Flooding isn't a threat only to homes located on the coasts. Melting snow, excessive rain, and other factors can trigger an event. Also, homes can face water woes for other reasons, such as leaky showers or toilets.
Redfin recently offered several ways for homeowners to protect their homes against flooding risks, including:
Purchase flood insurance: Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, which many homeowners seem to be unaware of. Flood damage is covered only by a separate policy for flood insurance. What’s more, about 20% of flood claims come from areas that are considered to be at low or moderate risk for flooding, according to the National Flood Insurance Program.
Install a battery-powered sump pump: Sump pumps can remove excess water from a basement. Most require electricity to work. But a battery-powered backup will ensure the sump pump continues to work even if the power goes out. The average cost of installing a sump pump is about $1,200.
Purchase flood sensors: Flood sensors can be placed throughout a home, such as a basement or bathrooms, to alert you whenever water is detected.
Install an automatic shutoff valve: An automatic battery-powered shutoff valve can help prevent flood damage to a home. It can turn off the main water supply when a flood sensor is activated.
HouseLogic offers the following guides for house hunters and homeowners: How to Check for Flood Risk During Home Buying and How to Clean Up (and Forget the Nightmare) of Basement Flooding