What To Do When Your House Floods From Rain

Heavy rains can lead to flooded streets, and basements, and sometimes, even worse they can damage a house. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, it’s important to know what to do to protect your home and your possessions. Here’s what you need to know about flooding from rain and how to protect your home from future storms.

Flooding occurs when water overflows from its usual boundaries, such as when rivers or lakes overflow their banks, when heavy rains cause sewers or drainage systems to back up, or when levees or dams break. And of course, hurricanes and tropical storms often result in serious flooding. 

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What Causes Floods To Happen?

There are a few different things that can cause flooding in your home from rain. One is simply too much rain falling in too short a period of time for the ground to absorb it all. This can lead to water pooling on the surface, which can then seep into your home through cracks in the foundation or other openings.

Another possibility is a blocked or overloaded storm drain. If the drains around your home are unable to handle the volume of water coming down, it will back up and potentially enter your home that way. And finally, rapid snowmelt can also lead to flooding—especially if there’s already a lot of water on the ground from rain. As the snow melts, that water has nowhere to go but into your home. 

What Causes Floods To Happen?

What To Do When Your House Floods From Rain

There are a few different things that can cause flooding in your home from rain. One is simply too much rain falling in too short a period of time for the ground to absorb it all. This can lead to water pooling on the surface, which can then seep into your home through cracks in the foundation or other openings.

Another possibility is a blocked or overloaded storm drain. If the drains around your home are unable to handle the volume of water coming down, it will back up and potentially enter your home that way. And finally, rapid snowmelt can also lead to flooding—especially if there’s already a lot of water on the ground from rain. As the snow melts, that water has nowhere to go but into your home. 

How To Stop My House From Flooding When It Rains?

1. Inspect your gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are clear of debris so that water can flow freely through them. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, it’s a good idea to have your gutters cleaned more frequently to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging them up.

2. Check the seals around doors and windows. Make sure there are no cracks or gaps where water could enter your home. If you find any, seal them up with caulk or weather stripping.

3. Invest in a sump pump. A sump pump is a device that helps remove water from your basement or crawl space before it has a chance to cause damage. Sump pumps are especially useful if you live in an area with a high water table or if your home is prone to flooding.

4. Have sandbags on hand. Sandbags can be used to temporarily block water from entering your home through doorways or windows. They can also be used to redirect runoff away from your foundation.

5. Know where your main water shut-off valve is located and how to use it. In the event of a flood, you’ll want to be able to quickly shut off the water supply to your home to prevent further damage. 

  • The first thing you need to do is ensure that the area is safe. If the water has entered your electrical system, there is a serious risk of electrocution. Do not enter the affected area until you are certain that it is safe to do so. Once you have determined it is safe, turn off your power at the breaker box if possible. If you cannot reach the breaker box, or if it has been damaged in the flood, call your local utility company and have them shut off power to your home from the street. Gas lines may also be damaged and pose a fire hazard, so it is important that these are shut off as well. 
  • Once you have ensured that the area is safe, you can begin to assess the damage. Make a list of all of the items that have been damaged or destroyed by the floodwaters. If possible, take photographs or video footage for insurance purposes. Once you have documented the damage, begin the process of cleaning up and salvaging what you can. 
  • Cleaning up after a flood is a big job. You will need to throw out any food that has been contaminated by floodwaters, as well as any items made of cloth or porous materials that cannot be cleaned and disinfected (such as carpets). Any appliances or electronics that have been exposed to water will also need to be replaced. Once you have removed all of the damaged items from your home, you can begin washing down surfaces with a disinfectant solution to prevent mold and mildew growth. 

Is It Safe To Stay In A Flooded House?

No, it is not safe to stay in a flooded house. flood water is dangerous because it can be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and other toxins.

You should also be aware of the risk of electrocution if the floodwater has come into contact with electrical outlets or appliances. It is best to evacuate your home and go to a safe location until the water has receded and it is safe to return.

Is It Safe To Stay In A Flooded House

The best way to deal with flooding is to try to prevent it from happening in the first place. If you live in an area that’s prone to floods, there are some steps you can take to protect your home: 

  • Elevate critical items such as electrical panels, furnaces, and water heaters above the expected flood level; 
  • Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent backup; 
  • Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds; 
  • Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear so they can drain properly; 
  • And have a plan for what you’ll do if a flood does happen.

If you take these steps, you’ll minimize the risk of serious damage if your home does start to flood. However, even if you do everything right, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong—which is why it’s so important to have a plan for what you’ll do if your home starts to fill up with water.

Selling A House With Water Damage

If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, it’s also a good idea to consider selling your house to Balsamo Homes. We’re experts in repairing and selling homes that have been damaged by water, and we’ll work with you to get the best possible price for your home. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you sell your property. You don’t have to worry about any of the hassle or stress of the traditional way to sell a house anymore. So if you’re looking for a fast and easy way to sell your property, then give us a call at (805) 325 – 7020 today! You can also visit us at Balsamo Homes, or simply fill out the form below to get a fair all-cash offer on your property.