8 Steps to Prevent Water Backup
Water backup can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, causing significant property damage that can lead to costly repairs. The good news is that there are proactive measures you can take to safeguard your home against water damage. From regular maintenance to smart landscaping choices and more, we’ll look at eight steps you can take to help prevent water backup in and around your home, protecting it from damage.
Common causes of water backup
Before we look at prevention efforts, let’s first explore factors that can cause water backup in your home and on your property. By understanding these common causes, you can take preventive measures to help reduce your risk.
Clogged sewer lines. Blockages in a main sewer line are often caused by tree roots, flushing things down your toilet other than bathroom tissue, and extreme changes in temperature. When this happens, water from the main sewer line leading up to your property can cause water backups. Clogs in the line can cause sewage and sewer gasses to back up in your drains and flood your yard. This type of wastewater can be toxic to humans and pets and should be immediately addressed by a professional.
Heavy rainfall or snowmelt. In areas where the weather brings excessive rain or snow that eventually melts and turns to an excess abundance of water, can overwhelm sewer systems and cause water to back up into your home.
Poor drainage systems. An improperly maintained drainage system can be ineffective in properly directing water away from your home and can lead to backups.
Broken or damaged pipes. Cracks or breaks in sewer pipes can allow groundwater to enter your main system, increasing the risk of a water backup.
Sump pump failures. A malfunctioning sump pump can fail to remove water from your basement or crawl spaces, resulting in water backup.
Blocked plumbing vents. Plumbing vents allow air to enter your home’s drainage system. If these vents become blocked, it can cause slow drainage and eventually, water backup.
Infiltration and inflow. Groundwater or stormwater can enter a sewer system by way of cracks or illegal connections. When this happens, systems can become overloaded and cause water to back up on your property.
Improper disposal of grease and oil. Pouring grease and oils down your kitchen sink can solidify and cause blockages in your home’s pipes.
8 steps for preventing water backups
When it comes to water backup prevention, the following steps can help you significantly reduce the risk of water backup and protect your home and property from damage.
1. Keep your gutters and downspouts clean. Regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts can help to prevent blockages that can cause water to overflow and seep into your roof and home.
2. Install a backflow valve. Adding a backflow valve to your sewer system can help prevent sewage from backing up into your home during periods of heavy rains.
3. Inspect and repair leaks. It’s important to regularly check for and repair any leaks in your plumbing, roof, and foundation to prevent water from entering your home.
4. Install a sump pump. A sump pump placed in your home’s basement or crawl space can prevent flooding and potential damage by removing excess water.
5. Seal basement walls. Use a waterproofing product to seal your basement walls and prevent water from seeping through.
6. Maintain proper drainage. Make sure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. This process, referred to as grading, involves digging small depressions and/or channels in the soil around your home, directing water away from your house.
7. Use rain barrels. Collecting rainwater in barrels can help reduce the amount of water that flows and pools around your home during heavy rains.
8. Install flood vents. Flood vents are small permanent openings that allow floodwater to flow freely through your home’s crawl space or garage. Properly installed vents in your home’s foundation walls can help equalize water pressure during a flood or heavy rains. By reducing water pressure, you can minimize the risk of structural damage to your home.
Prepare ahead for potential water backup
If you find yourself dealing with an immediate water backup issue or flooding event, there are steps you can take to help minimize damage and stay safe.
Activate flood protection devices, such as turning on sump pumps and closing backflow valves.
Shut off electricity at the breaker panel to prevent electric shock.
Protect important documents.
Move valuables to upper floors or off the floor of the ground level.
Elevate major appliances onto concrete blocks.
Keep gutters, downspouts, and splash pads clean and free of debris so they can effectively direct water away from your home.
Deploy temporary flood barriers, such as portable flood gates, sandbags, inflatable floodwalls, and flood skirts.
A little effort goes a long way
Preventing water backups is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of your home. It can also help to prevent water damage that can lead to costly repair bills. Regular maintenance, proper drainage, and the installation of key devices such as sump pumps and backflow valves are all proactive measures that can make a big difference. Remember that a little effort now can spare you from major headaches and expenses in the future!
Compliments of Safeco Insurance
Dan Zeiler
dan@zeiler.com
877-597-5900 x134