Battling Mother Nature: How We Made Our House Flood-Proof

Summary

In this video, Max Maker recounts a flash flood that inundated his basement and shares the steps he took to prevent future damage. He details improvements like building a dam, raising ground levels, and installing pumps. The video also shows the transformation of his garden and driveway, with a focus on the growth of flowers and the completion of a brick pathway. Max's DIY efforts not only safeguard his home but also enhance its aesthetics.

Takeaways

• 🏠 Max's house experienced flash flooding that caused significant water damage.
• 🌧️ The flooding was due to a major rainstorm that overwhelmed the area's drainage system.
• 💧 Max had to use a sump pump to remove water from the basement.
• 🏗️ To prevent future flooding, Max made several home improvements, including building a dam and raising the ground level.
• 🚧 Max and his friends removed pavers to create a barrier and used steel and bricks to reinforce the structure.
• 🔨 Max learned the importance of using the right concrete mix for different construction tasks.
• 🌿 The garden benefited from the water, but measures were needed to prevent water from entering the house.
• 🛠️ Max installed an additional pump to ensure water drains quickly from the basement window area.
• 💧 Max built a sheet metal and hose system to direct water from the window to the sump pump.
• 🌱 Despite the flooding, the garden flourished, and Max is looking forward to seeing it in full bloom next year.

Q & A

What prompted the improvements Max Maker made to his house?

The improvements were prompted by a flash flood that caused significant water damage, especially in the basement, after a major rainstorm.

How did the water enter Max Maker's house during the flood?

The water entered through the only basement window, which was vulnerable during the flood because the drainage system was insufficient to handle the volume of water.

What measures did Max Maker take to prevent future flooding in the basement?

Max installed concrete barriers, raised the ground level around the basement window, improved drainage, and added an extra sump pump to handle the excess water.

What solution did Max implement to prevent water from entering the basement window?

Max created a concrete form around the window to redirect water away, preventing it from pooling and flowing into the basement.

Why was it important for Max to keep the basement window accessible despite the flooding risk?

The basement window is essential for ventilation, so it couldn’t simply be blocked off, necessitating other protective measures like raising the ground level and installing a concrete barrier.

What materials did Max use to build the flood defenses around the house?

Max used concrete, crushed concrete as underlayment, steel for border walls, and polymer sand to ensure stability. He also used steel and wood chips to create additional barriers.

How did Max ensure the dam he built would be effective in redirecting water?

Max used a laser level to mark the height of the dam, ensuring it was 20 cm higher than before, giving it a sufficient margin to redirect water away from the property.

What role did the sump pump play in Max’s flood prevention system?

The sump pump was used to pump out any water that made it into the basement, helping to prevent flooding by quickly removing water from the area.

How did Max incorporate welding into his flood prevention project?

Max welded a sheet metal structure to redirect water from the window well directly to the sump pump, improving the drainage system and preventing water from pooling in storage areas.

What additional landscaping improvements did Max make after the flood defenses were built?

Max improved the driveway by redoing the pavers, applying polymer sand, and adding wood chips to prevent weed growth. He also showcased how the garden flourished after completing these tasks.