high-risk areas often assume that government-issued disaster assistance will cover the cost of damage from a flood.

Can you buy a house for a flood?

If your home is vulnerable to flooding, check with your regional FEMA office to see if you’re eligible for a buyout program for “repetitive loss properties.” In some cases, the government will even buy a house for its pre-disaster market value. This helps move people out of harm’s way, reduces the drain on flood management resources, and prevents a new house from being built on that site in the future (the land is usually returned to a natural state).

Can government agencies predict flooding?

Even with the realities of climate change, government agencies are still looking to the past to predict the flooding of the future. “That’s like driving down a highway and mapping your route by looking in the rearview mirror,” Scata says. Contact your community or county emergency management office or a local environmental group to support more sustainable development, including public landscapes with natural and water-permeable surfaces and smarter urban stormwater infrastructure. “There’s only so much one person can do alone,” Scata says. Our collective efforts are indispensable to making our communities more resilient.

Risks

• The chart below lists common conditions or nearby activities that well owners should be aware of and the substance(s) that you should consider testing for to ensure your well is safe. Not all of the substances listed pose an immediate or long term health problem, some impact quality of life o…

See more on epa.gov

Access

Results

Treatment

Causes

Safety

Quotes