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9 Steps to Help Prevent Basement Flooding

Prevent basement flooding

The sudden ice storms that were experienced earlier this month in Toronto and other parts of Southern Ontario serve as a good reminder to keep the maintenance of our basements as top priority. With more and more extreme weather being experienced, in particular conditions common in spring such as deluges of water and sudden ice melts, our basements can be particularly vulnerable.

It has been said that while the costs are still be tabulated, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) predicts about $100 million worth of damage from the most recent ice storm here in our province.

Here are some tips to help protect your basement from one of the most dreaded of home owner chagrins – a flood.

9 steps to help prevent a flooded basement

– Check for and repair any cracks or leaks that may be present in your foundation as well as walls, windows or doors in the basement.

– Ensure that you have the proper grading and drainage on your property so that water moves away from your home.

– Assess your foundation’s weeping tile system.

– Clean those gutters of debris and leaves – overflowing eavestroughs can prevent proper drainage.

– And how about those downspouts? Make sure that they are not leaking or plugged up. They should also ideally drain two meters away from your home’s foundation.

– Pump the green space around your home (native plants/shrubs are best!), or use some porous pavers to help your land better absorb water from melting snow/ice or rain.

– A sewer backup can also result in a flooded basement. Ensure that you never flush items down the toilet that can clog up your pipes, like Q-tips, wipes or dental floss for a few examples. Same goes for your drains as well – pouring certain substances such as cooking fat can spell problems.

– Also ensure that there are no blockages in your sewer system. Check for any tree roots wreaking havoc or any broken or cracked pipes.

– Have a look at any roadside catchment grates and deal with any debris that could prevent water from properly entering the stormsewer.

For more information, check out this resource from the city of Toronto: How to Prevent Basement Flooding

And check out this post for some more information on overland water protection: Reminder to Check Your Water Damage Coverage

Thinking about flood protection devices?

If you live in the city of Toronto, you could be eligible for a subsidy of up to $3,400 to install flood protection devices such as backwater valves and sump pumps, on your property. This applies to single-family, duplex and triplex residential homes. Learn more here.

Have further questions about basement flooding or other water damage and your home insurance protection? Contact us today and someone from our team will be happy to discuss. Different policies offer different coverage when it comes to water damage, so it’s important to understand your policy and ensure that you have all the protection you need. If you’re looking for a quote for home insurance in Toronto and Ontario, click here.

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Image source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net | Stuart Miles

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