Common Causes of Flood Damage and How to Prevent Them

Posted in Flood & Water Damage, on March 15, 2024

Flood damage can be defined as the wide range of negative consequences caused by flooding. This includes harm to individuals, their well-being, and possessions, as well as impacts on both public and private infrastructure, natural environments, cultural sites, and economic endeavours, requiring the need for flood damage restoration. Flood control structures mitigate damage to physical infrastructure and facilitate the continuity of economic and social activities within communities by preventing water intrusion. However, they do not entirely eradicate the risk of flooding, as instances may still arise when the water levels surpass the designated thresholds set in their design. Hire experts in water damage restoration, Canada’s Restoration Services, for guaranteed results in restoration.

Common Causes of Flood Damage

• Heavy rain and storms: One of the primary reasons for flooding often stems from the buildup of winter precipitation. Whether it's snow, sleet, or hail, these frozen elements linger for months until they thaw during the brief weeks of spring. During this time, factors such as intense rain, river ice jams, or a thick blanket of snow melting rapidly can lead to flooding.
• Bursting of water mains: If a pipe bursts, water will flood into your residence. Find the main water supply and turn it off to halt the water flow, preventing further damage. Keep the faucets open to drain the pipes completely, which will release any remaining pressure, and flush all toilets.
• Blocked or insufficient drainage systems: Drainage flooding, also known as pluvial flooding, happens when sewage or contaminated water escapes from the sewer system via pipes, drains, or manholes or when it surges back up through toilets, sinks, or showers within a structure.
• Coastal and river flooding: There is also the risk of coastal flooding, which is attributed to storm surges, hurricanes, tropical storms, elevated sea levels due to climate change, and tsunamis.

Effects of Flood Damage

• Damage to property and infrastructure: Floods have the potential to result in power, water, and gas interruptions, disrupt transportation networks and the flow of goods, contaminate drinking water sources, inflict harm on residences, structures, and roadways, and trigger significant environmental issues such as landslides and mudslides.
• Displacement of people and animals: Floods bring significant social repercussions for both communities and individuals. As commonly understood, the immediate effects of flooding include loss of human lives, property damage, crop destruction, livestock loss, and deteriorating health conditions due to waterborne diseases.
• Health risks associated with floodwaters: When considering the health hazards associated with flooding, drowning is frequently the primary concern. However, the dangers extend beyond drowning and encompass a spectrum of risks, including injuries, hypothermia, animal attacks, infectious illnesses, malnutrition, and psychological distress. Contact with polluted floodwaters may result in Wound infections, dermatitis, and gastrointestinal ailments. Unaddressed water damage can lead to significant health issues such as mold growth, fungal spores, or bacterial proliferation. The consequences of water damage can be severe, underscoring the importance of promptly addressing the affected area.

Preventive Measures

• Proper building design and construction: Residences located in flood-prone regions ought to be constructed on elevated terrain, possibly requiring their foundations to be raised by two or three feet. Additionally, the surrounding area should be designed to efficiently divert water away from the property. Proper landscaping, including grading the lawn to facilitate water runoff from the structure and toward natural drainage pathways, is crucial.
• Regular maintenance of drainage systems: Prepare your property with essential flood prevention measures before the onset of heavy rains, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Even after the skies clear, homeowners must proceed with effective strategies to recover from flood damage.
• Essential Flood Prevention Measures in Heavy Rain Regions: Canada is annually battered by flooding, hurricane winds, and incessant heavy rains. Even provinces like Alberta, not directly on the coast, experience the repercussions of these downpours. Water damage can wreak havoc on various aspects of your property, such as pipes, sewers, basements, and building foundations. Hence, it's crucial to monitor your plumbing during heavy rainfall, especially during prolonged storm systems.

Implementing Effective Flood Prevention Methods for Your Property

There are several proven flood prevention tips to mitigate potential plumbing issues or flooding during storms:

• Promptly Address Cracked Drainpipes: Cracks in pipes, particularly older or damaged ones, pose a risk of bursting under the pressure of rainwater buildup, potentially contaminating water sources. Any changes in water colour, taste, or odour should prompt immediate attention to prevent further damage.
• Ensure Clear Storm Drains: Storm drains play a vital role in averting floods by facilitating the drainage of rainwater and groundwater. Blockages in these drains lead to rapid accumulation of water and debris, requiring timely clearance to prevent further property flooding and the subsequent need for water damage restoration.
• Maintain Roof Drainage Systems: Regular clearing of roof gutters prevents the accumulation of leaves and debris, which can clog drains and impede water flow, leading to potential flooding.
• Schedule Plumbing Inspections and Professional Drain Cleaning: Annual plumbing inspections help identify and rectify issues in the pipes, drains, and sewer systems before they escalate, ensuring heavy rainfall.
• Install Sump Pumps: Sump pumps are essential for keeping basements and homes dry by automatically removing excess water. Various types of sump pumps, such as submersible, pedestal, and water-powered, offer effective solutions for different needs.
• Enhance Outdoor Drainage: Proper outdoor drainage prevents standing water and potential pipe and sewer damage. Methods like extending downspouts, installing underground pipes, and utilizing French drains help channel water away from the property, preventing the need for any flood damage restoration.
• Utilize Landscaping for Flood Prevention: Strategic landscaping adjustments, such as building dry creek beds, creating rain gardens, and installing stormwater drainage wells, help divert and manage rainwater runoff effectively.

By proactively implementing these flood prevention measures, homeowners can protect their properties and minimize the risks associated with heavy rains and storms.

Preparation of Emergency Kits and Evacuation Plans

After a flood, disruptions in essential services like electricity, heating, and water might occur, necessitating temporary shelter. Your Standard Flood Kit should provide a 3-day emergency stock of water, food, a tent, blankets, hand warmers, flashlights, hygiene essentials, and more, all crafted in adherence to FEMA recommendations.

Working with the Best in Flood Damage Restoration

The importance of preventing flood damage can't be stressed enough. Protect your home with the adequate measures needed to keep you and your family safe. Canada’s Restoration Services has the solutions to your flood prevention needs. In the unfortunate event of flood damage, Canada’s Restoration Services will be available to fix all your flood-related problems. Equipped, knowledgeable, and experienced, Canada’s Restoration Services will seamlessly repair your flood damage in a cost-effective and timely manner.

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