Having easy access to open water is one of the best parts of life in Windsor. The city is bordered by the Detroit River and flanked by Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, and there are countless spots where residents can enjoy fishing, boating, and incredible views.
Unfortunately, there’s one big downside to having all this water around: each time it rains, there’s a significant chance that some of the city will be flooded. The floods that happened after a record-breaking rainstorm in 2016 are just one example of this.
Sooner or later, the same thing will happen again. Is your home ready to withstand a disaster like that? If not, a plumber can help you make some strategic changes that will protect your home from flood damage. Here are four things to ask about when requesting their services.
1. Installing a Sump Pump
Sump pumps are homeowners’ first line of defense against flooding. These devices activate when excess water accumulates around them, pushing it out of your home before it can cause too much damage.
Most Windsor homes already have a sump pump, but a plumber can install one for you if your property is missing one. They can also repair damaged or worn-out sump pumps or help you upgrade to a newer, more efficient model. Remember – the faster your sump pump works, the less time the water will spend seeping into your home. Efficiency is key to minimizing flooding damage.
2. Installing a Backwater Valve
Sump pumps help you deal with flooding that has already occurred, but what if you could prevent flooding from happening in the first place? That’s what a backwater valve is for. These devices control the flow of your home’s sanitary sewer line with an automatic flap inside the pipe. They allow wastewater to flow out of your home but block any water flow from coming in. This means that if the main sewer line floods, that wastewater can’t back up and flow into your home.
3. Improving Your Outdoor Drainage
Good outdoor drainage is key to keeping rain and river water away from your foundation and lowering your risk of flooding. A plumber can install things like French drains in your yard and repair or clear blockages from any existing drainage systems. On top of their flood protection potential, these enhancements will also prevent long-term water damage and help keep your property value high.
4. Routine Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance keep your home’s plumbing in peak condition. A plumber on a maintenance call will test your sump pump and shutoff valve, both of which help protect you from flooding. They’ll also check your pipes for leaks, cracks, and other signs of stress and repair these vulnerable spots before they get worse and expose you to preventable flooding risks.
Stop Floods Before They Start with Help from Fowler Plumbing
The occasional flood may be a fact of life in this city, but don’t let that stop you from taking steps to protect your home. Our staff here at Fowler Plumbing can help you set up proactive solutions that will eliminate preventable floods and mitigate the damage caused by the rest. Contact us today to book a home visit and put the fear of floods behind you.