4 tips to help prevent flooding in apartment buildings

You may think that flooding only affects those in low-lying or coastal areas, but the reality is that it’s also common in a lot of built up areas too. As well as natural water sources like lakes and rivers overflowing, blocked street drains and extreme rain can also cause flooding, which affects those living in cities and towns. 

When apartment buildings experience flooding, the results can be disastrous for both residents and property owners. Luckily, there are several things that you can do to both reduce the risk of flooding and prepare your property in case the worst does happen. In apartments, installing communal preventative measures may fall to the landlord or management agency, but you can also manage some aspects within your own walls. Read on to discover our top tips to keep your apartment secure.

Install flood sensors

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Flood sensors are a useful first line of defence, that can give you warning of when flooding danger is imminent. Whilst they won’t stop the water coming in, they can give you enough time to move valuable items to higher ground, as well as potentially evacuating. 

In apartment buildings in particular, they can help detect leaks, which can allow landlords to fix the problem before the water spreads to other areas of the building.

Check your valves

Sewage backup can be an issue in apartment buildings, where multiple people are using the facilities at once, and it’s not always easy to identify any blockages before they become an issue. Unfortunately, this can result in the toilet water overflowing, and leaving residents with dirty water damage. 

Installing one-way valves can also stop properties suffering when there is excess rain. They prevent the overflowing drain water rushing back into the residential pipes and into the property.

Create a communal store for flood defences

Most people living in apartments won’t have space for storing flood defences like sandbags. Instead, apartment blocks should try and find or create a communal space for these items, as well as a guide on how and when they should be used. 

This could be as simple as a shed if there is any outdoor space, locked with a combination padlock, or a janitor’s cupboard. Supplies could also include removable barriers and temporary seals for windows, doors and air vents, if you have the space.

Decorate with water in mind

Water can cause significant damage, which is not only disruptive to repair, but also incredibly costly. If you live in a high-risk area for flooding, it can be worth bearing this in mind when you plan your interior design.

Materials like ceramic, stone, stainless steel and uPVC are all better-suited to resisting water than soft fabrics, carpet and wood. If you need to have wooden skirting boards, then consider varnishing them, as this will provide a small barrier, and isn’t costly to do.

A safer home

Even if you don’t think you’re at risk of river or seaside flooding, it can be worth installing a few measures to protect your home from excess rain or leaky pipes. This can save you from an expensive repair job or home insurance claim later down the line, as well as protecting your invaluable sentimental belongings.

 

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