Coming home to a flooded house is one of the most stressful and problematic situations you can encounter. Luckily, there are many steps that you can take to help prevent water backup in your home. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your home stays dry during the fall and winter seasons!
- Make sure that your rain gutters and down spouts are properly maintained and are clear of any debris. Make any repairs that need to be done to ensure that they’re working their best.
- During a heavy rain, make sure to check your rain gutters within the first 15 minutes of the downpour to see if they’re overflowing. If they’re overflowing, make sure to add extra down spouts.
- Make sure all down spouts are extended at least 10 feet away from your house to ensure water doesn’t damage the foundation of your home.
- Make any adjustments to your irrigation and landscaping systems to make sure that all water flows away from your house.
- Install a sump pump system with a battery backup in your back yard to help drain any subsurface groundwater and storm water that could cause damage. Also, make sure that the sump pump has replacement warnings.
- Before the rainy season starts, make sure to run your sump pump to ensure that it’s clean and properly working!
- Install backflow standpipes and valves at all the basement drain locations, including toilets and sinks to help prevent any backflow of sanitary sewer water.
- Raise all appliances, equipment, and personal belongings above the backup level in your basement to protect them in case of a water backup.
It’s important to keep in mind that typical homeowners insurance policies don’t cover water damage that’s caused by sump pumps, rain gutters, and downspouts, which is why it’s so important to make sure that these items are properly maintained.
For all of your homeowners’ insurance needs throughout Minnesota, contact Kurt Rolf Insurance Agency in Hopkins.
