What can be done to reduce flood damage?
There have been major storms and flooding events in New Jersey and nationwide in recent weeks. Record breaking rain fall and other weather events are becoming more prevalent. While not all natural disaster damages can be avoided, some water and flood damage can be mitigated at your home in a few different ways.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are cleaned regularly
- Improve grading and drainage around the house. The ground should slope away from the house and other surrounding structures.
- Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation. If possible, redirect water via piping away from house to the lowest grade or to the street.
- If there is nowhere for water the to go, install a dry well at the lowest grade on your property.
- Regrade property to divert water from the house and surrounding structures. Grade towards the street or appropriate area. Do not cause water to flood your neighbor.
- Install French drains in the ground around the home.
- Inspect and clean out drains
- If stormwater backs up through your drains, install a back flow preventer so they only drain one way.
- Install a sump pump or multiple pumps, test them regularly and consider a battery backup.
- Keep sandbags on hand if there is an expected storm and your property tends to flood.
Almasi has done several stormwater projects at the commercial level to improve water drainage for our clients. Some ways we have helped to prevent flooding is regrading property, installing underground storm systems such as pipe, seepage pits, detention basins and pump stations. Some examples of this type of work were performed at MetLife Stadium, Georgian Court, and Merck.
