What to Check In Your Home After a Flash Flood in Arizona
Flash flood warnings in Arizona are not like flood warnings in other parts of the country. Here, the ground is hard, dry, and largely unable to absorb water quickly, which means when heavy rain hits, it runs fast and finds the lowest point it can.
For homeowners who are in town, a flash flood warning means staying off the roads and keeping an eye on things. For homeowners who are away, it means coming home to whatever the water decided to do while nobody was watching.
Here is what to check after a flash flood warning in Cave Creek and surrounding areas.
Foundation and Drainage
This is the first thing to look at. Water pooling against your foundation, even briefly, can work its way into cracks and cause long-term damage. Check the perimeter of your home for any signs of erosion, pooling, or displaced gravel that indicates water was running where it should not have been.
If you have a drainage channel or wash near your property, check that it is clear and flowing properly. Debris jams can redirect water in unexpected directions.
Garage and Entry Points
Garages are a common entry point for flood water, especially if the driveway slopes toward the home. Check the garage floor for moisture, water stains, or debris lines that indicate how high the water got. Even a small amount of water sitting on a concrete garage floor can cause damage to stored items and create mold conditions quickly in the heat.
Check door seals and weatherstripping around entry doors for signs that water pushed through.
Block Walls and Fencing
Block walls can shift or crack under the pressure of moving water and saturated soil. Walk the perimeter and look for any new cracks, leaning sections, or areas where the ground has eroded away from the base of the wall.
Pool Area
Heavy rain and runoff carry debris, dirt, and sediment directly into pools. After a significant storm, your pool filter and skimmer will be working overtime. Check for debris, check the equipment for proper operation, and test the water chemistry since rain dilutes your pool chemical balance and can contribute to algae growth if not addressed quickly.
AC Condenser Unit
Outdoor condenser units sit low to the ground and can be affected by flooding or heavy debris. Check that the unit is clear of sediment and debris, and listen for any unusual sounds when it runs. If water got into the unit, have it inspected before running it for extended periods.
Roof and Gutters
Heavy rain after a dust storm, which is common in Cave Creek, means your gutters may already be clogged with dust and debris before the rain even starts. A clogged gutter during heavy rain can cause water to back up under roofing material or overflow against the exterior walls. Check gutters for clogs and look for any new water staining on exterior walls or ceilings inside.
What If You Were Not Home?
The challenge with flash flooding for vacant homes is that by the time you find out, the water has already been sitting for hours or days. Mold can begin developing in as little than 24 to 48 hours in Arizona heat, which means the faster someone gets eyes on your property after a flood event, the better.
At Desert Peak Services, we monitor weather events and do post-storm checks for the homes we watch. Joe's 30 years of construction experience means he knows what flood damage looks like in its early stages, before it becomes a much bigger problem. We document everything with photos and flag anything that needs immediate attention.
If your home was empty during today's flash flood warning and you want someone to take a look, give us a call or check out our home watch plans at desertpeakservices.com/services.
Desert Peak Services serves Cave Creek, Carefree, North Scottsdale, and surrounding communities.
(480) 979-4941