The Most Common Types of Flood Damage in Idaho

Mountain Region Flash Flooding

The great state of Idaho has more than 100 named mountain ranges throughout the state. These mountains are part of what makes Idaho so beloved, as they provide gorgeous views at elevations of usually well over 7,000 feet up.

However, these charming mountains can be a double-edged sword when the aforementioned rainy season begins. For those who call a mountainous region home, flash flooding is usually far more severe than in parts of the state positioned further from the mountains.

When a flash flood occurs near a mountainous region, what results is usually an influx of mud. This isn’t solid mud, but often muddy water due to the deluge of rain. Fortunately, severe flash flooding around Idaho’s mountain regions is a rather infrequent occurrence. According to Weather.gov, there have been five significant state floods between 1948 and 2010.

However, when a serious flash flood happens, the consequences are often disastrous. In past Idaho floods, entire bridges collapsed. Buildings were flooded with water as high as a standard roof, which would of course make the space unusable and uninhabitable without significant remediation. Then there are always the risks of potential fatalities from drowning, fallen trees, and other consequences of major flooding.

Roof Leaks

When was the last time your roof was evaluated for leaks? If you answered more than a year or even several years, then it’s high past time you get it assessed. Although roof leaks are no more common in Idaho than elsewhere in the country, the abovementioned rainy stretches this state experiences can exacerbate leaks.

You don’t want to wait until the rainwater has seeped into your home and begun putting pressure on the ceilings or making cracks in the walls. By that point, the damage could be severe. Fortunately, you can look out for various signs of a leaky roof, such as sudden holes in your attic or missing roof shingles.

Roofs are designed precisely to move water away from your home to lessen the risk of foundational damage, but they’re not meant to work forever. Sometimes, roof leaks occur from age or wear and tear of the roof. Failing to keep it maintained can also cause it to be more susceptible to leaks. A single shingle or two can flake off the roof without you noticing, or perhaps the sealant around the roof cracked or faded away.

Regardless of what’s caused your leaky roof, you cannot ignore the issue. The next time Idaho experiences a rainy period, the soaking rains and strong winds will only worsen the damage. Even time can cause the cracks in your walls and/or ceilings to grow and stretch.

Broken City Water Main Lines

Deep underground is your home’s city water main lines. The lines are connected to your home via a primary pipe. This is where you receive water that allows you to wash your hands, cook food, clean your dishes, and take showers.

Since the main lines are just pipes, they must be maintained. Without that maintenance, wear and tear will cause the city water main lines to fail. It’s not only a lack of maintenance that can cause catastrophic flooding from the main lines. If your home has corrosive soil (often unbeknownst to you), then the soil will gradually eat away at the main line pipes.

When a weak spot is revealed, the pipe will begin spraying water. The ground can also settle, or pressure changes on the pipes can cause them to rupture. Be careful if you’re having excavators work on your property. If they hit the main line, the pipes could begin to leak.

City main line water leaks can be quite serious. Not only do you have to deal with a water leak around or inside your home, but you must determine the onus of responsibility as well. Failure to maintain your property near the water meters could cause you to have to pay for remediation to your home as well.

The reason? The county needs to be able to thoroughly check the water meter. If there’s an overgrowth of brush, piles of debris, or any other obstructions that prevent them from doing their job, then they can’t reasonably determine the condition of the nearby water main lines.

If the leak occurred in the water service line on your property, then it’s also up to you to pay for the costs of getting the leak taken care of as well as remediating your home. Be sure to look for the signs of an outdoor leak. You might notice that even though you’re not using more water, your water bills are consistently high.

Your water could come out of the tap dirty or rusty. You might also see pools of water around your property despite the fact that no rain has recently fallen. These holes could later become sinkholes if they’re unmitigated! For all other city water main line damage, the county should take care of it.

What to Do After Experiencing Flood or Water Damage 

When the dust has settled and the floodwaters have passed through, you could be left with a home in shambles. The steps you take next can protect your home from further damage, so here’s what to do.

Stop Additional Water From Getting In

To start, close and seal all of your doors, windows, and locks. This will prevent water from entering any easy openings and sending even more moisture into your home.

Power Down Your Electricity

If it’s safe to do so, head to your home’s breaker box and turn off the electricity. Water and electricity don’t mix and being near appliances and electronics when there are floodwaters in your home could make an already dangerous situation even worse.

Contact Emergency Services

Next, dial 911. Calmly describe your situation and wait until emergency responders arrive.

Document The Damages

As best you can, document the damage. It’s okay if you can’t do this immediately. You can always go back later. Take photos and videos of everything you can, as this will help with your insurance claim.

Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Provider

Although coverage for flooding and water damage depends on the type of insurance you have, it’s usually an option you can seek. Your insurance provider might be able to outright replace lost items if not cover some of the replacement costs.

Seek Remediation Services

After a flood, the structural integrity of your home is at risk. Mold and mildew can develop on surfaces. The situation can become overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a trusted team of remediation experts on your side, you can begin getting your home into hopefully habitable condition again.

Conclusion

Idaho is prone to flooding from leaky roofs, broken city water main lines, and flash floods, especially near mountainous regions. Now that you’re aware of the sources of Idaho flood damage, you can take a proactive approach to protecting your home moving forward.

Sources

• https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-states-id