With winter already underway, the rainier months are just ahead of us. While rain is good to help alleviate the historical drought we have been suffering from, it can also cause damage to your home if you aren’t prepared for it. With meteorologists predicting heavier than usual rainfall this winter it is best to prepare your home for heavy rain.
#1 Check for Proper Drainage from Gutters and Downspouts
When preparing your home for heavy rain it’s important to check your gutters and downspouts. When heavy rainfalls it’s important to make sure that water can flow unobstructed away from your home. Over time gutter can collect debris such as leaves, pine needles, bird nests, and ice dams in colder climates. If water cannot flow properly through the gutters it can cause damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. Make sure all gutters and downspouts are free from damage to ensure that the flow of water goes where it is supposed to be.
#2 Consider Installing Rain Buckets
You can get the most out of the coming rain by installing rain buckets under your downspouts. Water collected after heavy rain is great for watering the yard or washing your car. This is not only a great move for conserving water, but it also can help prevent water pooling around the foundation of your home.
#3 Invest in Sand Bags
During heavy rain, flooding is imminent in some areas. That’s why when preparing for heavy rain it’s a good idea to stock up on some sandbags, just in case. Sandbags are being used to divert water away from areas you don’t want flooded.
#4 Sump Pump
If you have a basement you will want to check your sump pump when preparing for heavy rain. A sump pump helps pump flooded water away from below-ground areas like basements. If your sump pump is working properly then flooding shouldn’t be an issue, however, a malfunction in your sump pump can result in thousands of dollars in damages. To make sure your sump pump is working properly pour a bucket of water into the crock. Watch to see if the sump pump turns on and starts pumping the water out. You will also want to make sure that the pipe that drains the water from the sump pump is clear and free from clogs and debris.
#5 Check Storm Drains and Vent Pipes for Clogs
During heavy rain, you will want to make sure that the water has a clear place to go. Storm drains play a huge role in reducing flooding in your yard. Make sure all storm drains are free from clogs and debris. Also, make sure that all of the vent pipes on your roof are free from clogs. As debris builds up, especially after heavy rain, it can cause a serious plumbing backup problem.
Some other things you may want to consider when preparing for heavy rain are: turn off your sprinkler system, drain some water out of your pool to prevent flooding, secure trash cans, and outdoor furniture to prevent them from blowing away and keep trees trimmed to prevent damage from fallen branches.
