April Showers

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Rising water levels can mean disaster after torrential rains.

Any Texan can tell you that every rainy season can vary between a misty light drizzle to full on tropical monsoon. As homeowners and business owners it’s important to ensure that we remain prepared for the possibility of flooding whether it happens in the area every year or gradually becomes a problem as the rainy days become more frequent. We researched some actions you can take to prevent or minimize flooding to your home or business.  We hope you find some of these useful as we venture further into the spring season here in Central Texas:

• Slope or grade away soil from the foundation of the structure. Runoff can slowly begin to compromise the integrity of your foundation if not redirected.
• Clean out all gutter down spouts and direct them away from the foundation of the building.
• Ensure that all gutter system cracks and holes are plugged up or caulked.
• Understand where your home or business is located relative to the sanitary sewer system and install back-flow valves in the event that the main sewer line is overloaded. Contact a licensed plumber to see if a back-flow valve is necessary in your home or business.
• If sandbagging is needed to help redirect and divert water away from the building, fill bags with sand up to ½ to 2/3 full because they are easier to stack, stagger and manipulate this way. Tying the bags is not necessary and it is advised that you set up the sandbags before flooding occurs.
• There are also options such as manufactured barriers that self-deploy using the water itself as a means to divert water away and they appeared to be less permeable than using sandbags.

Even if you’re in an area that has a lower risk of flooding, it is always important to have a plan of action in place.  If you property is damage by a storm or by flood waters be sure to contact your storm restoration experts at SERVPRO® of Greater Waco.