What Homeowners Can Do to Prevent Basement Flooding

By Jon Labelle

It is that time of year again, when you start preparing for the cold winter months. You trade in those shorts and flip flops for a down coat and warm boots; put away that comfortable patio furniture and beach chairs and pull out the ice skates and hockey equipment; or you put the lawnmower in storage and fuel up the snowblower for those blustery days ahead. There's one more vital task every homeowner needs to do but often overlooks - preparing for and taking steps to prevent basement flooding.

Each winter, homeowners lose hundreds of thousands of dollars from basement flooding. Whether you use your cellar for storage, laundry, workshop or extra living space, the loss of personal property due to flooding can be devastating. Even a few inches of water can destroy the furnace, water heater or electrical system and put your family's safety at risk. Mold, mildew and bacteria growth can begin as soon as 24 hours after exposure to a damp environment causing long-term respiratory and other health concerns. Water infiltration sometimes comes with little warning, giving you little time to take expensive furniture, appliances, entertainment systems or tools to higher ground. As if all that wasn't enough, being unprepared for a basement flood can compromise the structure of the home through damage to the basement flooring, wallboard and even the foundation. While the thought of this type of potentially catastrophic event can be overwhelming, you can control and even prevent basement flooding with a little planning.

TYPES OF FLOODING AND PREVENTATIVE ACTION

Internal - includes flooding due to equipment failure, back-ups or homeowner error.

• Use burst-proof pipes on washing machine.
• Add a lint trap on washing machine drain to prevent laundry tray back-up.
• Make sure laundry tray drain is open and free of obstruction.
• Check dishwasher flexible tubing for cracks or loose connections.
• Make sure sump pump is operating properly and handles sufficient capacity.
• Install non-electric (battery or hydro-powered) sump pump back-up.
• Keep backwater valve operating properly.
• Avoid pouring grease and other coagulating liquids down drains.
• Seal foundation and floor cracks.
• Have a back-up generator in case of a power outage to keep sump pump operating.
• Take advantage of any monitored security system features such as flood or heat sensors.
• Arrange for a plumbing inspection by a licensed professional.

Replacing the old sump pump

External - includes infiltration and overland flooding.

• Clean gutters and downspouts to avoid overflow.
• Re-route downspouts away from the foundation.
• Caulk basement windows; add weather stripping and storm windows.
• Remove leaves and debris from window wells, keep drains clear and add covers to prevent water infiltration.
• Storm sewer grates should be free from obstruction.
• Grade lot away from home.
• Add weeping tiles along foundation.
• Shut off outside faucets to prevent freezing or bursting.
• Insulate sump pump discharge pipe if exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Maintain sewer laterals to reduce stress on pipes and potential sewer back-up.
• Always keep storm sewer grates clear of leaves and debris.
• Order a home inspection of exterior systems by a qualified waterproofing company.

Even if you have taken all the steps to prevent your basement from flooding, there are some times when nothing can stop it. In this situation or if your home is located in a flood zone area, you can help reduce your risk of loss through these steps:

• Find and seal all gaps and openings where overland flood waters can enter. Areas you can check are window and door framing, wiring and cable openings for television, telephone and electric lines, brickwork cracks, older windows and doors. Caulking and weather stripping are both recommended.
• Consider leaving basement areas unfinished with any stored items raised above floor level.
• Try not to use water during heavy rainstorms. Any excess water going into the storm or sanitary sewers may just add to the problem and overflow.
• Consider purchasing a flood insurance policy. Many homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover losses from floods.

Frozen water connection

Take advantage of government assistance

In communities prone to overland flooding, it is often the homeowner’s responsibility to discuss the problems with their municipal government. There may be a plan in place for remedial action or improvements, informational packets for reducing flood potential, a listing of recommended contractors to address possible problem areas or financial assistance for homeowners that have experienced damage due to flooding.

The City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program is available to all homeowners (single-family, duplex and triplex residences) and provides up to a $3,400 subsidy for flood protection devices. By hiring a licensed City of Toronto plumbing contractor to install a sump pump, backwater valve or pipe severance and capping to separate from the City’s sewer system, homeowners can manage their flood risk and their budget.

Now that you have a plan in place to reduce your risk of basement flooding and the tools to support your family financially, should the need arise, you can face the impending winter season with confidence that you’re well protected.

Author Bio:

Jon Labelle is a home improvement expert and editor for Aquamaster Drain, Plumbing & Waterproofing Inc., a Toronto basement waterproofing company that offers professional and efficient waterproofing solutions for commercial and residential clients in Toronto and GTA.