Water Damage Protection

It doesn’t matter where you live – blocked drains, burst pipes, melting snow, heavy rainfall, sewer backup etc., can all lead to home flooding and water damage. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage to your home:

• Talk to your municipal government about your home’s foundation drain connection and how to reduce basement water damage in your home.
• Raise appliances and other major equipment above ground level. Your washer, dryer, water heater, oil tank and furnace should be correctly installed on anchored concrete blocks above ground level. If heavy appliances or equipment are already installed and cannot be raised, consult with a professional contractor for advice on how to anchor them and install floodwalls or shielding.
• Have a professional electrician ensure all major electrical wiring is above ground level. Be sure your main circuit breaker or fuse box and all utility meters sit above the flood level for your area.
• Install flood shields or built-up barriers around basement windows and doors. The tops of the shields should always extend above ground level.
• Disconnect eavestrough downspouts from underground sewer pipes and use extensions and splash pads to direct water flow six feet away from the home.
• Inspect the slope of the yard around your home. The yard should be sloped in a manner that directs water away from walls and windows.
• Repair cracks in basement walls and floors.
• When you purchase a home, have a home inspector check that water-resistant building materials have been used in all areas below the base (or "expected") flood elevation for your neighbourhood.
• Install a backwater valve in your home’s main sanitary sewer connection. If the right type of valve is installed and properly maintained, it can help prevent sewer backup from entering your home.
• If your basement is below grade, install and maintain a sump pump system.
• Outside your home, landscape with native plants and vegetation to help prevent soil erosion.

For additional tips on how to prepare for and respond to water damage, visit our Water Damage Risks page.