Spring is officially here. Not only does spring bring warmer temperatures throughout the Midwest, but it is also prone to bringing rainy and severe weather, especially as we move into the summer months. In the Midwest, large amounts of rainfall can lead to flooding in homes everywhere. Luckily, there are ways homeowners can prepare their homes to minimize the risk of flooding water damage.
At ServiceOne, we are your home services Omaha provider. Our team of professionals can help you keep your home protected during all times of the year. As rainy weather falls into the forecast this spring and summer, be sure your home is prepared against floods with these tips!
Install a sump pump
The best way any homeowner can protect their home from a flood is by installing a sump pump in their home. Sump pumps are located in the lowest area in your home and are great at keeping water out of your home. When water levels around your foundation reach a certain level, your sump pump automatically turns on and pumps that water away from your foundation, ultimately helping prevent any flooding and water damage in your home.
Inspect your foundation
Another way to help protect your home from enduring flooding and water damage is by inspecting the interior and exterior of your home’s foundation. Cracks in and around your foundation can let water into your home, potentially causing damage. Look for any cracking that may have happened during the winter and, if small enough, make sure to get them sealed. If you notice larger cracks, you may need to call a professional to come take a look.
Maintain your gutters and downspouts
During heavy rainfalls, your home’s gutter system will become filled with rainwater. This is why it’s essential that you are regularly cleaning and maintaining your gutters and downspouts. During the fall and winter months, it’s likely that your gutters will fill up with sticks, leaves and other debris that can cause clogs within your gutter system. By cleaning your gutters and downspouts during the spring, you will make sure that they are cleared of all debris and still in good working condition.
Have a backup generator on hand
Lastly, it’s important that you have a backup generator on hand in the event that your home would lose power. Having a backup generator ensures that no matter how much rain you have, or how big of a storm there is, your home’s power will always be restored. This is especially beneficial in the event of a flood, as your home’s sump pump will continue to work through the power of your generator!
Flooding in the Midwest isn’t usual, however, it can happen. Having a plan in place and making sure your home is prepared for such an event is the best way to avoid and minimize damage if a flood were to occur. As we prepare our homes this spring, keep these tips in mind!
At ServiceOne, we are your home services Omaha provider. Our team can handle all of your home repair and installation needs! Visit our website to learn more about all of our home services.