How Floods Can Damage Your Home

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Expertly Removes Storm Water After Flooding to Mitigate Structural Damage

Storm flooding is often the most destructive and dangerous type of flooding, as it is unpredictable, in high volumes and typically composed of Black Water, which contains heavy debris and many contaminants. Flooding after storms cause some of the most devastating and costly damage possible to home and sometimes has the potential to destroy the place completely. There are some ways that serious storm flooding can hit a house, directly or indirectly. 

Water Source Overflow 

Some of the worst flooding storm damage in Prattville comes from overflowing water sources. Rivers, ponds, streams, or any other water source can rise over its banks to flood the surrounding area and any buildings within it. Any home near a water source is vulnerable to this type of damage, but homes located near a bend or twist in a stream are at particular risk. 

Septic Tanks and Sewage Overflow 

In some cases, faulty or swamped sewage and septic systems may overflow during a storm, dumping heavy and potentially toxic sewage water onto a street or property. This water is highly dangerous, as it most often carries dangerous pathogens and viruses and can infect people and pets. SERVPRO advises you not to come in contact with Black Water.

Flash Floods and Street Overflow 

In the event of sudden, massive rainfall, flash flooding can quickly start a flood in otherwise unassuming areas. Streets can become swamped and filled with water, and this can overflow onto nearby properties. Even homes on high ground aren't necessarily safe from this type of flooding. 

Basement Flooding 

Basement flooding can be caused by any one of the above but deserves its mention due to how bad damage can be. Basements collect water from a wide area and often take on multiple feet of water even if the flood itself was only a few inches. Basements often require substantial water removal and pumping by our technicians, and should be seen to as quickly as possible. We have portable generators and sump pumps for emergency use on hand at all times.

SERVPRO of Prattville is locally owned and operated so as to provide fast, expert care and mitigation services in the event of a storm. If your home has been damaged in a recent storm, call us 24/7 as soon as possible at (334) 358-1186.