How to Prepare Your Home Against Flooding

Heavy rain and high tide causing flooding of Rapid Creek on the 19th February 2008 in Darwin, Northern Territory. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is never going to be possible to totally flood proof a property, but there are a number of steps you can do to reduce the amount of water damage that occurs should you ever experience flooding in your home. The cost of flooding can be high, not just in terms of money, but also time and heartache.

Your first step should always be to ascertain if you are at risk of flooding. In periods of heavy rainfall it is important that you check with your local environmental agency whether or not you are at risk. It is important to remember that even if your property is not located where it would be at risk of flooding from rivers or the ocean, you may still be affected by surface or groundwater flooding. Of course there is also the risk of flooding caused by pipe leaks or appliance malfunction which could occur at any time. You can take steps to ensure water does not enter your home.

It is possible to purchase flood boards for your doors and you can raise the threshold to slow down or stop the onset of flooding. Floors and walls can be protected by raising damp-proof brick courses. Applying sealing to floors will also help to stop water rising through the ground. Air bricks are required for ventilation, but special covers can be purchased to protect theses against flood water. Your drains and water inlet/outlet pipes should be fitted with non-return valves.

Of course, even with all of those measures in place we must be prepared for the fact that water may find it's way inside the home. That's why we must prepare ourselves for that eventuality. It is recommended that audio-visual equipment such as TV and Stereo should be fixed to the wall at least 60 inches from the floor. Electrical sockets, wiring and fuseboxes should also be at this level. Skirting board can be treated with water-resistant sealant and doors and windows can be installed which are synthetic or waxed to ensure they are not warped by water.

These steps can help lessen the effects of flooding in your home. I think it is more than worth the initial outlay to have that peace of mind that you are minimizing the damage should a flood occur at any time in the future.