Sacramento – Water Damage Restoration

Play it Safe in the Sacramento Flood Zone

The entire city of Sacramento sits in a single flood basin, making it one of the riskiest flood zones in the United States. While the history of flooding in Sacramento dates back to the birth of the city itself, over the last 170 years, we’ve made significant improvements to our flood protection system. Unfortunately, it’s not enough. According to Utilities Director Bill Busath, “Sixty percent of our system isn’t ready for a 100-year storm.” He says that even if a 20-year storm hit, we’d have a lot of flooding.

As a Sacramento resident, your home is at risk for catastrophic flooding. Luckily, you can mitigate that risk through preparation and knowledge. Here are some things you can and should do before, during, and after a flood.

Before

• Make sure you have adequate flood insurance coverage. If you don’t know how much flood insurance you need, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency offers resources on their website and free consultations at their office.
• Be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Keep emergency numbers on-hand and prepare an emergency “Go Bag.”
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container.
• Store treasured items such as photo albums on the second floor (or at least a high shelf).

During

• Evacuate immediately if you are told to do so. Flooding can happen in the blink of an eye.
• Do not drive through flooded areas. Most cars will lose control in only 12 inches of water.
• Do not attempt to cross swiftly running water. A fast current in water only 6 inches deep can knock you off your feet.
• If you’re trapped in a building, go to the highest level and signal for help.

After

• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Do not enter a building if it’s still flooded.
• When you re-enter a building that has been flooded, stay alert for animals and other hazards.
• Take photos of the damage for insurance and restoration purposes.
• Throw away any food or water that has come into contact with floodwaters.
• Open windows and doors for ventilation.
• Call a contractor who specializes in water damage to help you reclaim your home.

Protect Your Home Against Flooding and Water Damage

Whether flooding in your home is the result of a Sacramento-wide disaster or simply broken pipes, the consequences of water intrusion can be devastating. Rather than worry, take action! Some homes may be due for a large-scale water system renovation. Make an investment in your home by regrading your lot to allow water to drain away from walls. You may even consider raising up your house on stilts. But protection against floods doesn’t always have to be a big project. Here are six things you can do now to safeguard your Sacramento home against future flooding.

1. Gutter control

Cleaned and well-maintained gutters direct rainwater to where you want it to go—the sewer, your garden for irrigation or a rain barrel (see below).

2. Catch runoff

Place rain barrels under your downspouts. Your garden will be grateful in the dry months.

3. Protect appliances

Ask a professional to elevate your furnace and other major appliances. If possible, install washers and dryers on upper floors.

4. Keep sewage out

Ask a licensed plumber to install backflow valves for all pipes that enter your house. This will prevent water from coming back into the house during times of heavy rainfall.

5. Raise it up

Don’t store valuables in the basement. Keep all other items off the floor by installing shelving.

6. Save it for a rainy day

Purchase flood insurance and make sure you have enough to cover the possibility of a catastrophic flood in Sacramento. According to FEMA, flood damage isn’t covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, and just 1 inch of floodwater can cause more than $25,000 in damage.

How Can You Tell if a House Has Water Damage?

Sometimes water enters our homes with great fanfare—a pipe bursts or heavy rains cause flooding. Sometimes it’s more of a stealth visitor, seeping unnoticed into our homes. However water intrusion occurs, it’s important to take care of water damage quickly before it causes long-term problems. Common signs of water damage include musty odors, discoloration on walls and texture changes in floors. Unfortunately, damage can also occur with few visual or olfactory clues. If you suspect water intrusion in your home, here’s how to investigate.

Look under the sink. Clear out the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathroom. Water stains can be an indicator of ongoing leaks. While you’re there, visually inspect the caulking around fixtures. Discolored or missing caulk can also be a sign of water intrusion.

Check the pipes. Study the piping in the bathroom, kitchen, basement and garage. Pipes should be dry and corrosion-free. Damp, weeping pipes or corrosion indicate a problem.

Inspect crawl spaces. Take a flashlight under your home or into the attic. Look for surface discoloration. Put your hand on the walls and in corners, as drywall damaged by water may feel soft or spongy.

Go to the top. Check the roof for missing shingles or damaged flashing. Pooling water on the roof suggests that water isn’t draining properly and needs to be addressed.

Check outside. Puddles forming around areas in your yard can be an indicator that gutter spouts aren’t taking water far enough away from structures. Fixing your gutters can help prevent water from making its way into your home.

Call a professional. If you suspect you have water damage but can’t find the culprit, it’s time to bring in a professional. A contractor who specializes in water damage has the equipment to detect even the most stealthy water intrusions.

Responding to a Water Emergency 

In the event of major water damage (such as a burst pipe leaking into your home), follow these steps:

1. Try to locate the source of the water and shut off the water supply to your home.
2. Take photos of the damage—these will be useful later if you need to file a homeowners insurance claim.
3. Use a mop or towels to extract as much water as possible.
4. Open windows to bring air into your home. If you have large fans, focus them on the affected area.
5. Contact a remediation company right away to come assess the damage.

When dealing with a major instance of water damage, remember that time is of the essence. Often, homeowners will put off dealing with water damage for a couple of days, but those initial days are crucial. In that timeframe, the floor can sustain irreparable damage (such as buckling) and mold can develop within 48 hours.