Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Practical Steps in Securing the Property, part 2

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

Anchor the Fuel Oil Tank

When it comes to the practical steps to alleviating the risks of flooding, one of the most significant is anchoring down fuel tanks. This is an important aspect of flooding management because the tanks can tip over and contaminate the water. As such, there is also environmental and health issues involved.

When anchoring down the fuel tank, it is important to consider that the goal is for it to become less buoyant and to keep it from being carried away by water. Anchor the tank in such a way that the fill and vent pipes are above flood level. If there is a concrete slab nearby, use four-inch bolts on the slab and position the bolts on the tank. Connect the steel straps using the correct hardware and pull tight to secure the tank.

If the tank is situated in a place where there are no concrete slabs, the tank may be anchored on the ground using soil anchors. Place the anchors on the tank and connect coated stainless steel straps using the appropriate hardware. Again, make sure that the pull strap is tight before locking the hardware into place.

In the event that the fuel oil tank is found in the basement, use four-inch concrete anchor bolts and place a sealant to prevent the water from entering the home through openings made by the bolts.

Sewer Valve Systems

Houses and properties that have valve systems in place to prevent backflow also lessen the risk for flooding in the property. After all, not all floods are caused by weather events. In some cases, flooding happens because the toilet breaks or the sewer system overflows. The installation of backflow valves can temporarily block the drain pipes and prevent the water from flowing back into the home.

Valves are to be installed on all the pipes that take away the water from the home. Examples of this are drainages in the sinks and tubs. Also, valves may be placed on pieces of equipment that are found below the expected flood level. If the property features a sump pump, there may be a need to connect the valves with underground drainages.

There are many different types of valves available in the market. The designs of the valves range from the complex to the simple. However, do not be fooled into thinking that the best ones are those that are complicated. It all depends on the needs of the property. Consult a contractor in order to find out which version is best suited for the property in question.

The first type of valve is the gate valve, which is one of the more complicated models. It features a durable seal that easily prevents backflow from happening. Its disadvantage is that it must be operated by hand. Thus, its effectiveness is anchored on how much lead time is given before the flooding hits.

Another type of valve is the flap or check valves. Contrary to the gate valve, flap valve are quite simple. These valves open to allow flow from the house, but they close when the flow of the water goes on reverse. The valves are not as strong as the gate valve, but they do work automatically, which is more convenient that the gate valve. More modern models of valves incorporate the advantages of both flap and gate valves so it is best to explore the available options.

Recommended Reading
An Overview of Flood Management
Practical Steps in Securing the Property, part 1