Here’s the reality: you do not need a storm to get salt water in your street or garage. King tides raise the baseline and a breeze or clogged inlet can push water into homes that never had issues before. Prep can be simple, fast, and cheap if you focus on the right weak points for the next high cycle.
Check your low points, seal obvious gaps, and set up fast alerts. These steps take hours not weeks and they reduce saltwater cleanup later.
Safety and scope
Do not walk through moving water. Treat brackish water as a hygiene risk. Use GFCI power near pumps. Never open utility vaults. If tidal water enters an electrical space, call a licensed electrician.
King tides and nuisance flooding in plain language
What is happening
- High astronomical tides can raise local water levels enough to push water onto streets and into garages.
- Light winds and clogged drains can add a few inches that matter at door thresholds and curb lines.
- Low coastal blocks and filled land are most sensitive. A few inches of elevation makes a big difference.
What to check first
- Lowest entry point. Front steps, garage lip, basement areaway.
- Backflow risk. Floor drains, toilets, and laundry standpipes on the lowest level.
- Street drains. Leaves and sand near your curb and alley inlets.
One hour property walk
| Location | What to look for | Fast fix | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage or slab entry | Lip height and gaps at sides | Threshold dam or rubber curb ramp with side seals | Stops inch deep water |
| Basement exterior steps | Drain grate and debris | Clean grate, add leaf guard, stage submersible utility pump | Removes pooling |
| Yard and side return | Low spots that route toward the house | Temporary berm with filled tubes or sandbags | Redirects surface flow |
| Interior floor drains | Water seal and odor | Add water to traps, consider one way drain insert | Reduces backflow risk |
| Appliances on lowest level | Washer, furnace, water heater on floor | Raise on blocks or stands | Protects critical gear |
Door dam and curb planner
Street drain mini map
How to map fast
- Walk your block and note drain locations with house numbers.
- Mark low points and corners that collect water.
- Assign a buddy to each inlet on high tide days.
Simple roles
- Drain captain for each side of the street.
- Text chain owner who sends start and all clear.
- Photo scribe who logs what was cleared.
Backflow and pump checks
| System | Quick test | Upgrade | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sewer backwater valve | Cycle test handle or lid and confirm free movement | Full port backwater valve with access cover | Stops tidal surcharge from entering |
| Sump discharge | Confirm check valve closes and no recycle to foundation | Full port check valve and rigid discharge to daylight | Protects basement from return flow |
| Utility pump | Bucket test in areaway or garage | Float switch and quick hose coupling | Hands off removal during high water |
Sandbag and water tube estimator
Supplies that help this month
| Item | Use | Why it pays off | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reusable doorway dam or stackable boards | Blocks garage and front entry | Fast setup and repeat use | Measure lip to decide height |
| Absorbent socks and plastic sheeting | Seals side gaps at doors | Stops trickle paths | Tape edges for a tight seal |
| Utility pump with hose | Drains stairwells and low patios | Moves water without lifting | Use GFCI power only |
| Backflow drain insert | One way flow for floor drains | Reduces sewer odor and intrusion | Check compatibility |
| Leaf rakes and shovels | Keeps inlets clear | Prevents curbline ponding | Stage at the corner |
Neighborhood text templates
Start High tide check at 6:45. Please clear your inlet and send a photo.
Assist Need one person at the south alley drain. Reply if you can cover it.
All clear Tide is falling. Send any issues to the group and restage tools.
Simple maintenance calendar
| When | Action | Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week before peak tides | Walk the block | Check inlets and low spots | Fewer surprises |
| Two days before | Test pumps | Cycle utility and sump pumps | Ready to run |
| Day of high tide | Place doorway gear | Set dams and socks near entries | Fast deployment |
| After event | Rinse and dry | Fresh water rinse on gear and tools | Longer life |
King tide days are predictable, but wind setup, clogged inlets, and slight elevation differences decide who floods. Walk the lowest paths, set quick barriers at entries, and test a small pump or drain insert before the peak cycle.
