- Alexander Rodriguez
How to Keep Your Home Dry During a Heavy Rainfall
Table of Contents
Rain is great for plants, rivers, and keeping things cool, but too much of it? That’s a disaster waiting to happen. Heavy rain can lead to flooded basements, roof leaks, foundation damage, and mold growth—and if you’re not prepared, water can wreak havoc on your home before you even realize there’s a problem.
At ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts), we’ve helped countless homeowners deal with water damage from storms, heavy rain, and poor drainage. The good news? There are simple ways to keep your home dry, even during the worst downpour. Here’s how to protect your home, prevent water damage, and avoid costly repairs.
1️⃣ Check Your Gutters & Downspouts
Your gutters play a huge role in keeping rainwater away from your home. If they’re clogged with leaves and debris, water overflows and pours down your walls, windows, and foundation.
✔ Clean your gutters at least twice a year—before spring and fall.
✔ Make sure downspouts extend at least 3–6 feet away from your home.
✔ Consider installing gutter guards to keep leaves and debris out.
🚨 Pro Tip: If you see water pooling near your foundation, your gutters aren’t doing their job.
2️⃣ Inspect Your Roof for Leaks
A leaky roof is one of the fastest ways for water to get inside. Heavy rain can find its way through even the smallest cracks.
✔ Look for missing, damaged, or curled shingles.
✔ Check for flashing damage around chimneys, skylights, and vents.
✔ If you see dark spots or water stains on your ceiling, you likely have a leak.
🚨 Pro Tip: After a heavy rain, check your attic for signs of leaks or moisture buildup.
3️⃣ Seal Windows & Doors
If your windows and doors aren’t properly sealed, rain can seep in through cracks. This can lead to rotting wood, mold growth, and even structural damage.
✔ Check for gaps and cracks around windows and doors.
✔ Apply fresh caulking to seal openings.
✔ Replace worn-out weatherstripping to keep water and drafts out.
🚨 Pro Tip: If you feel a draft near windows during storms, water is likely getting in, too.
4️⃣ Ensure Proper Drainage Around Your Home
Standing water around your foundation is a recipe for disaster. If rainwater isn’t draining away from your home, it could seep into your basement or crawl space.
✔ Grade your yard so water flows away from your foundation.
✔ Install a French drain to redirect water in problem areas.
✔ Keep storm drains near your home clear of debris.
🚨 Pro Tip: If you notice your yard turning into a swamp after every storm, your drainage system needs improvement.
5️⃣ Waterproof Your Basement & Crawl Space
Heavy rain can turn your basement or crawl space into a flooded mess. Taking steps to waterproof these areas before a storm hits can save you thousands in repairs.
✔ Apply waterproof sealant to basement walls and floors.
✔ Install a sump pump to remove excess water.
✔ Use a dehumidifier to control moisture levels.
🚨 Pro Tip: If your basement already has water stains, you likely have a drainage problem that needs to be addressed.
6️⃣ Maintain Your Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working BEFORE the storm.
✔ Test it by pouring water into the sump pit—it should turn on immediately.
✔ Clean out any debris that might clog the pump.
✔ Have a battery backup in case of a power outage.
🚨 Pro Tip: A broken sump pump won’t do you any good in a storm—test it at least twice a year.
7️⃣ Keep an Eye on Your Plumbing
Heavy rain can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to backups in sinks, toilets, and showers.
✔ Install backflow valves to prevent sewage from backing up.
✔ Check for slow drains—this could indicate a clog that might worsen in a storm.
✔ Avoid flushing anything that could cause blockages.
🚨 Pro Tip: If your toilets gurgle or bubble during heavy rain, your sewer line may be backed up—call a plumber ASAP.
8️⃣ Move Valuables to Higher Ground
If your home is prone to flooding, keep important belongings off the floor and away from flood-prone areas.
✔ Store valuables in watertight plastic bins.
✔ Keep electronics and furniture raised on blocks or shelving.
✔ If you expect flooding, move things upstairs or to a safer location.
🚨 Pro Tip: Never store important documents in a basement—keep them in a waterproof container on higher ground.
What to Do if Water Gets Into Your Home
Even with the best preparations, water damage can still happen. If you notice leaks or flooding:
✔ Stop the source of the leak if possible.
✔ Use towels, mops, and wet vacs to remove standing water.
✔ Set up fans and dehumidifiers to dry out wet areas.
✔ Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 for professional water damage restoration.
🚨 Pro Tip: The faster you act, the less damage water can do.
FAQs About Keeping Your Home Dry During Heavy Rain
Q: What is the best way to prevent basement flooding?
A: Check your sump pump, seal cracks in foundation walls, and make sure water is draining away from your home properly.
Q: How do I know if my roof is leaking?
A: Look for water stains on ceilings, peeling paint, or musty smells in your attic. After a storm, inspect your shingles for missing or damaged pieces.
Q: Should I worry about mold after heavy rain?
A: Yes! If water sits for more than 24-48 hours, mold can start growing. Dry out wet areas ASAP to prevent mold.
Q: How can I improve my home’s drainage system?
A: Grade your yard away from your foundation, extend downspouts, and install a French drain if needed.
Q: What should I do if water starts backing up into my sinks or toilets?
A: This could mean your sewer line is overwhelmed. Avoid using water, and call a plumber immediately.
Final Thoughts: Stay Dry & Stay Safe
Heavy rain doesn’t have to mean disaster. With proper preparation, you can keep your home dry and avoid costly water damage. If you experience leaks, flooding, or water intrusion, ERX is here to help.
📞 Need emergency water damage restoration? Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 for 24/7 expert assistance. 🚨
