Flood Tip. If you have a sump pump, test it occasionally -- pour water into the hole around the pump till it turns on. Also, consider a back-up sump pump. It should kick in from if the main pump fails. Some run on a battery, some use an emergency generator and some even run off of water pressure -- in case an electricity outage was the reason the main pump stopped. In any case, have any pump serviced regularly (some parts may need replacement), and remember that overall a sump pump’s life is probably only 10 years.
Flood Tip. If your part of the world freezes in winter, turn off the supply to your outside water spigots so they won’t freeze and burst. The valves are probably inside your house, very near the related spigot. For the same reason, disconnect garden hoses during winter months, especially if you have not turned off that supply (ice backing up in the hose can damage the valve.)
Flood Tip. Turn off your irrigation system and service it every fall.
Flood Tip. Watch out for water leaks, especially in the kitchen, laundry and bathrooms. Check all hoses (and tubing) -- including washing machine, all sinks, ice maker (including its supply). Especially the hot input hose behind the washing machine. It’s usually a relatively weak black rubber. If any of these go, you’ve got a flood. You can get "burst proof" braided hoses at a plumbing supply, some hardware stores and most major home improvement centers and even lumber yards. They’re good “cheap insurance.”
Even so, when you leave your home, never leave your dishwasher or washing machine running or full of water.
Danger signs to look for
For all sinks, assure the water supply hose connection is secure and not leaking. Look at dishwasher for signs of leaks at its base. Are any flooring materials or nearby cabinets discolored, warped, soft, or showing other signs of water damage?
Refrigerator icemakers all have water supply hoses or tubes. Be sure yours is secure to the water supply line. Water under or near the fridge might be defrosted ice. But it might be a steady leak ready to get worse.
Drains that run slow might be partially blocked. That’s a problem in itself, but could cause a leak you can’t see. While you’re at it, recaulk around sinks to be sure any steadily flowing water goes down the drain and not all over the place.
Washing machine hoses should be checked regularly. Look for wetness at the ends of hoses. Bulging, fraying, or cracking are also danger signs. It’s wise to replace an ordinary “standard equipment” hose every 3-5 years in any case. It’s simply being “professional” about your maintenance program. And who’s more professional at knowing your own home than you?
Water heaters generally last 10 to 15 years. If yours has a wet spot under it, or a rusted tank, yours is near its end. For safety’s sake and efficiency, hot water heaters are installed on the home’s lowest level, always near a floor drain. If yours must be located upstairs or in a finished area, place it in a drain pan that drains to the floor drain.
Air conditioning should be checked by a qualified A/C contractor at the beginning of every cooling season. Be sure they inspect and clean the air conditioner condensation pan drain line. It must be obstruction-free. Also change the air filters regularly.
Showers and bathtubs are supposed to get wet. But discolored or soft areas on floors or nearby walls might indicate a leak. Look for mold or cracks in the caulking where tub and floor or walls intersect. If found, remove loose material and renew the sealant. Also look for missing or cracked grout in tiled shower walls or floor -- water goes straight through.
Kitchen, bathroom and utility sinks are obvious checkpoints. Any sign of water damage or wetness from supply lines or drainpipes?
Toilets get clogged. It’s a temporary problem right? Not if you don’t clear the blockage promptly and your tank happens to leak a little. That steady trickle then has no place to go, and if you don’t happen to notice it, you’ve got a serious flood. Never place an inappropriate object in the bowl, and (how can we say this)... rather than use too much toilet paper, flush more often. (Modern low-flow toilets are especially susceptible to toilet paper clogs.) Be sure your hanging bowl deodorant doesn’t slip in. Any insoluble foreign object can work well into the plumbing system, trapping grease, hair, tissue and such, ultimately causing a full obstruction (and a major repair). And use chlorine tablet cleaners sparingly -- they can corrode internal components -- another cause of leaks.
Flood Tip. Going on vacation? Turn the main water valve off. It might be outside your home. Something as simple and unexpected as a leaky toilet tank connection could otherwise result in a steady stream of water all over your floor. Test a couple faucets to be sure the shut-off valve is working right. You should be able to tell in a second or two.
Flood Tip. Similarly, if you leave your home for any substantial time in winter, be SURE all windows are closed and the heat is on. Otherwise you could come home to find everything soaked, simply because a frozen water pipe had burst. It’s especially catastrophic if it happens upstairs -- everything downstairs gets soaked through, too. Repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars, even requiring a total reconstruction of your walls and floors, to the point that meanwhile you’re unable to live in your own home.
Flood Tip. In case a flood does occur, don’t store valuable items in harms way. That means either keep them out of the basement and off susceptible floors, and/or store things like photos, out-of-season clothing, important documents, in water-tight containers or plastic contractor bags. A big Tupperware container is good (and re-usable!). Use simple 2x4 platforms or inexpensive shelving to get these things at least 4-6 inches above the floor.
Flood Tip. A flood may be an Act of God, but God respects a sound roof. Check yours thoroughly every year, or at any sign of trouble.
Clean twigs, leaves, and litter from the valleys, gutters and downspouts. Allow the roof to drain.
Properly ventilate the roof and eaves, to reduce heat and moisture in the attic.
Preservatives can be used with some types of roofs. It reduces moisture’s ability to weather the roof and to nurture molds and mosses.
Need we say it -- Don’t walk on the roof unless you absolutely have to. Just needed repairs and inspections.
Trim nearby trees, so they won’t rub. Their shade, while helping the A/C out, may slow the evaporation of rooftop water.
Some more roofing warning signs:
· Shingle that are curled, cupped, cracked, missing or broken
· Damaged/deteriorated flashing at chimneys, vents and other meeting points
· Damage or deterioration in roof valleys
· Water stains overhead. If you see them, look in the attic - at flues, plumbing vents and chimneys.
· Poor drainage, and low areas in a flat or gently sloped roof. Evidenced by pooling or ponds that fail to drain
· Inspect gutters frequently and clean out debris. If it’s too often a chore, install gutter shields
· Water near the base of the house. Downspouts need to direct water several feet away from your walls and foundation.
Flood Tip. Allow water to drain away from the foundation. If there are low spots, fill them in and slope them so water flows away from the house..
Flood Tip. Check window and doorway caulking. Replace if cracked or deteriorated
Flood Tip. Repaint wood siding on schedule
Flood Tip. Get water alarm or shut-off detection devices. Water detection devices are relatively inexpensive and great for peace of mind. A simple alarm - a small moisture sensor box that buzzes when water reaches it -- may cost only $8-20. More expensive detectors ($50-150) include valves that can actually turn off a water supply (such as to the washing machine). Some go on the floor, others are wall mounted with a lead to the sensor. Obvious places for them are under sinks, and near water-containing equipment and appliances.
In many cases you can install an alarm simply by turning it on or plugging it in. In some cases you may need a qualified plumber.
Systems are even available to turn off the water supply to your whole house, and may be able to trigger your security system monitored by a central security station. A main shutoff sensor system installs in 4-6 hours and costs $500-$1500.
We’re experts at flood prevention, too. Call Local Restoration at:
1-800-222-6815.
