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November 13, 2024
Avoid Water Damage in natural disaster
08
Dec
2017

How to protect your home from water damage during natural disasters

Natural disasters can be very devastating. In March-April 2017, Cyclone Debbie claimed more than 12 lives in NSW and Queensland. In October 2017, flooding occurred in Central Coast Queensland. The Great Southern Region and West Victoria also experienced severe flooding and storm-like situations this year. Unfortunately, we cannot do much to prevent a natural disaster. But, if you take proper precautionary measures, you will be able to prevent/minimise water damage and safeguard your home against a flood, storm, and other natural disasters. Our water leak technician team has some valuable tips for you:

Inspect and repair your roof

  • If you haven’t had your roof inspected in the past few years, get it done as soon as possible. Nothing can be more devastating than a leaking roof. Other than the unsightly water stains, roof leaks can invite major water damage remediation. Get the leaks fixed, the loose shingles secured and the tiles fastened with screws and wires. If you are planning for a complete roof restoration, ask your roofing contractor to suggest you impact-resistant materials that are capable of standing up to extreme weather.
  • Install or repair gutter guard to prevent gutter clogs. Also, get the gutter and downspouts cleaned regularly.

Waterproof the basement

  • If you notice water seepage in the basement of your home after a rainfall, get it resealed on a priority basis. Water leaks in the basement indicate that the once-waterproof basement floor and walls have deteriorated. This calls for waterproofing your flooring and walls again.
  • To prevent water damage in your basement, make sure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation. There is no ideal sloping height but it should be no less than 6 inches.
  • Install a sump pump in the basement to pump out the water that has seeped inside. Make sure the pump operates on batteries as well so that it can work even when there is a power outage.
  • Install water detection alarm in your home. These alarms work just like the smoke alarms. The sensors can be placed in the basement, laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, and other areas of your home. Whenever there is a leakage, the alarm will be triggered, warning you of potential danger.

Equip your home’s plumbing system to deal with flood water

  • Water damage remediation is expensive work. So, you must ‘wet-proof’ your home by installing foundation vents that will allow water to flow away instead of rising inside your home.
  • You may dry-proof the walls of your home to keep away the flood water.
  • Rising water may cause sewage to back up into your home. To prevent this, get a backflow valve installed in your drain line. It’s also important to have your backflow valves tested regularly to ensure they do their job.
  • Make sure you do an annual inspection of the hoses leading to the washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, etc.
  • Do an annual inspection of the seal and caulking around the showers and tubs to ensure that they are watertight.
  • Get an emergency pressure release valve installed in the plumbing system of your home. This device will protect your home when there is an increase in water pressure due to floods, hurricanes, and even during the winter season when the pipes freeze.
  • Everyone in your family must know where the main water shut-off valve is. During earthquakes or hurricanes, the pipes may break and create havoc. Shutting off the main water supply can save you from unnecessary water damage restoration.

Natural disasters can strike anytime. So, prepare an emergency kit having some canned food, water, a flashlight, and emergency medicines. We hope these tips will help you stay safe.

If you do find a leak in your water systems or suspect you have a blocked drain that may flood under heavy rain, get in touch with Austest Pipeline Solutions who are Melbourne’s most trusted leak detection team. We can have someone on your property to help you out quick smart.