Spring is finally here, though melting snow and unexpected rainstorms can easily transition a cozy home into a waterlogged mess. The good news is you can decrease the risk of expensive flood remediation and keep your family safe with just a few easy steps.
This guide provides simple checks and repairs you can do in a weekend. Put on some gloves and let’s get started.
What causes spring floods?
Spring weather (see – https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring) can be tricky; warm air melts tightly packed snow and seasonal storms dump more water than the soil can drink. As storm drains become clogged and rivers start rising, the extra water will look for the lowest point, which is often your basement. Even a small leak can mean an expenditure on clean-up due to water damage later, so paying attention to it now can save you (or your insurance) from a hassle down the road. When you’ve experienced a heavy shower, take a look outside; if puddles back up to the walls of the foundation, it is possible your yard has water flowing the wrong way.
Inspecting sump pumps
Before you take on that sump pump, run through this simple checklist so you know what to look for and what a healthy system should be doing:
- A sump pump is the first line of defense for your basement. Lift the lid and carefully shine your flashlight in. Does the pit have no mud or debris?
- Take a bucket of water and pour it into the hole. The float should be in the sunlight, the motor should be humming, and water should be coming out of the discharge pipe in seconds.
- If nothing happens check the power cord, reset the breaker and test it again. You might have a little pipe going outside (drain) and you need to ensure that it either points down or is sunken deep enough into the ground, and it must be at least 6 ‑feet out from the back of the house otherwise the water just loops back into your crawl space.
- If your pump is older than 7 years, consider getting another back‑up pump that is battery operated.
DIY sandbag placement
Sandbags are low cost, fast way to make barriers that divert surface water away. You can buy empty bags at hardware stores, or you can ask your local fire dept if they give sandbags during flood season. Fill each bag less than half full (30 lbs.) so that they mold into shape.
- Identify an area. Lay the bags where water flows toward doors or low vents naturally.
- Stack bags in a brick style. The first row of bags will be laid flat seam side up, with the ends overlapping. Each following row should stagger overlaps.
- Tamp down. Gently. Step on each bag to relieve air pockets. You want to seal air spaces between bags.
- If rain becomes heavy, put down another tarp over the wall, before it overflows. Sandbags can only stop so much water. It baselines pressure, that the water is too high, and a chance to contact an emergency restoration team before it becomes a big problem.
Cleaning after minor flooding
Sometimes water just gets in. Moving quickly will prevent small puddles from turning into structural drying nightmares. First, cut the electricity in the wet zone. Next, use a wet/dry shop vac to suck up eliminating as much standing water as possible. Thin layers can be blotted up with old towels you can afford to lose.
Open windows for cross-breeze then run box fans on high. If possible, rent a dehumidifier as this is likely to speed things up and will draw out moisture from hidden spots in the wall. Throw away soaked carpet pads – they will breed bacteria after 24 hours of just lying there. If the drywall appears or feels ‘spongy’ lower than two feet off the floor, take it out and discard it! Spray hard surfaces with a 1:10 mixture of bleach and water to deactivate any germs. Finally take photos of the damage, as this is helpful when making a claim with insurance.
Preventing mold growth
To prevent mold spores from developing damp corners into a health hazard, practice these simple habits and quick checks:
- Mold spores will create that damp, warm environment in dark corners. After you finish the cleanup, keep an eye on the humidity. Any cheap digital meter under 50 percent is acceptable. If numbers start to rise, run a dehumidifier until they drop.
- Check and monitor the backsides of furniture, walls of furniture, and any boxes stored and hunched over concrete floors.
- If you find slow leaks, fix them quickly. A minor drip under the sink or a sweating pipe can create mold growth that only takes two days to begin growing
- Call a certified inspector and have them schedule a yearly moisture inspection. Let them scan all of the hidden spots with their infrared camera.
- If you see or smell funky odors or a fuzzy spot, don’t hesitate to click here or call a certified specialist promptly for flood restoration advice.
Conclusion
Regardless of the overwhelming feeling spring floods can create, consider the simple preparation that you can accomplish to turn that anxiety into confidence. The roof is clear of anything in the gutters, pumps are tested and working twice annually, and sandbags are stored before a storm begins! If water inevitably comes into the house, the quicker you react and the better you dry will eliminate more serious long-term problems such as mold and rot. Stay aware, stay calm, and stay dry!
