A strategy is a collection of actions that if implemented together, can reduce the risk of damage during a weather event or crisis.
This strategy addresses low-level flooding relative to the floor height of your house. Low level floods are characterised by water slightly above your floor level.
Check out the resources below for a tailored approach to safeguarding your home from low level flooding.
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Actions
During floods, pressure can build up in sewers and stormwater pipes. This can be due to higher flood water levels at treatment plants or disposal points outside a levee. If this happens, blackwater can flow backwards through the sewer into the house. This can cause flooding into your home. Non-return valves on sewers and stormwater pipes can prevent this backflow.
You should consult your water provider to ensure a non-return valve is installed for the pipes servicing your home. In normal operation, non-return valves allow waste to flow in only one direction from the house to the sewer. The automatic shutting of the valve prevents flow from the opposite direction during flooding. These valves need regular checking and maintenance to ensure correct operation. This is because obstructions can occasionally block the valve in the open position. This would make them ineffective.
Raising a house above the Design Flood Event is a good way of reducing flood risk. However, elevating a house only reduces flood risk up to a certain flood level. The risk remains if larger floods occur. Also, the cost of elevating a home can be very expensive and outweigh the costs of other resilient design options. If this is the case other flood-resilient measures should be considered.
Get some sandbags to block your drains, toilet and doorways to prepare for floods.
It's important to note that:
- sandbags at doorways will prevent slow-moving flood water 100 mm above floor level from entering your home
- sandbags over drains and toilets can be lifted off by high pressure water from drains and sewers.
Resources
By installing flood doors in your home, you can reduce potential damage from floods.
Flood doors are external doors in your house with seals to resist penetration of water to a certain extent. Flood doors and vents are commonly used and work best with masonry structures.
These doors must be used with other installations to prevent water entering through exterior walls. This is because the flood doors must create a seal around the whole building perimeter.
You should seek guidance from a Registered Professional engineer. They will ensure the minimum structural requirements are in place.