Flooding is one of those things that doesn’t always take a major storm, and doesn't always happen immediately with heavy rain. Just a few inches of water can lead to serious damage, especially in basements and lower levels of the home.
Whether you're worried about flash floods, basement flooding, or water backing up into your drains, remember that a combination of good maintenance, smart upgrades, and a few strategic devices can go a long way in keeping your home dry.
Start With Drainage, Inside and Out
Poor drainage is one of the biggest causes of water problems in homes. And, when you break it down, it's obvious: if water has nowhere to go, it'll build up fast. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable drainage system.
- Start with the basics: check your gutters and downspouts. If they’re clogged or not pointed away from the house, they can cause surface water to pool near your foundation. Downspout extensions help direct that water several feet away from your home, reducing the pressure on foundation walls.
- In the yard, lot grading helps keep water moving away from the house, not toward it. If you have a reverse-sloped driveway, install a trench drain to keep runoff from flowing toward the garage. Consider a French drain or even a catch basin to handle heavier flows. These options let water soak in or reroute to a safe discharge point.
- Inside, sump pumps are your first line of defense. "A sump pump helps remove excess water from basements and crawl spaces during heavy rainfall or flooding," noted Courtney Klosterman, Home Insights Expert at Hippo home insurance. "Choosing a model with a battery backup helps ensure it continues working even if the power goes out, which is common during storms."
- Don’t forget about sewer issues. If you've ever had issues with your sewer line, you'll be sure to never let it happen again. Checking the backwater valve or sewer backflow preventer can stop dirty water from backing up into your home. This is especially important if you’re connected to older sanitary sewers or the area has experienced storm sewer inlet problems.
Strengthen Vulnerable Entry Points
Floodwater finds its way in through even the smallest cracks or weak spots. You can fight that with better sealing and protection in key places.
Start with foundation cracks and window wells. If your basement has below-grade windows, use covers to stop rain from getting in. You can also use flood prone window wells with built-in drainage.
On the walls and floor themselves, vapor barriers, sealants or hydraulic cement can patch leaks and stop seepage. "Applying waterproof sealants to basement walls and foundations can help prevent water seepage,” reminds Klosterman. “Flood barriers or sandbags can also protect doors, windows, and entry points from rising water.”
Another way water sneaks in? Let's say it again: Make sure your drains and toilets won't back up. From an insurance perspective, Klosterman agrees that installing a sewer backflow preventer can help homeowners. "This device could prevent thousands of dollars in water damage and is especially useful in areas prone to flash flooding or heavy rainstorms."
Think Ahead: Use Smart Technology, Make Upgrades, Check Your Insurance Policy
The most expensive floods often happen when no one sees them coming. Adding water leak detectors and early warning systems can help you catch problems early or stop them from happening at all.
Smart tech helps. "Early detection can mean the difference between minor water intrusion and severe damage," shares Klosterman. "Smart flood water sensors placed in basements, near sump pumps, and around entry points provide real-time alerts via smartphone apps."
You can also make some long-term upgrades to help reduce runoff:
- Swap out paved driveways with gravel or permeable pavers.
- Install bioswales or a French drain system in your yard to move water away.
- Manage rainwater on a reverse-slope driveway. A foundation drainage system can help prevent cracks in foundation walls, but moisture and pressure can still mount. If you have foundation issues, contact a foundation repair specialist for help.
- Keep storm drains clear. And remind your neighbors to keep theirs clear, too.
- Build a rain garden. Even a well-placed rain garden can absorb a surprising amount of storm water.
And don’t overlook insurance. Burst pipes and related mold growth are often covered by peril, but storm damage and disaster restoration is a different matter. "A concerning 63% of homeowners incorrectly believed that their standard homeowners insurance policy covered flood damage,” Klosterman explained, citing Hippo's annual Housepower Report. “No type of flood damage, no matter the source of the water, is covered by standard homeowners policies."
She adds, "Since standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, consider adding a separate flood insurance policy for an additional layer of protection."
FAQ
What is the most common cause of basement flooding?
Clogged gutters, poor grading, and broken sump pumps are some of the top causes. When rainwater or melting snow doesn’t drain away from your home properly, it can build up and cause foundation damage. Problems in the sewer system can also cause sewer backups that lead to flooding from inside.
Do I need flood insurance even if I don’t live in a flood zone?
It isn't a bad idea. Flooding can happen anywhere, not just in high-risk zones. The Department of Homeland Security reports that 90% of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding. "It’s important for homeowners to check FEMA flood maps annually, as flood risk for your property can change over time.," notes Klosterman.
