Heavy Rain and Flooding in Michigan: How to Protect Your Home
Late summer and early fall storms can bring large amounts of rain to Southeast Michigan in a short period of time. When storm drains, sump pumps, and drainage systems cannot keep up, homeowners throughout Metro Detroit may suddenly find water entering their basement, crawl space, garage, or lower level.
Flooding cannot always be prevented, but there are several steps Michigan homeowners can take to reduce the risk of serious water damage.
Check Your Sump Pump Before the Next Heavy Rain
A working sump pump is one of the most important defenses against basement flooding.
Periodically test your sump pump to make sure it activates and removes water properly. You should also check the discharge line outside the home to make sure it is not blocked, damaged, or directing water back toward the foundation.
Homeowners in Sterling Heights, Warren, Troy, Southfield, Livonia, Novi, Farmington Hills, and other Metro Detroit communities may also want to consider a battery backup sump pump in case severe weather causes a power outage.
Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear
Clogged gutters can cause large amounts of rainwater to spill directly next to your home’s foundation.
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and make sure downspouts are securely connected. Downspouts should direct rainwater away from the foundation instead of allowing it to collect near basement walls.
A relatively small drainage problem can turn into a significant basement flooding problem during a strong Michigan storm.
Check the Grading Around Your Foundation
The ground surrounding your home should direct water away from the foundation. Low areas next to a house can collect rainwater and allow it to remain against basement walls.
During heavy rainfall, this water can enter through foundation cracks, basement windows, utility openings, or other vulnerable areas.
Correcting low spots around the foundation and improving exterior drainage may help reduce the amount of stormwater reaching your basement.
Inspect Basement Walls and Windows for Water Intrusion
Small foundation cracks may not create noticeable problems during dry weather, but they can allow water into a basement during periods of heavy rainfall.
Inspect basement walls, floors, window wells, and areas around pipes and utility lines. Water stains, peeling paint, damp areas, discoloration, or musty odors may indicate an existing moisture problem.
Keep Basement Floor Drains Clear
Make sure basement floor drains remain accessible and free of debris. During major rain events, municipal drainage and sewer systems can sometimes become overwhelmed.
If your home has experienced drain or sewer backups in the past, a qualified plumbing professional can evaluate whether additional protection may be appropriate for your property.
Move Valuable Items Off the Basement Floor
It does not take several feet of water to cause expensive damage. Even a small amount of basement flooding can damage furniture, electronics, photographs, documents, boxes, and other personal belongings.
Store important items on shelving whenever possible and consider waterproof storage containers for items kept in basements that have experienced water problems in the past.
What Should You Do If Your Home Floods?
If water enters your home, address the problem quickly once it is safe to do so.
Avoid standing water when electrical equipment may be involved and use additional caution when sewage or contaminated water is present. Water extraction and structural drying should begin as soon as reasonably possible.
Removing the visible water is only part of the cleanup process. Moisture can remain underneath flooring, inside drywall, behind baseboards, and within other building materials.
If heavy rain has already caused water damage in your home, contact EzDry or call (248) 788-6422 for professional water extraction and drying services.
Professional Flood and Water Damage Restoration in Michigan
Heavy rain can create flooding problems throughout Wayne County, Oakland County, and Macomb County with very little warning.
EzDry provides professional water damage cleanup and flood restoration services throughout Metro Detroit, including Detroit, Dearborn, Warren, Sterling Heights, Southfield, Royal Oak, Troy, Livonia, Novi, Farmington Hills, and nearby Southeast Michigan communities.
When severe weather causes basement flooding or water damage, quick water removal and proper structural drying can help reduce additional damage to your property.
For flood cleanup or water damage restoration in Metro Detroit, contact EzDry today or call (248) 788-6422.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heavy Rain and Flooding
Why does my basement flood during heavy rain?
Common causes include sump pump problems, poor exterior drainage, clogged gutters, foundation cracks, overwhelmed drainage systems, and groundwater pressure around the foundation.
Can a sump pump prevent all basement flooding?
No system can guarantee that a basement will never flood, but a properly working sump pump can be an important part of protecting a home from groundwater and storm-related water intrusion.
What areas does EzDry serve?
EzDry provides water damage restoration services throughout Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan, including areas of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
How do I contact EzDry for water damage restoration?
You can contact EzDry online or call (248) 788-6422 for help with flood cleanup, water removal, and structural drying.