What to Know About Living on a Floodplain

When buying a new home, there are many things you'll need to be aware of. You'll likely choose your new house based on certain criteria, such as school district, distance from your job, size and style of the home, and the neighborhood. You'll also have to make decisions like what type of mortgage to get and how much homeowner's insurance you'll need.

WHAT'S A FLOODPLAIN?

A floodplain is low-lying area that is usually located between two higher grounds. Such terrains are adjacent to bodies of water like streams, rivers, lakes, ponds or oceans. Because of this, properties that are located on a floodplain are highly susceptible to flooding

HOW DO I KNOW IF I LIVE ON A FLOODPLAIN?

Knowing if your property is located within a floodplain is critical to keeping your family and your home safe during a flood. Even if you aren't in plain sight of a body of water, that doesn't mean your home is far away from one. While this is a rather broad interpretation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency can help narrow it down for you. Simply visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and type in your address, and it will show you how close in proximity you are to a floodplain.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY HOME?

If you do happen to reside in an area that has been deemed a floodplain, there are certain measures you can take to help mitigate flooding to protect your home. Contact your local Roto-Rooter professional to discuss ventilating your pipes. This can help prevent water from entering your home during serious weather conditions.

Most of the time, you will be able to go about your life as normal, but there are some things you should be aware of when you live on a floodplain.

GET COVERED

A flood can pose three distinct threats to a home's plumbing system:

• Contamination of the floodwater. During a flood, sewage can infiltrate the floodwater, which could pose a health risk to anyone who comes in contact with it.
• Backup of sewage. Floodwater can make its way into the sewage system and cause it to overflow.
• Damage to pipes and other sewage system components. Increased water pressure can cause pipes to break and other features of a sewage system to fail which could lead to severe water damage.

There are two strategies that can prevent these events from occurring: elevating the sewage system components, or protecting the components of the system from floodwater. If your home will undergo renovations before or after you move in, you may consider asking the contractor about these strategies.

However, even with the best protection, Mother Nature may still find a way to affect the plumbing in your home. Homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover damage sustained during a flood. If you are living in a flood-prone region, you'll want to consider seeking out an insurance add-on.

BENEFITS OF LIVING NEAR A FLOODPLAIN

While living on or near a floodplain can cause some distress regarding natural disasters and picking out the right homeowners insurance, there are some advantages to them, too. Floodplains often have rich soil, allowing for agricultural diversity and many opportunities to explore the outdoors.

If you are worried about your home's plumbing system, contact the local Roto-Rooter. Our experts will help you get your plumbing prepared for any kind of weather.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT LIVING ON A FLOODPLAIN

As a homeowner, flooding is one of the worst nightmares you can experience. Heavy rainfall can cause serious water damage to your property- both inside and out. Flooding can overwhelm a home's sewer system, slowing down your sump pump's ability to handle water runoff. If you live on a floodplain, your risk for flooding may worsen during heavy storms.

WHAT IF MY HOME IS ALREADY FLOODING?

Consult a licensed plumber to see what the damage is before trying to tackle it yourself. You might be facing replacements of your outdoor piping system, your sump pump and your plumbing fixtures. While these appliances are durable and made to last, Mother Nature's strong winds are quite fierce. Especially during hurricanes.

For more information on how to prepare and protect your home from a flood, contact your local Roto-Rooter professional today.