What to Know About Home Flooding

When it comes to owning a home, there are plenty of things you need to learn about that you may not have considered. Take flooding, for instance. Even if you don’t live in an area that necessarily keeps the possibility of your home flooding top of mind, you may still live in an area that could be subject to what’s known as “local flooding”. Keep reading to understand the damage related to flooding, how to best protect your home, and how to stay safe.

TYPES OF FLOODS

There are actually a few different types of floods, and the way you prepare for them and deal with them will vary slightly. According to Servicemaster Restore, there are coastal floods, river floods, flash floods, groundwater floods, and sewage floods.

Some good news: In Central Texas, you won’t really have to worry about coastal flooding. In terms of river flooding, the San Antonio River does run through the city, and much of the city flourishes around that fact.

This doesn’t come without drawbacks though. Flood Safety calls San Antonio “one of the most flood-prone regions in North America,” so preparation is essential. Though the city has made strides with flood tunnels, the issue still impacts many, especially those on San Antonio’s West Side, according to Spectrum Local News. 

When it comes to San Antonio flooding, flash floods are a problem, too. Flash floods happen quickly when water from rain or other sources suddenly fill low-lying or normally dry areas. Groundwater floods occur when heavy rain adds water to the rock or soil underground (the water table) faster than it can be absorbed.

This is especially common near aquifers (underground layers of permeable rock that hold groundwater). All of these other floods, and even heavy rain, can lead to sewage flooding. This is when the sewage system and pumps get overwhelmed and can’t contain the water. Floods are one of most common and widespread natural disasters, and they happen in every state in the U.S.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU LIVE IN A FLOOD ZONE

Living in a flood zone is different from just being at risk for an occasional flood. Flood zones are areas that are especially prone to the issue. There are plenty of great maps online to help determine if your house is located in one. But if you live in San Antonio, the answer is most likely that yes, you do. 

The city deals with flooding frequently, and also sits on the Edwards aquifer, which stretches all the way to Austin. The point is, preparing for San Antonio flooding is a good idea.

DO I NEED FLOOD INSURANCE? 

The San Antonio River Authority page highlights the importance of having flood insurance. Something to keep in mind is that insurance companies also use flood zone maps to determine their risk and the cost to you, so you may pay more if you live in a flood zone.

According to FloodSmart, even an inch of water in your space can cost you more than $25,000 in damages. Also, some federally-backed mortgages require you to have flood protection depending on where your house is located.

There are different types of flood insurance, too. Government flood insurance through FEMA tends to be more affordable, and their website lists companies that offer insurance in each state. On top of that, there is the potential you will have to pay some things out of pocket, like relocating while work is done on your home, according to The New York Times.

Private flood insurance is an option in some areas as well, but there are coverage risks here, too. The company can set their own prices, and they can potentially drop you if the risk gets too great for them. Either way, if you live in a high-risk area, it’s certainly worth considering, especially because standard insurance plans don’t cover flooding.

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM FLOODING

So, now you’re probably wondering what you can do to actively protect your property. The truth is, there are a few steps you can take to combat the damage a flood could do. One option is to install a sump pump, which is a pump that’s put at the lowest point of your home that you can use to remove water from your foundation. You can also purchase water level alarms for your pump, septic system, and more to alert you to any dramatic changes.

Homeowners can also keep in mind expected flood levels for their area, and raise essential things like your furnace and water heater above that point. Another tip is to anchor and raise your outdoor systems like fuel tanks, air-conditioning units, and generators.

If a sewer system floods, it can back up into your home. To prevent this, you can install an interior or exterior backflow valve on any pipes that enter your home.

Then, there are even more ways to protect your home if you want to invest in retrofitting. You can raise your home, install foundation vents that keep water from rising, or apply a sealant to walls.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOME FLOODS

Water damage is a severe problem that can lead to property damage, loss, and even health issues like mold down the line. But if your home starts to flood, you need to act fast to best keep your home, and yourself, safe.

You’ll want to move your most important belongings to higher ground if you have the time and can do so safely. Additionally, you should shut off your electricity. Figure out how to turn that off, as well as gas if you have it, before an emergency so that you can be ready at a moment’s notice.

Keep in mind that according to the Austin Government website, around 75% of flood-related deaths in Texas happen in a vehicle, so make sure to be incredibly cautious if you decide to drive.

When in doubt, wait for updates from city officials and try to stay safe and out of the way. Additionally, make sure to wait until you are told that your water is fine to drink after a flood.

One of the best ways to understand an area’s risks of flooding is to work with a knowledgeable agent, so reach out to one when you start your home search!