Planning For Prevention​​
A guide on what you can do to prevent a disaster from happening to you. Disasters seem to strike when you least expect them, leaving you defenseless and helpless. Follow our guide to get the advantage next time something happens to you.
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Flood Prevention
Flood damage can be devastating for homeowners and businesses, but there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk and protect your property. Here are several detailed strategies for preventing flood damage:
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1. Maintain Your Property’s Drainage Systems
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Clean Gutters and Downspouts: One of the most important steps you can take is to keep your gutters and downspouts clear of debris, especially in the fall when leaves can accumulate. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and pool around your home’s foundation, increasing the risk of basement flooding.
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Install Downspout Extensions: Ensure that your downspouts direct water at least six feet away from your foundation. If necessary, install downspout extensions to further divert water away from your home.
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2. Landscape for Better Drainage
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Grade Your Yard: Make sure your property slopes away from your home. Proper grading ensures that water flows away from your foundation rather than pooling near it. You may need to work with a landscaping professional to regrade your yard if needed.
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Use Flood-Resistant Landscaping: Plant native shrubs and trees that can absorb excess rainwater. Consider using gravel, mulch, or other permeable materials for pathways and driveways, which allow water to seep into the ground rather than running off.
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3. Install Sump Pumps and Backwater Valves
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Sump Pump Installation: A sump pump is essential if your basement is prone to flooding. It works by pumping out water that collects in a sump basin, directing it safely away from your home. Test your sump pump regularly to ensure it’s working, and consider a backup battery system in case of a power outage during heavy rain.
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Backwater Valve Installation: A backwater valve prevents sewer water from backing up into your basement. It is especially useful if you live in an area prone to sewer backups during heavy storms. Consult a professional plumber to see if your home could benefit from a backwater valve.
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4. Waterproof Your Basement
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Seal Foundation Cracks: Inspect your basement walls and foundation for any cracks or gaps. Use waterproof sealants to fill these cracks and prevent water from seeping in.
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Install a Waterproof Membrane: For extra protection, consider applying a waterproof membrane to the exterior walls of your basement. This barrier helps keep moisture from infiltrating your home.
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5. Elevate Utilities and Appliances
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Raise Electrical Systems: If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate electrical outlets, switches, and circuit breakers at least a foot above the expected flood level. This can help prevent electrical hazards and damage to your wiring.
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Protect Appliances: Elevate appliances like water heaters, furnaces, and laundry machines on platforms to keep them above potential floodwater. You can also anchor them to the wall to prevent them from tipping over during a flood.
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6. Install Flood Barriers and Shields
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Sandbags and Flood Shields: For temporary protection, consider using sandbags or flood shields to block water from entering your home through doors and basement windows. These can be crucial in an emergency but should be set up before flooding begins.
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Permanent Flood Barriers: If your property is especially vulnerable, you may want to invest in permanent flood barriers or levees. These are typically more expensive but offer reliable long-term protection.
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7. Invest in a Flood Alarm System
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Water Leak Detectors: Install water leak detectors in areas where flooding is most likely to occur, such as the basement or near water heaters. These alarms can alert you immediately if water is detected, giving you time to take action.
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8. Prepare Your Property for Extreme Weather
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Secure Outdoor Furniture: In preparation for a storm, secure or bring in any outdoor furniture, grills, or other items that could be picked up by strong winds and damage your home or block drainage systems.
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Check Roof and Shingles: Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles, which can allow water to seep into your attic or walls. Repair any damage promptly to prevent leaks.
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9. Consider Flood Insurance
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Evaluate Your Coverage: Standard homeowner’s insurance policies often do not cover flood damage. Check with your insurance provider to see if you need separate flood insurance, especially if you live in a high-risk area. Flood insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind in case of an unexpected disaster.
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10. Develop an Emergency Plan
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Create a Flood Response Plan: Have an emergency plan in place that includes evacuation routes, a safe meeting point, and a list of emergency contacts. Make sure your family or employees know the plan well.
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Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock a kit with essentials like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. Keep important documents in a waterproof container.
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By implementing these flood prevention measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of water damage and protect your home or business. Regular maintenance, strategic improvements, and a well-thought-out emergency plan are key to safeguarding your property.
Sewage Backup Prevention
Preventing sewage backups is crucial for protecting your property from serious damage and avoiding health risks. Sewage backup can occur due to various reasons, including blockages, tree root intrusion, and heavy rainfall overwhelming the municipal sewer system. Here are several comprehensive strategies to help prevent sewage backup and minimize damage:
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1. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Sewer System
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Schedule Routine Inspections: Having a professional plumber inspect your sewer lines every couple of years can help identify potential issues early. They can use video cameras to check for cracks, blockages, or tree roots.
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Clean Your Sewer Line: Flushing your sewer lines or using root-killing products as needed can help maintain clear drainage. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they may damage your pipes over time.
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2. Be Mindful of What You Flush
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Flush Only Toilet Paper: Many items, even those labeled as "flushable," can cause blockages. Never flush things like wet wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, diapers, or cotton balls.
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Proper Disposal of Grease and Oils: Never pour grease, fats, or oils down your kitchen sink. These substances can solidify in your pipes, causing blockages. Instead, collect used cooking oil in a container and dispose of it in the trash or at a proper disposal facility.
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Use a Drain Strainer: Install strainers in your sinks and showers to catch hair, food particles, and other debris. Regularly clean out the strainers to keep your drains clear.
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3. Maintain Your Yard to Prevent Tree Root Intrusion
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Understand Tree Placement: Be cautious about planting trees and shrubs with aggressive root systems near your sewer lines. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate and damage underground pipes.
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Regularly Inspect Sewer Lines: If you have older pipes, especially clay or cast-iron pipes, consider having a plumber inspect for signs of root intrusion. In some cases, preventative measures like root barriers may be installed to protect your sewer lines.
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4. Upgrade Your Plumbing System if Needed
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Replace Old Pipes: If you have an older home with clay or cast-iron pipes, consider upgrading to more durable materials like PVC. Older pipes are more susceptible to damage and root intrusion.
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Install Pressure-Reducing Valves: If your home is in an area with high water pressure, a pressure-reducing valve can help protect your plumbing system from stress and damage.
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5. Consider Installing a Sump Pump with a Battery Backup
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What It Does: A sump pump removes excess water from your basement or crawl space, preventing flooding. A battery backup ensures the pump works even during a power outage, which often occurs during heavy storms.
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Why It Helps: While a sump pump primarily protects against groundwater flooding, it can also be helpful if a sewer backup causes water to accumulate in your basement.
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6. Protect Basement Drains and Fixtures
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Use Drain Plugs: Install drain plugs or flood guards on basement floor drains. These devices can prevent sewage from backing up into your home through these low-lying drains.
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Elevate Appliances: If possible, elevate major appliances like washers and water heaters off the basement floor to minimize damage in case of a backup.
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7. Reduce Excess Water During Storms
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Minimize Water Usage: During heavy rainstorms, reduce the use of water in your home. Avoid doing laundry, running the dishwasher, or taking long showers, as the municipal sewer system is more likely to become overwhelmed during this time.
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Divert Storm Water Away from Your Foundation: Ensure your downspouts extend several feet away from your home and that your landscaping slopes away from your foundation. This prevents excess rainwater from contributing to the pressure on your home’s sewer system.
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8. Install Flood Alarms
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What They Do: Flood alarms detect water and can alert you immediately to the presence of water in your basement or other areas where backups might occur.
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Why It’s Useful: Early detection can give you valuable time to act, reducing the extent of water damage.
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9. Have an Emergency Plan in Place
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Know Your Shut-Offs: Familiarize yourself with your home’s main water, electricity and gas shut-off valves so you can act quickly in case of an emergency.
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Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep essential items like flashlights, first aid supplies, and important documents in a waterproof container. If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider having sandbags or other barriers on hand.
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By following these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of sewage backup and protect your property from costly damage and hazardous conditions. Consistent maintenance and being mindful of what goes into your drains are key to keeping your plumbing system in good working order.