How to Protect a Property Located on a Flood Plain

If you own property on a flood plain, you should take action to prevent and limit the damage caused by flood waters. There are practical steps you can take and design features that you can incorporate into your property and land which will help to protect it. Below are four ways you can protect yourself from the risk of flooding.

Cover water tanks and wells

If your property has a water tank or well on it, you should ensure that it is fully protected from flood water. Tanks and wells should ideally be located above the high water mark for the flood plain. However, if this is not possible, you should ensure they are securely covered so that they are watertight. The best way to cover a well or open water tank is to install a hardwearing plastic well cap or water tank cover. These are available in standard sizes and normally feature metal clips which securely fasten the cap or cover in place, preventing the entry of flood water. However, depending on the size of the mouth of your well or the shape of your water tank, you may need to have a manufacturer produce a bespoke cover in order to secure a watertight fit.

Install a backflow valve

One highly unpleasant side effect of flooding on your property involves your sewage pipes. Flooding can cause sewers to begin to back up, which means that raw sewage may be forced out of any toilets on your property. To prevent this, you should install a backflow valve. This will allow water to enter the sewer but will prevent it from travelling in the reverse direction and entering your home.

Locate breakaway walls

Breakaway walls are sometimes installed on properties located on a floodplain. They are designed to breakaway when placed under extreme water pressure. This helps to protect the main structure by relieving pressure. You should ensure that no plumbing fixtures or fittings are attached to a breakaway wall, as they could be damaged in the event of a flood.

Install and maintain a heavy duty drainage system

A heavy duty drainage system features pipes which are wider than standard drainage pipes. This allows them to deal with a larger volume of water, such as the kind that may be created by a flash flood on a flood plain. The pipes will be connected to a local storm drain which will carry water away from the flood plain. If your property is located near a river or other body of water or if you have large sections of impermeable surfaces on your land, it is highly likely your property will need a heavy duty drainage system to combat potential flooding.

A plumbing service will be able to assist you in planning and installing a heavy duty drainage system. The system is installed by excavating a strip of land and laying wider gauged pipes. New drains will also be installed across your property and linked to the central drainage system to allow for increased drainage of water during flood events. The drains can be filled with filters to protect them from the ingress of debris. However, a plumbing service will also be able to carry out periodic inspections to ensure that the heavy duty drain is free from any debris or blockages.

If you have any questions or concerns about how best to protect your property which is located on a flood plain, you should contact a professional plumbing service for further help and assistance.