HOW TO PREVENT BASEMENT FLOODING

By Liz Delahey, Home Economist

Melting snow or heavy rain are common causes of basement flooding in many parts of Canada resulting in insurance claims in the millions and damages between $4,000 and $5,000 per incident.

Serious consequences result including:

• Respiratory problems associated with living in a chronically wet environment
• Long term damage to the building and equipment that may not be covered by insurance
• Increased insurance rates to compensate for repeated basement flooding claims
• Decrease in property value

Causes of Basement Flooding

It's important to identify the source of t flooding so you know whether the problem originates in your home or in the municipal sewer system. Check these potential trouble spots:

• Overflowing eaves troughs or leaking/ plugged downspouts
• Poor lot drainage
• Leaking, plugged, or missing downspouts
• A crack in the foundation, basement walls or windows
• Failure of the weeping tiles (foundation drains)
• A blocked connection between your home and the street
• A back-up of wastewater in the sewer system or combination of waste water and rainwater)

To help prevent flooding:

• Remove snow around the foundation paying particular attention to window wells.
• Remove snow around the outside edges of your lot to allow natural drainage to occur.
• Do not shovel snow onto streets or lanes as this could block drainage.
• Keep catch basins on the street clear by clearing away snow, ice and debris from them.
• Clear snow and ice from around the base of downspouts and extend downspouts at least two metres away from the foundation so that water drains away from the foundation.
• If your home is in a low lying area consider using sandbags to prevent water entering low lying areas.
• Check your roof and eaves troughs for excess snow and consider hiring someone to clear snow from the roof if there is a buildup.
• If water is getting close to the foundation get a pump to drain it to the gutter, back lane or area where it will drain away from your home.
• Have a qualified plumber inspect flood proofing and plumbing fixtures regularly to ensure they are operating properly, i.e. Sump pumps, backwater valves and floor drain.

Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation