Effects of receding water on infrastructure

 

Even though the river levels around Michiana continue to fall throughout the week, some problems can still arise for home and business owners. As standing water is still the scene for some in Michiana, that water can still soak through the ground, and get to your foundation. If that's the case, the thaw-freeze-thaw cycle can severely damage the foundations of your home or business. That cycle is a similar one that creates potholes on the roadways, and most of us know how much of a problem that has been this winter season. Be sure to check for growing cracks or any separations around your garage, floors, walls, and ceilings! Those are one of the first signs of foundation damage from flooding. 

As standing water soaks into the ground, it can cause problems for your home's foundation and structure. Check for cracks in garages, floors, walls, and ceilings!

As that water continues to soak through the soil, it can even wash away or compromise the roads! If you thought potholes were bad, this is much worse. When the water flows through the ground, it easily washes away rocks and soil that help keep the road in tact. Once you lose that supporting base, the road can cave in or wash away with the receding waters. Sinkholes are created the same way. We've already had reports of this last weekend and that problem could continue throughout the week as the water pushes back.

As the water recedes, it can wash away the soil underneath the road, causing it to collapse in some instances. Reports of this have already come in last weekend! Please respect the As the water recedes, it can wash away the soil underneath the road, causing it to collapse in some instances. Reports of this have already come in last weekend! Please respect the