12 Ways To Protect Your Home from Spring Flooding in Wausau, WI
Spring flooding is normal in Wausau, WI as the weather warms and the snow beings to melt. As a matter of fact, the Rib River is one of the biggest culprits in Marathon County. Another common flooding site is Oak Island Park. All that snow needs to go somewhere when the temperature rises. So make sure to utilize these tips from us local expert plumbers in Wausau to safeguard your home from meltwater and avert home or basement flooding.
Outside Your Home
1. Clean and clear Ice and Snow away from Your House. Any snow packed against the side of your home or covering your drains will seep directly into the ground above your foundation.
You can lessen the threat of meltwater entering your basement by removing the snow away. We suggest doing in any event 3 feet around your home.
Remember to likewise clear snow and ice away from your outside lines and drains. On the off chance that they're stalled, water that your sump siphons out will have no place to go except for back to your basement.
2. Check the Grading Around Your House. While this is something that most yards already have, the freeze-thaw cycle can affect the ground on your property. You should ensure that any meltwater from snow will usually stream away from your home.
On the off chance that your yard isn't graded so water will stream away from your home, you may need to consider regarding your lawn by adding more topsoil and raking it into your low spots. You can discuss this with a professional landscaper if needed.
3. Clear Gutters and Downspouts. Your gutters may not be collecting leaves like they would in the fall, however, as ice and snow can build up throughout winter.
Tip: If your road drains is obstructed by ice and snow, you may have to clear them off. At the point when hindered, you'll rapidly get enormous puddles, and that water could leak its way towards your establishment if your home is near the road.
4. Search for Cracks in Your Foundation. Right now is the ideal opportunity to check your home for cracks. On the off chance that you discover any, we suggest having them surveyed by an organization that specializes in foundation and waterproofing.
Inside Your House
1. Ensure Your Sump Pump is working. One of the most important steps to take when preparing your home for spring is to make sure your sump pump is working. It is your first line of defense against a flooded basement and expensive water damage
If you don’t have a sump pump, need a new sump pump, or want to be extra sure your sump pump is working, book an appointment with us. We both install and repair sump pumps, giving you the peace of mind that your home has protection against the upcoming spring thaw.
2. Make Sure You Have a Backwater Valve. Backwater valves enable one-way flow from your home’s sewer line and are the key to protecting your basement from a gross sewer backup and more damage. When there’s a lot of water – like during a spring melt – it can overwhelm sewer lines, and that’s what causes a backup. A backwater valve works automatically: as soon as it detects backflow, it closes up.
Keep in mind that this won’t protect your home from backflow caused by a blockage inside your home (for example, if you have a clogged sink).
3. Clean Out Your Basement. Preparing your home for the spring thaw can be combined with spring cleaning to both purge old things and protect your favorite belongings.
Clear your basement of anything valuable or prone to water damage. This includes:
Furniture
Storage boxes
Treasured possessions
5. Unplug All Appliances That Could Come in Contact with Water. Many people we know keep a standing freezer of food in the basement or have their laundry machines there. If you have a finished basement, you’ll definitely have more appliances.
When not in use – or if there’s a flood or rain warning – these appliances should be unplugged. Electrically charged water is incredibly dangerous.
If possible, it’s a good idea to remove appliances from the area at risk of flooding. We know that’s not possible to move large appliances (like the previously mentioned freezer), but you can put them on wood or cement blocks to elevate them.
6. Check Your Attic or Ceilings. Snow builds up on roofs over the course of a winter, and while structurally they can handle it, the spring thaw brings with it the risk of a leak. You should always keep an eye on your attic and the ceiling of your top floor, as a small leak can quickly become a huge problem.
7. Have an Emergency Kit. An emergency kit is a must for many situations, and a flood is no exception. If there is a flood warning in effect, make sure to have the following things on hand.
Food that doesn’t have to be cooked in case the power goes out.
Extra water.
A flashlight with extra batteries.
A fully charged battery pack for your phone.
Basic toiletries like toilet paper, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
A First-Aid kit. You can pick up pre-packed ones at most drugstores.
Any important documents.
Extra clothing.
Your keys.
Emergency numbers for fire and health services, roofers, and plumbers. Save it in your phone or on a sheet of emergency numbers.
While in most cases you won’t need an emergency kit, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
7. Double-Check Your Insurance Coverage. Spring is a great time to re-familiarize yourself with your home’s insurance coverage when it comes to flooding.
If you’re unsure what is covered under your policy, speak to your insurance advisor or a broker.
8. Stay Home and Keep an Eye on Your House. If you’re nervous about potential flooding, we recommend keeping an eye on the weather forecasts, and staying home when there’s a flooding risk. You’ll be able to keep a watchful eye on your house, and you won’t waste your time away being worried.