Effective Water Damage Mitigation Tips for Homeowners

Posted on: 16 February 2022

Flooding is a natural disaster and since it can't be stopped, homeowners living in flood-prone areas must take action to prevent home damage. Once damage occurs, clean up and restoration is the only option and it can be costly one. 

Homeowners can learn proper techniques for preventing flood damage, but sometimes flooding is so bad, not even the best measures can help. Under this circumstance, flood damage mitigation is the best option.

So, what steps can you take to protect your home? If you can't provide adequate protection, what are the steps taken for water damage mitigation?

What Are the Ways to Reduce Flood Damage?

Homeowners have several options when it comes to flood prevention and or at least, reducing flood damage. Taking these steps helps reduce the damage to the home and your belongings.

  • Use sandbags to block water from entering the yard
  • Seal cracks and openings in the home, including doors and windows, during hurricanes
  • Elevate items in the home, like appliances and other belongings
  • Use an upstairs to store items until the flood threat has passed
  • Use sump pumps in basements to remove excess water

Homeowners in flood-prone areas need insurance. While insurance doesn't prevent damage, it does help ensure funds are available for effective flood damage mitigation.

What Causes Floods Other Than Natural Disasters?

Homes often flood in the basement area. There are numerous reasons why a basement might flood, causing damage to the home.

  • Frozen water pipes that burst
  • Tree roots growing into waterlines
  • Sewage backup
  • Incorrect hook-ups to water lines allow leaks
  • Disposed of fats, grease or oils down drains

While these are common, they don't have to cause damage. You can take steps with water damage mitigation to protect your home.

  • Keep all drains clear of obstructions
  • Use a sump pump in the basement
  • Make sure heat is on to keep pipes from freezing
  • Elevate water heaters, furnaces and any electrical devices in the basement
  • Don't store irreplaceable items or papers in the basement
  • Make sure there is proper grading around the home
  • Keep sewers pumped out, so they are not overfilled with waste

If you use these mitigation tips, you can prevent, or at least, reduce the damage to your home and belongings if basement flooding occurs.

Water damage mitigation is important to keeping your home safe. Once a home is water damaged, clean up is a costly and time-consuming process. It's best to prevent it if possible.

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