How To Best Fill and Stack Sandbags

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Sandbags for Flooding are essential tools if you live in an area prone to flooding.

Filling Your Sandbags

It is recommended that you use sand to fill your bags with, however if it is not readily available soil will work too. When filling your bags, you want to fill them just slightly more than half-full so they lay flatter, are easier to stack, and are lighter to move.  Bags are much easier to handle if they are no more than 40 pounds when filled, although this may vary depending on the size of the bag (typical bags for sand-filling are 24-26 inches long by 14 inches wide).

Stacking Sandbags

One factor to keep in mind when protecting your home and property in the event of a flood is that sandbags are simply meant to divert water and debris away from the home, but do not create a water-tight seal. Proper placement will, however, significantly reduce the amount of water that seeps in.

First, prepare the site where the bags will be placed.  You should clear by removing debris such as large sticks, mud, etc... These may cause gaps in your structure. Your barrier won’t function well if the ground is too slippery and your sandbags all slide away when the water flows; you need to be sure there is enough friction to keep them in place.

If your home or business has experienced flooding, please call SERVPRO of Olmos Park right away, as time is a factor. The professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park offer emergency services 24/7. Here to Help.

Source: Chainsaw Journal Jan 2020.