Preventing Flood Damage

Published by: Francine Maglione
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

A flood can be a traumatizing event for any family or homeowner. Floods are dangerous and sometimes unpredictable, and they can cost thousands of dollars in damage to a home. When a flood strikes, it's important to find a reliable and professional water damage restoration specialist to make the cleanup process go as smoothly as it possibly can.

Rain is a common occurrence in Connecticut, but there are a number of things you can do to avoid too much damage if a flood does happen. North Dakota State University recommends testing your sump pump and checking it regularly. When your sump is first installed, it should be tested to ensure the water is running through the proper drainage system. If you have your sump pump installed by a highly trained professional basement contractor, you can rest assured that it was hooked up correctly and operating as it should.

Many people use basements as storage rooms for old mementos, photo albums, valuables and other things, but you should make sure that these objects are kept in high areas in your basement. Use high shelving units and place important or irreplaceable objects up on the shelves. Try not to leave anything on the floor just in case a flood ever strikes.

Another way to prevent flooding is to move snow away from your home's foundation so that when it melts it doesn't seep into the loose soil around your house. North Dakota State University also recommends keeping water out of window wells since windows can't stand too much pressure. Investing in a downspout extension can also do wonders in preventing flooding by flowing gutter water away from your home's foundation.

If a carpeted area of your home is flooded, it may be best to remove and replace the carpet entirely. Allergy Consumer Review writes that an old carpet may have organic material built up in it over time, thus allowing mold to grow. If water only soaks a part of a newer carpet and is dried within 48 hours, the carpet may be salvageable. ACR writes that some flood restoration contractors typically treat carpeting with a biocide after cleaning it so that it doesn't attract mold. If a carpet is too far gone, though, a professional may just recommend replacing it.

Flood damage can be a real burden, but there's no reason to deal with it alone. Call one of our licensed and trained water damage restoration specialists in Connecticut today to get your home back to the way it should be.

Back to All Disaster Restoration Articles