How to Get Your House Ready for High Winds

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Storm shutters are the finest way to secure your windows.

Preparing Your House for High Winds

When the weather gets windy, we all know that it can be dangerous. But did you know that high winds also pose a serious risk to your home and family? In fact, according to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), nearly half of all tornado-related deaths are caused by flying debris—and 90 percent of those deaths occur in homes. That's why it's so important to take the necessary precautions ahead of time to ensure your home is ready for these potentially deadly storms. 

Clean Up the Yard

To secure your home, you’ll want to remove all loose items from your yard. This includes:

• Trampolines
• Decorative tree ornaments (such as lights and ornaments) that aren’t securely fastened to a tree trunk or other solid surface
• Excessive lawn furniture (like the massive patio sets) that could be blown away by high winds

Remove any dead or dying branches and cut back any branches that are overhanging the house from all trees in your yard. Also, trim back any branches that are touching the roof of your home, as this can cause damage to your roof in high winds. If you have a tree in close proximity to power lines, it is important that you do not trim those limbs because they could come into contact with those power lines and cause an electrical hazard. Finally, make sure not to trim back a tree near a swimming pool if there are children playing around it!

Secure Windows

The best way to secure your windows is through storm shutters. If you don’t have storm shutters, you can board up your windows with plywood to prevent flying debris from damaging the window. Another alternative could be window clips. Although these are not as secure as plywood or shutters, they are a good option for a limited time. Window clips can be purchased at most hardware stores and will do wonders for preventing damage to your home when the wind kicks up. They're easy to install, so there's no reason not to do it!

To secure the plywood with nails, hammer in a nail near each corner of the window or door. Then, pull out the nail and move over 1/4 inch and hammer it back down again. Repeat this process until all four sides of the window are covered with nails. To secure plywood using screws, use a screwdriver to drive two small screws into each side of the plywood that faces inward toward your house (this could be between siding boards).

Reinforce the Doors

You can reinforce your doors with weather strips and door sweeps. Weather strips are made of rubber and stretch across the opening where the door closes, sealing out air and moisture. Door sweeps are similar but have a metal band attached around them to help keep out water and other debris.

Both products come in different sizes to accommodate any type of door, so make sure you measure your frame before purchasing new ones (you may need to look for a custom-sized model). Once they're installed on your doors, they're not that hard to clean or maintain—simply wipe them down occasionally with a damp cloth if they get dirty or dusty. And if you live in an area where hurricanes are frequent, take extra care because these two items will be exposed to high winds!

Brace your Garage Doors

You can install a 2x4 to brace the garage door. The 2x4 should be placed horizontally on top of the door and secured with rope or chain. 

To properly brace your garage door, you will need:

• A large wooden board (a 2×4)
• Two small wooden stakes
• Rope (or chain)

Prepare your Roof

To prepare for high winds, you'll want to make sure that your roof is in good shape. First, remove any debris from the roof. This can include leaves and other plant particles (as well as insects) that may be caught up in the gutters or on the surface of your home's exterior walls.

Next, check over any areas where repairs have been made and ensure they're still secure by fastening them again if needed. Check for leaks around pipes or vents; these are especially common areas for water intrusion during storms.

High winds can cause extensive damage to your home. You may be able to save thousands of dollars in property damage and medical bills by taking some simple steps to protect your home from high winds.

Why is it important to protect your home from high winds?

If you follow these tips, your house will be ready for the storm! If you do experience storm damage, give SERVPRO of Affton/Webster Groves a call! We will get your Crestwood, MO home back to normal in no time. 

3 Easy Tips to Prepare for a Storm

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded business in Lakeshire, MO.

Prepare For a Storm

Some storms can pass with little to no impact, while other storms may be utterly devastating. If you’re about to be hit with a storm that may flood water into your home, it’s important that you prepare for it. The more prepared you are, the less your home will be impacted by water damage and the less your flood specialist will have to deal with.

1. Protect Against Flooding

You can take on this first step before there is any sign of a storm. It’s preferred that you flood-proof your home before there is a problem with flooding. First, you can make sure that your basement and walls are sealed with a waterproofing compound to give it a defense against the flood. Second, if you know that a storm is coming, you can construct barriers to stop the flood water from getting into your home.

2. Protect Yourself and Your Belongings

If a flooded building is imminent, then it’s time to be prepared for the water. First, you need to make sure that your valuables are on higher ground. If you have an upper floor, move your valuable items there. Additionally, you should make sure that all of your utilities are turned off from their main switch and disconnect all electrical appliances. When there is a flooded building, it’s possible that water could cause an electrical situation if these items are left on.

3. Pack an Emergency Kit

If you know that there is going to be a flood, it’s possible that you will only have to deal with the pain of water removal once the storm is over. However, in more serious scenarios, you may be required to evacuate. Always have an emergency kit with extra clothes packed and kept dry away from the flood.

Flood water can strike anywhere, and it can strike anyone. You should never be underprepared when dealing with the prospect of water damage in Lakeshire, MO.

Storm Damage Versus Flood Damage

9/22/2022 (Permalink)

Hail storm

Storm Damage Versus Flood Damage

You might not see a huge difference between storm and flood damage, but your insurance company sure does. It's absolutely vital to make sure that your Shrewsberry, MO, business is covered for both types of damage. Getting to know the ins and outs of your specific insurance policy can help prevent you from suffering thousands of dollars in property damages.

Damage Defined
Differentiating between the two types of damages can be tricky. Insurance companies typically label the accident as storm damage if the destruction was a result of one or more of the following:

• Heavy rainfall
• Cyclones or tornadoes
• Hail storms
• Hurricanes or other tropical storms
  
  

While it is absolutely possible for the above incidents to cause flooding, your insurance company won't see it that way. Ever since the Queensland floods in 2011, the Insurance Code of Practice has defined flood damage as "the covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of any lake, river, creek or other natural watercourse, whether or not altered or modified, or any reservoir, canal or dam."

How to File a Claim
If your commercial building is covered, then you need to file your insurance claim as soon as possible.

Contact your insurance company to report the damage.
Separate your damaged property from your undamaged property. Don't throw anything away until your insurance agent has inspected it. Take plenty of photos of the damage as well.
Create a list of damaged items inside the building. Take photos and provide standard information, such as the items' models, serial numbers, and brand. If you still have any receipts or bills, include them in the report.
List any structural damage that you want the insurance adjuster to notice. As always, take plenty of photos.

Both severe storms and floods can cause massive amounts of water damage, but your insurance company still treats them like separate accidents. Make sure to contact remediation experts if your commercial building has recently suffered from storm or flood damage.

Top 5 FAQs About Floods

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Home in Crestwood, MO located in a flood zone.

Common Questions Regarding Flood Risk

Floods are a relatively common natural disaster that many homeowners have to deal with at some point, especially if your home in Crestwood, MO, is located in a major flood zone. Read on to have your most common questions regarding flood risk answered.

1. What is a Flood Zone?

These are the areas that have the greatest risk of succumbing to a major flood in the event of a severe storm or natural disaster. There are multiple different levels, but it's still best to anticipate the worst, just to make sure you're adequately prepared.

2. How Do You Know Whether You're in a High-Risk Zone?

The easiest way to gauge your personal risk is to check the map provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There are several different maps provided, and each has its own unique information to offer regarding flooding.

3. How Can You Tell When a Flood is Coming?

The best way to stay informed is to sign up for an emergency broadcast alert system. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is just one of the many channels you should pay attention to in order to stay up to date on an incoming flood or storm.

4. How Can You Gauge Flood Severity?

The National Weather Service (NWS) has a list of flash flood warnings, categorized in order of severity. These warnings typically pop up through your emergency alert channels within approximately 6 hours of heavy rainfall or severe weather. The three major classes are "Base," "Considerable" and "Catastrophic."

5. Can Flooding Occur Anywhere?
Flooding can occur anywhere in the United States, no matter what time of year it is. Of course, there are certain seasons when floods are significantly more likely. These seasons can vary depending on where in the country your property is.
Knowing your property's specific flood zone can help you prepare to face any imminent storms. If your property does succumb to water damage, then you need to contact flood remediation experts as soon as possible.

Sewage Backup in the Bathtub? Follow These Steps

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

A sewer backup is a big problem that only gets worse if it isn't handled correctly.

Bathtub Sewage Backup

Any type of bathroom flooding is a big problem, but sewer backup in the bathroom is an even bigger headache. Naturally, your best course of action is preventing the flood from happening in the first place, but that isn't always an option. Stay calm, and follow these simple steps if your home in Grantwood Village, MO, has recently experienced sewage backup in the bathtub.

1. Assess the situation: Sewer backup is a Category 3 water contamination, and a very dangerous biohazard. In some cases, it may not be safe to even enter the room or building where the flooding is. Before attempting to tackle the mess, always make sure the electricity is switched off and you're wearing the appropriate protective gear.

2. Don't make the problem worse: It's natural to want to continuously flush the toilet when the water won't go down. Do not do this. Instead, turn off all running water in the room. If a burst pipe is to blame for the flood, then switch off the water to the building.

3. Protect belongings in the room: Remove every single item in the room that has been contaminated by the sewage. This includes furniture, carpeting, shower curtains, and anything else that has come into contact with the water. Move these items outside where they won't cause further contamination. Open the windows and doors in the bathroom to help generate airflow into the room.

4. Call for professional help: Extreme bathtub backup might require professional assistance. Contaminated water can cause a lot of damage in a very small amount of time, so it's important to act quickly. Avoid personal contact with the sewage as much as you can, as the contaminated water can cause health effects.
A sewer backup is a big problem that only gets worse if it isn't handled correctly. Contact your local flood remediation experts in order to get the job done right the first time.

Is Your Home Ready for a Storm?

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Keep important documents in a waterproof safe box.

Knowing How To Prepare Yourself and Your Home for Flood Water

Torrential rains in Affton, MO, can be stressful for homeowners. They can also cause water damage in a flooded building or home. Knowing how to prepare yourself and your home for flood water can help reduce stress after a big storm.

Before a Storm

Homeowners can prepare for a flood by taking time to consider these precautionary steps before a storm arrives:

• Research the flood risk in Affton, MO.
  
• Check into insurance options available in your area.
  
• Create an evacuation plan, including safe routes to shelter on higher ground away from flood water.
  
• Invest in a sump pump with a backup battery and take measures to waterproof the basement.
  
• Store valuables above ground level.
  
  

Keep important documents in a waterproof safe box. You should protect homeowner’s insurance documents, health insurance policies, and identification such as passports, birth records, and marriage certificates. Consider keeping important digital files along with current photographs of the contents of your home on a flash drive in the waterproof box as well. Keep the safe box in an accessible place in your home, and remember to take it in the event of an evacuation.

Pack a disaster bag. In addition to supplies such as a change of clothes and medications, be sure to include spare car keys, a radio, flashlights, and batteries. If you have family members with special needs, consider additional equipment required for their safety.

During a Storm

Protect your family and home during a storm by heeding all emergency warnings and communications. Moving water presents unseen dangers to pedestrians and drivers, and it may be deeper than it appears. Do not try to cross flooded roads or bridges.

After a Storm

Return home only if it is safe to do so. Cleaning flood water from your home is a task best managed by professionals, such as a local residential restoration service.

It is often best to be prepared well in advance of a storm. Take precautionary steps before the rainy season, and have the number of a professional cleanup crew on hand in case your home becomes a flooded building.

Should You or Should You Not Invest in a Flood Policy? That Is the Question

11/6/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded office building in Crestwood, MO.

Your business is your livelihood, which is why no measure should be too small or too great to protect it. While a flood policy is only required if you operate in a high-risk flood area, such commercial insurance might be worth your while even if neither condition exists. Even with minimal coverage, you will be covered for an amount equal to your Crestwood, MO, property's restoration costs or to the maximum limit of coverage offered by your policy — two options that are better than no coverage. That said, if you live in an area prone to flooding, you may want to invest in more than the minimum amount of coverage, just to be safe.

When a Commercial Flood Insurance Policy Is Necessary

Depending on where you live, the question of whether or not you should invest in commercial insurance for flooding may be a moot point. Federal and state laws require business owners to invest in a flood policy if the following factors exist:

• The mortgage is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and the building is located in an area with special flood hazards
  
• You operate in an area prone to extreme flooding
  
• Your lender, insurer or other regulatory agency requires you to have a flood insurance policy
  
  

If one or more of the aforementioned factors exist, you are required to invest in flood coverage.

Where To Find Flood Coverage

There are several resources to which you can turn to find flood coverage for your Crestwood, MO, commercial building. FloodSmart.gov and the National Flood Insurance Program provide lists of insurers that provide such coverage. FEMA also offers plenty of resources as well as additional assistance if one's policy is not enough to cover the cost of damage.

While a quick Google search can yield the results for which you're looking, you can also contact your local flood remediation team for advice. It should be able to point you in the right direction and help you find the commercial insurance you need to protect your building and your business.

You Should Have Bought a Houseboat: Four Steps to Prepare for Flood Season

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Flood season can be a scary time of year, and you don’t want to get caught in flood water without a paddle.

The idea of being stuck in a flooded building, or on the roof of your car in the middle of floodwater, is not appealing to most people. While living in Affton, MO, may mean that some level of flooding is unavoidable, it doesn’t mean that you have to be caught off guard when the waters rise. The four steps below will help you know your risk, prepare for potential danger, and plan for a possible emergency.

1. Know Your Zone

The easiest thing you can do to prepare is to know your zone. FEMA has designated most geographic regions, specifying their likelihood of flooding. If you are in a moderate to a high-risk area, then flood preparation is for you. FEMA designed flood zones to help homeowners and governments plan for emergencies and protect their properties.

2. Create an Emergency Kit

When floodwater starts rising, you don’t want to be scavenging for things. An Emergency Kit is a good idea to save valuable time when you need to get out of your house in a hurry. You should take note of medications, charging devices, and any other specific needs of individuals or pets in your home.

3. Make Sure You’re Covered

You should check your homeowner's insurance policy and make sure that it covers flooding. If your plan does not include flooding and you are located in a moderate to high-risk zone, you may want to consider getting the additional coverage to protect against any potential damage.

4. Update Your Contacts

Lastly, you should update your family and friends about any emergency plans, this way they’re in the know and can inform first responders. Additionally, it doesn’t hurt if you have the contact numbers of emergency services, and even restoration specialists for after the storm to clean up any water damage.

Flood season can be a scary time of year, and you don’t want to get caught in flood water without a paddle. You should take the time now, when things are safe, to plan and prepare for the worst.

Avoid Mold Growth Due to Winter Flooding

7/31/2021 (Permalink)

Add insulation to the pipes.

Reasons To Prevent Winter Flooding

When it's warm outside in Shrewsberry, MO, it's easy to forget about the risk of frozen pipes, but this is the best time of year to prevent winter flooding. Protect your pipes from freezing by learning to recognize the risks, taking preventative steps, and how to respond when pipes do freeze. Some of the most important reasons to prevent winter flooding are the risks of mold growth and property damage.

Freezing Water Expands

If you've left a cold drink in the freezer a little too long, you've probably experienced the results of water expansion. No matter what type of container water is in, when it freezes water expands and there's a tremendous amount of pressure on the container. Even metal pipes can break, leading to flooded basements and the risk of standing water where bacteria can grow. Watch out for:

• Pipes exposed to extreme cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, water sprinkler lines, and swimming pool lines
  
• Water supply lines in unheated areas, such as the attic, basement, garage, kitchen, or crawl space
  
• Pipes running along exterior walls where there's little to no insulation
  
  

Keep Things Warm

There are several things you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing. Once you've located problem areas, you can add insulation to the pipes. Protect them from cold weather as much as possible. For example, keep the garage doors closed to retain some of the home's warmth and open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to let warmer air circulate around the pipes. When the weather is very cold, let a bit of cold water run through the faucets. The running water will prevent the pipes from freezing. During especially severe cold snaps, leave the thermostat set to daytime temperatures at night and even when you're away from home.

Call a Professional

Finally, if pipes have frozen, contact a professional for help. While waiting for a response, leave faucets open to allow water to flow through the pipes and use a heating pad or space heater to warm the pipes. An immediate response is the best way to avoid flooding and mold growth.

Getting Your Company Ready for a Disaster

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage in a building in Affton, MO.

Part of being a good business leader is being prepared and anticipating the unexpected. While you cannot tell the future, you can be ready for unforeseen circumstances. This not only includes issues that relate to your everyday work but to disasters and incidents as well. To keep your Affton, MO, workforce safe, you need to have a plan and measures in place when tragedy or emergencies strike. Your disaster preparedness will give you peace of mind.

Common Disasters in the Workplace

Disasters in the office could derail your business if you are not ready to prevent or face them. Typical situations like these include:

• Wind damage to the building
  
• Flooding from excessive rain or overflowing waterways nearby
  
• Flooding from broken pipes or other plumbing issues
  
• Fires
  
  

Have Good Insurance
Part of a good disaster preparedness plan should include having the right insurance coverage. Each year, assess your property insurance and determine if it is meeting your needs. Look at coverage levels and deductibles. If you live in an area where flooding is common or earthquakes are more possible, consider getting those supplemental insurance plans too. You should also become familiar with local disaster response and cleanup companies.

Inspect the Building
You need to have sound business preparedness to operate your company effectively and to keep people safe. You can avoid some disasters by making sure the building and its systems are up to date and in good condition. Regularly have a professional inspect the roof for leaks. Evaluate the plumbing and the electrical wiring and components.

Have an Evacuation Plan
Some disasters are unavoidable. You might not be able to stop an incident from occurring, but you can get people out of harm's way. Develop and practice a plan to exit the building in case of a fire, flood or other troubling situation that threatens people's well-being.
As you have reliable disaster preparedness, you can rest at ease knowing you have done your part. Implement these practices today.

Commercial Content Cleaning Can Save Thousands After Flood Damage

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

After a flood, your commercial building is likely to be a serious mess.

Commercial Content Cleaning

After a flood in Marlborough, MO, your commercial building is likely to be a serious mess. Besides the damage to the structure, everything inside that the water touched must be inspected and cleaned.
The key to saving money is for your restoration experts to have a “restore” versus “replace” mentality. Their custom equipment and content cleaning solvents can frequently salvage and repair your contents instead of replacing them.

Content Replacement Can Be a Massive Cost
Many businesses in Marlborough, MO, have thousands of dollars worth of equipment and inventory inside their building. Much of this can be restored instead of replaced. This includes items such as:

• Appliances and electronics
  
• Stock and inventory
  
• Documents and storage devices
  
• Carpets and furniture
  
  

Electronics Can Be Tricky
If you can shut off your electronics before a flood, there’s a chance they can be restored. Also, quick action after the storm is critical to prevent further corrosion, but never attempt to turn on any water-damaged electronic device without it being inspected.
Appliances that are disconnected from power have a good chance to be recovered. Ideally, you’ll have turned off all the breakers before the flood hits.

Porous Items Can Sometimes Be Cleaned
Depending on the amount of black water mixed in, items such as carpets and furniture can often be saved with advanced content cleaning methods. The more porous the item is, the harder it is to clean. Inventory below the flood line will all have to be inspected, as well.

Saving Documents Usually Requires a Professional
Once documents get wet, they stick together, becoming a goopy mess. However, new innovations in document restoration mean many of them can be saved if you take immediate action.
Fortunately, SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster. They’ll arrive immediately and begin the process, even using freeze-drying and thermal vacuum technology to salvage every possible item. Expediency is the key here – you need to call your experts or insurance agent before the floodwaters have subsided.
Content cleaning can save many items, a lot of money and considerable time compared to replacement. It all depends on the skill of your restoration company.

How Can You Know Your Flood Risk?

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

It is important to know your flood risk

Every location, even Affton, MO, is at risk of flooding. The biggest challenge is interpreting flood maps, so you know your flood risk.

What Are the Zones?

These are different areas that determine your risk of experiencing a flood and dealing with the consequences, such as finding a remediation company. There are three types of flood areas, including:

• Low-risk zones
  
• Moderate-risk zones
  
• High-risk zones
  
  

What Are Low and Moderate-Risk Zones?
Low and moderate-risk areas are designated by the letters B, C, and X on flood maps. There is less chance that you will experience a flood in a flood zone with one of these designations. However, the risk is not completely removed. You should still consider flood insurance if you live in one of these areas.

What Are High-Risk Zones?
A high-risk flood zone will be marked with an A or V on a flood map. These locations are considered at-risk of experience a flood. If you live in one of these areas, you will likely be required to have flood insurance.

How Can You Find Your Zone?
To determine your flood zone, you can check your community's flood maps. Each zone will have different risk, as marked on the map, impacting your flood insurance requirements and cost. You can also find your zone online through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website. Here, you will be able to check the local topography and see what puts an area at-risk. This will be helpful when you are looking to move to a new location or are keeping an eye out for anything that could change the status of your zone.
It is important to know your flood risk. That way, you can take measures to protect your property against storm and water damage. Knowing where to look and how to read a flood map can help you figure out your zone.

3 Ways To Protect Your Facility From Storm-Related Roof Damage

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Roof damaged in Marlborough, MO

Ways To Prevent Roof Problems

The end of summer and beginning of fall brings about some of the worst weather of the year. As a commercial business or building owner, you probably have concerns about potential property issues, like roof damage. While every storm mitigation company in Marlborough, MO, may offer a different set of advice, all will probably agree on the three following tips to prevent roof problems.

1. Roof Inspection
The primary thing to remember is that every commercial roof requires multiple yearly inspections, at least two. You want to perform an inspection in early spring and late fall. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional inspector, make sure to look for cracks or breaks in the material. You want to keep an eye out for peeling edges or damaged flashing. Also, check the drainage is clear and free of debris.

2. Tree Trimming
A lot of roof damage stems from surrounding greenery, like trees. Severe weather can turn loose or hanging branches into projectiles and sturdy whips. Wind damage is nothing to joke about. The best way to avoid any issues is to reduce the amount of ammo that exists around your building by trimming back the trees.

3. Timely Repairs
Another way to avoid damage that may lead to an entire roof rebuild is by committing to timely repairs. No company ever has the budget to fix sudden roof problems, but ignoring the issue only leads to more extensive problems later on. Please do not risk the structural integrity of your building, fix minor issues before they become significant repairs.
Roof damage is a relatively common part of severe weather, but it does not have to be. Through diligence and preemptive maintenance, you can avoid high and surprising costs. If you would like to learn more about possible preventative measures, contact local storm remediation or restoration company in your state.

Protect Your Home With Landscaping

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Three Ways to Combat Flooding in Your Yard

With global warming and the resulting catastrophic weather changes, flooding has become a prominent issue that is increasingly affecting the entire world. If you live in Marlborough, MO, you’ll want to do everything that you can to protect your property. Here are three ways to combat flooding in your yard.

1. Mulch

One way to prevent increased water in your yard is to add mulch around the perimeter of your home or to garden areas — preferably mulch that is heavier than ordinary mulch. A hardwood mulch or material that is human-made is recommended. Using a heavier mulch prevents mulch chips from being moved easily by floodwater in a rain storm. Lightweight mulch in flood-prone areas can cause clogged drains and messy cleanup.

2. Rainspouts

Diverting water with rainspouts is another way to combat flooding. This water-displacing solution prevents water from pooling near walled structures. This not only helps prevent flooding near your home but also prevents the movement of softened soil, which can adversely affect your foundation and walls. Make sure to install gutters around the entire perimeter of the house and divert the water away from walls to lower ground such as a garden or rain barrel.

3. Rain Gardens

A rain garden is another way to solve rain drainage issues. It can be inexpensive and small if you like. Rain gardens are a place for water to collect during a storm, slowly trickling the puddles back into the soil. In the center of the garden, include plants that require a lot of water because they are low maintenance. Using native plants is recommended for these gardens. The outer edge plants will drain, and the center plants will benefit.

While there are several solutions for flooding, none of them are 100% weatherproof. Fortunately, if Mother Nature throws you a curveball and you do happen to have water damage, there are water damage professionals Here To Help.

3 Ways To Avoid a Sewage Backup

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent clogs by using hair catchers in showers

Three Ways To Reduce Water and Sewage Damage In a Residence

Any homeowner who has experienced a flooded basement as a result of a sewage backup wants to prevent this problem from recurring. Here are three ways to reduce the likelihood of water and sewage damage on the lower levels of a residence in Concord, MO.

1. Prevent Clogs
Home sewer lines often become obstructed by solid materials such as hair or cooking grease that has been improperly discarded. Prevention is the best way to keep clogs from forming. Use hair catchers in showers and dispose of fats and oils with solid waste rather than pouring these substances down the drain to eliminate the causes of most clogs in home lines. Arrange for a plumber to clear any blockages.
2. Maintain Lines
A homeowner can use an enzymatic cleaner on a monthly basis to keep sewer lines clear. These products formulated with beneficial bacteria produce enzymes that break down organic matter. Unlike chemical drain cleaners, enzymatic cleaners are not harmful to the environment or pipe materials. Old lines are more likely to develop blockages from invasive roots and will eventually require replacement.
3. Install a Backwater Valve
A backwater valve is the last line of defense against a flooded basement. This valve allows sewage to pass through but prevents contaminated water from returning. Backwater valves can prevent backups caused by blocked or overflowing city sewage lines. Retrofitting an existing plumbing system with a backwater valve can be a significant investment, but this equipment should minimize expenditures on restoring sewage damage that is excluded from most homeowners' policies.
When wastewater starts backing up, a homeowner should contact a plumber sooner rather than later to determine the cause of the problem. Backups may result from clogs, invasive tree roots, or a line that requires replacement. Taking these measures can reduce the risk of a flooded basement at a home in Concord, MO.

3 Sandbagging Alternatives

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Inflatable barriers are empty bladders that inflate when filled with water

3 Sandbagging Alternatives

The sand bag has been employed as a tool for protecting buildings from rising waters for decades. This tool can be effective, but there are other alternatives.

1. Inflatable Barriers

Inflatable barriers are empty bladders that inflate when filled with water. Once filled with water, they act as flood dams that can block up to six feet of water and silt. When no longer needed, the water can be drained from the barrier, making this an environmentally friendly solution. These barriers are relatively easy to set up, but if you have a large property to protect, purchasing enough of them to create a perimeter around the property can be expensive.

2. Flood Fence Barriers

Flood fence barriers have become a popular sand bag alternative due to their portability and versatility. Flood fences can be erected around the perimeter of a building and moved as needed. Because they need to be in place before flooding beings, they work best as an option for flooding that can be predicted in advance, such as that from an approaching hurricane or a nearby body of water that has been forecast to reach flood stage.

3. Plastic Polytube Flood Barriers

Polytube flood barriers are long tubes that can be filled with sand, dirt or other substances. The tubes work similarly to the other alternatives by being placed around the perimeter of the property to be protected and acting as a barrier to floodwaters. These tubes are relatively easy to fill and place but can be cumbersome to move once filled.
The sand bag is a tried and true tool for protecting property from flooding, but there are alternatives on the market that are easier to set up, more flexible to use and more eco-friendly. Choosing one of these alternatives may help protect your property from flood damage. However, no flood protection method is foolproof. If floodwaters have affected your building in Lakeshire, MO, you may need professional flood remediation services.