The main sewer line in your home and the city sewer lines are parts of a system designed to protect your home from floods. But these systems sometimes fail. When they do, Specialized Property Management Oklahoma City warns they leave your home at the mercy of floods that can do massive damage to your property and also endanger your life.
It is for this reason that every home that is at risk of floods should have its own flood control system. Residential flood control systems help to reduce the risk of flood damage to your home or basement. These systems come in many forms and are designed to handle a range of flooding problems in the property.
They can be designed for flooding disasters that originate from the basement, floor drains, catch basin, sewer system or surface runoff. The system may consist of something as basic as roof gutters, or they can include more-involved features like French drains, sewer backflow valves and catch basins.
Most residential flood control systems integrate a series of measures to help reduce the risk of floods in your home. These separate devices work in concert to address different types of flood risks. They can redirect water from the vulnerable areas of the house or provide a way to handle the excess water.
What do you need to know before you install a residential flood control system in your home?
Steps for installing a residential flood control system
Assess your property’s flood risk
Factors that determine your home’s flood vulnerability include local weather patterns, nearby water bodies, terrain, and the area’s history of flooding. Homes in low-lying areas will naturally be more prone to floods. The type of soil in the area also plays a role in the property’s vulnerability to flooding.
A look at your area’s flood map can show you your home’s level of flood risk. You can get these details from FEMA flood maps which are free to access at https://msc.fema.gov/portal. Hiring an expert to do a Flood Vulnerability Assessment of your property may be a better way to get this information.
Determine the most effective flood control measures
The outcome of your flood vulnerability assessment dictates the best flood control measures for your home. Available options include rock berms, sandbags, levees, French drains, flood walls and a lot more. Factors that affect the effectiveness of a given flood control measure vary a lot.
For instance, you must factor in the severity of potential flooding as well as the layout of your property. You also want to think of the cost of the system, along with its unique pros and cons. To avoid mistakes and make the most of each dollar, you should hire a flood control specialist for this process.
Finding the right contractor
As a rule, a flood control system is not something you want to install by yourself. The money you save by installing the system yourself does not compare to the personal and financial risk you expose your family to. Hiring a contractor for this job should not be negotiable.
When hiring a flood control expert, ensure they are familiar with local building codes and regulations. You want someone with lots of experience installing flood control systems. The contractor you hire will follow these general steps to install the system.
Steps for Installing a Residential Flood Control System
Secure the necessary permits
In most places, permits are required for flood control projects. There may be zoning restrictions or environmental concerns to take into account. Obtaining the necessary permits will help you avoid fines and penalties.
Site Inspection and Assessment
The contractor will visit your home to do a more thorough evaluation of the property. That will help them determine the best location for the system, as well as highlight specific issues that can pose a problem to the project.
Excavation and preliminary works
Most flood control systems will require some excavation. If there are existing underground structures in the area or if you need to protect your landscaping, this process can take longer than expected.
Installation of drainage systems
These are the components of the flood control system that collect and divert excess water away from your home. They include features like pipes, sump pumps, basins, etc. The number and size of them depend on the anticipated water volume.
Installation of walls and barriers
These are above-ground structures like concrete blocks, metal barriers, sandbags, berms, etc. They act as barriers against rising water levels. Typically, these will be installed after the drainage systems are in place.
Testing
Lastly, as a final step in the installation process, tests are conducted to check the effectiveness of the installed systems. In addition to the smooth operation of the systems, the contractor will look for leaks and malfunctions.
It is essential to bear in mind that the effectiveness of a residential flood control system does not entirely depend on the quality of the installation. The best flood control system will fail if it is not maintained properly. Good maintenance can help to ensure the longevity of your system.
Talk to your contractor about the best way to use and maintain the system.