What to Know About Central Texas Flooding

When it comes to owning a home, there are plenty of things you need to learn about that you may not have considered. Take flooding, for instance. Even if you don’t live in an area that necessarily keeps the possibility of your home flooding top of mind, you may still live in an area that could be subject to what’s known as “local flooding”. Keep reading to understand the damage related to flooding, how to best protect your home, and how to stay safe.

TYPES OF FLOODS

There are actually a few different types of floods, and the way you prepare for them and deal with them will vary slightly. According to Servicemaster Restore, there are coastal floods, river floods, flash floods, groundwater floods, and sewage floods.

Some good news: In Central Texas, you won’t really have to worry about coastal flooding. In terms of river flooding, the Colorado River does run through the city, and much of Austin relies on it as a municipal water source.

Major attempts to tame the river in the 1800s and early 1900s failed tragically, and the large dams that were built had a tendency to rupture and flood the city, claiming lives and destroying property. A series of dams were then built, and they’ve fared well over the years.

If you live in Austin, Texas, you’re most likely going to deal with flash floods and sewage floods over the other types. Flash floods happen quickly when water from rain or other sources suddenly fill low-lying or normally dry areas. Groundwater floods occur when heavy rain adds water to the rock or soil underground (the water table) faster than it can be absorbed.

This is especially common near aquifers (underground layers of permeable rock that hold groundwater). All of these other floods, and even heavy rain, can lead to sewage flooding. This is when the sewage system and pumps get overwhelmed and can’t contain the water. Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters, and they happen in every state in the U.S.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU LIVE IN A FLOOD ZONE

Living in a flood zone is different from just being at risk for an occasional flood. Flood zones are areas that are especially prone to the issue. There are plenty of great maps online to help determine if your house is located in one. If you live in Austin, chances are the answer is that yes, you do. Austin is the only major urban center in Texas built on a floodplain.

In fact, according to the Austin Government’s official website, Austin is in the center of Flash Flood Alley. The city also sits on the Edwards aquifer, which stretches all the way to San Antonio. The point is, preparing for Austin flooding is a good idea. You can use a tool developed by the city called FloodPro to evaluate the flooding risk of your specific address. 

DO I NEED FLOOD INSURANCE? 

The Austin Government’s flooding preparation page recommends having flood insurance. Something to keep in mind is that insurance companies also use flood insurance rate maps to determine their risk and the cost to you, so if you live in a flood zone, it may be more expensive.

According to FloodSmart, even an inch of water in your space can cost you more than $25,000 in damages. Also, some federally-backed mortgages require you to have flood protection depending on where your house is located.

There are different types of flood insurance, too. Government flood insurance through FEMA tends to be more affordable, and the website partners with a number of insurance agencies in a given area. On top of that, there is the potential you will have to pay some things out of pocket, like relocating while work is done on your home, according to The New York Times.

Private flood insurance is an option in some areas as well, but there are coverage risks here, too. The company can set their own prices, and they can potentially drop you if the risk gets too great for them. Either way, if you live in a high-risk area, it’s certainly worth considering, because it is usually not included with a general home insurance plan.  

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM FLOODING

So, now you’re probably wondering what you can do to actively protect your property. The truth is, there are a few steps you can take to combat the damage a flood could do. One option is to install a sump pump, which is a pump that’s put at the lowest point of your home that you can use to remove water from your foundation. You can also purchase water level alarms for your pump, septic system, and more to alert you to any dramatic changes. 

Homeowners can also keep in mind expected flood levels for their area, and raise essential things like your furnace and water heater above that point. Another tip is to anchor and raise your outdoor systems like fuel tanks, air-conditioning units, and generators.

If a sewer system floods, it can back up into your home. To prevent this, you can install an interior or exterior backflow valve on any pipes that enter your home. 

Then, there are even more ways to protect your home if you want to invest in retrofitting. You can raise your home, install foundation vents that keep water from rising, or apply a sealant to walls.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOME FLOODS

Water damage is a severe problem that can lead to property damage, loss, and even health issues like mold down the line. But if your home starts to flood, you need to act fast to best keep your home, and yourself, safe.

You’ll want to move your most important belongings to higher ground if you have the time and can do so safely. Additionally, you should shut off your electricity. Figure out how to turn that off, as well as gas if you have it, before an emergency so that you can be ready at a moment’s notice.

Keep in mind that according to the Austin Government website, around 75% of flood-related deaths in Texas happen in a vehicle, so make sure to be incredibly cautious if you decide to drive.

When in doubt, wait for updates from city officials and contact 3-1-1 so they can send someone to document the flooding at your home. Additionally, make sure to wait until you are told that your water is fine to drink after a flood.

Working with an agent during the homebuying process is a great way to get important insight about the flood risks of an area you are looking to live in.