Am I in a Flood Zone? Here’s How to Check and What to Do Next

Flooding can happen almost anywhere, especially if you live near a creek, river, or coastline. But certain areas are more vulnerable than others. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates the geographical areas most prone to flooding as flood zones. If you live in a flood zone, you’re more at risk for a house flood that can damage your home’s foundation and plumbing system.

If you’ve ever wondered “Is my house in a flood zone?”, you’re not alone. Knowing your flood risk is one of the smartest ways to protect your property before disaster strikes.

How to Check If Your House Is in a Flood Zone

The easiest way to find out if your home is in a flood zone is to use official flood maps and property tools. Here’s how to get started:

• Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and enter your address.
• Review the flood zone designation (e.g., Zone AE, X, VE).
• Use local city or county GIS maps for more detailed flood risk info.
• Ask your real estate agent or title company for flood zone disclosures.
• Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider—they can check as well.

Knowing how to check if a house is in a flood zone is important because there are many dangers of flooding water. If you know you’re at a higher risk of flooding, you can take advanced precautions.

What Flood Zone Am I In? Understanding the Classifications

Flood zones are assigned based on risk level and are labeled by letters:

• Zones AE, A, AO, and AH: High-risk areas that often require flood insurance
• Zone VE: High-risk coastal zones with added storm surge potential
• Zones B, C, and X: Moderate to low risk; may still flood in rare events
• Zone D: Risk is undetermined due to limited data

So when you ask “What flood zone is my house in?”, you’re really asking how likely it is to flood and whether insurance is required. Zones beginning with “A” or “V” require flood insurance if they have a federally regulated mortgage. They also have around a one in four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.

What to Do If Your Property Is in a Flood Zone

Living in a house in a flood zone doesn’t mean you’re powerless. There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of basement flooding and protect your investment:

• Elevate major appliances or systems (like water heaters and HVAC units).
• Install a sump pump with battery backup (and make sure you maintain it).
• Seal foundation cracks and basement walls.
• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris.
• Store important documents and valuables in waterproof containers.
• Add floor sensors to your basement so you know if water levels are rising.
• Build a berm or put sandbags around your home to keep water from getting inside.
• Monitor local water levels so you know if flooding is happening near you.

How Flood Zones Affect Your Home’s Plumbing

A flood poses three distinct threats to a home's plumbing:

• Contamination of the floodwater. During a flood, sewage can infiltrate the floodwater, which could pose a health risk to anyone who comes in contact with it. If it’s flowing into your home, you’ll suddenly have a biohazard on your hands. And if you have a well, your water could become contaminated.
• Backup of sewage. Floodwater can make its way into the sewage system and cause it to overflow. This can lead to a flooded basement you’ll need to clean up.
• Damage to pipes and other sewage system components. Increased water pressure can cause pipes to break and other features of a sewage system to fail which could lead to severe water damage.

If you’re facing any of these scenarios, you’ll need to call in a licensed plumber to mitigate the damage. 

Concerned About Flood Risk? Let the Plumbing Experts Help

Now that you know how to tell if a property is in a flood zone, you can prepare for the worst. If you’ve recently learned your home is in a flood zone, call Roto-Rooter for a full plumbing inspection, sump pump installation, and expert flood prevention advice. We’re here to help 24/7—rain or shine. Schedule your appointment today.