El Paso is dry most of the year, which is exactly why monsoon season catches people off guard. Summer storms can drop a lot of rain in a short time, and many homes and yards aren't built to move that much water quickly.
Where the water gets in
- Doors and sliding doors at ground level, especially on patios that slope toward the house.
- Roofs and flat-roof drains that are clogged with dust, leaves or debris.
- Swamp coolers that leak or overflow onto the roof and down into ceilings.
- Windows and window wells with worn seals.
Before the storms
- Clear roof drains, gutters and canales before the season starts.
- Check that the ground around your house slopes away from it.
- Look at the seals around doors and windows and replace worn weatherstripping.
- Have your swamp cooler checked for leaks.
- Keep valuables and electronics off the floor in rooms that have flooded before.
If water gets in
Stay safe first: don't walk through water near outlets or appliances. Then move what you can off the wet floor, take photos for insurance and start removing water.
Speed matters. Water soaks from the carpet into the pad and subfloor quickly, and mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours. Towels and household fans can't pull water out of carpet pad. Professional extraction and commercial air movers can, and the sooner they start, the more of your flooring can usually be saved.
Clover answers water emergencies in El Paso 24/7.