Storm season doesn’t send a warning. One afternoon it’s sunny across Bonham, Tyler, or Hondo — and by evening you’re watching water come under the wall. The good news is that a few simple steps taken now can make a real difference when the next big rain rolls through.
Here’s what we recommend to every homeowner we work with.
1. Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters are one of the most overlooked causes of water damage. When debris blocks the flow, rainwater backs up and spills over the sides — often pooling right against your foundation or seeping behind your fascia boards.
Take an afternoon to clear them out before storm season kicks in. If your home has a lot of tree coverage, consider checking them again after the first major rain. A clean gutter system is one of the cheapest forms of flood prevention you’ve got.
2. Check Your Window and Door Seals
Walk around your home and take a close look at the seals around every window and exterior door. Over time, caulk shrinks and weatherstripping wears out — and those small gaps become entry points when wind-driven rain hits.
Press on the caulk around your window frames. If it cracks or pulls away easily, it’s time to reseal. This is a low-cost fix that can prevent significant moisture intrusion and the mold problems that tend to follow.
3. Grade Soil Away From Your Foundation
The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation — not toward it. When soil settles or erodes over time, it can create a bowl effect that funnels rainwater directly against your slab or crawl space.
Walk your perimeter after a rain and watch where puddles form. If water is sitting close to the house, adding and grading topsoil to redirect flow is a straightforward fix that pays off fast.
4. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Is
This one doesn’t prevent storm damage — but it can dramatically limit it. In a flood or burst pipe situation, every minute counts. If you have to search the house during an emergency, you’ve already lost precious time.
Find your main shut-off valve now, make sure it turns freely, and let everyone in the household know where it is. If it’s stiff or corroded, have a plumber take a look before you actually need it.
When the Storm Has Already Hit
Prevention is always the goal, but sometimes damage happens anyway. If your home in Bonham, Tyler, or Hondo has taken on water — whether from flooding, a roof breach, or a burst pipe — fast action is what keeps a manageable problem from becoming a costly one.
Spartan Restoration is available 24/7 for emergency water damage response across all three service areas.
Bonham, TX: 214-616-2529
Tyler, TX: 903-881-3098
Hondo, TX: 210-239-8373