If you have ever experienced flooding in your basement, then you know the heartache and stress it can bring. With all the active weather that can happen in Canada, basement flooding is a growing problem for homeowners, municipalities and insurers across the country. In just the past few years there have been several events that have resulted in wide spread basement flooding in both large and small cities across the country. Almost no community in Canada is immune. In fact, water has now exceeded fire as the number one source of homeowner insurance claims in Canada. At present, roughly half of all property holder claims now have a water damage component to them.
As a homeowner, you can take action to reduce the risk of experiencing damage from basement flooding and other types of water damage. Here are several basic tips on how you can reduce your chances.
Reduce home water use during heavy rainfalls
During a heavy rainfall, reduce the amount of water you are putting into the municipal sewer system. The more stress placed on the system, the greater the chances that you will have sewer backup problems. Waiting to do your laundry, run your dishwasher or take a shower until after a severe rainfall can help reduce your chances of basement flooding.
If you have ever experienced flooding in your basement, then you know the heartache and stress it can bring. With all the active weather that can happen in Canada, basement flooding is a growing problem for homeowners, municipalities and insurers across the country.
Avoid pouring fats, oils and grease down your drains
Fats, oils and grease (FOGS) are by-products of preparing food and cleaning dishes. Over time, FOGS can build up in your sewer line and cause blockages which can result in a backup. Instead of rinsing grease down your kitchen drain, wipe it off with a paper towel or wait until the grease congeals and dispose of it with your food waste.
Don’t store items directly on the basement floor
Keep things a few inches off the floor in your basement. Place items on a solid foundation a few inches or feet off the ground. If you must keep important documents or items in the basement, store them in watertight plastic containers to reduce their chances of being damaged if the basement floods.
Seal cracks in foundation walls and basement floor
Sealing cracks is a simple way to help reduce basement flooding in your home. Sealing cracks will help you reduce the chances of groundwater entering your house. In many cases, cracks can be effectively sealed from inside the basement without digging beside the foundation to repair them.
Maintain eavestroughs and downspouts
Regularly clean and maintain your eavestroughs and downspouts to make sure they are not clogged with debris. When they are clogged, water can pour over the sides of eavestroughs, fall close to your home and then run down into your foundation. This water can then enter your weeping tile or your basement through cracks in the foundation and increase your chances of basement flooding.
Keep storm sewer grates clear
When storm sewer grates are clogged with yard waste, leaves, garbage, snow and ice or other debris, less water will enter the storm sewer system. When water can’t get into the sewer system, there is an increased chance that it will flow onto private properties and then into homes and basements.
For more tips, download the free Handbook for Reducing Basement Flooding. It outlines 20 measures that homeowners can take to reduce the risks of basement flooding and is produced by the Institute of Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR).
Too late to prevent water damage? Call 1-800-RESPOND
Call ServiceMaster Restore, we are there to help. It is as critical to identify the source of the water and correct the problem, as it is to ensure the water damage is properly restored. Proper use of specialized equipment, monitoring tools and testing, will assist our technicians in making the right drying decisions.
Fast action is imperative to reduce suffering and save money for you and/or your insurance company. Water damage claims increase substantially if prompt action does not mitigate and contain the damage.
Our professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to water damage in your home, mitigate the problem and prevent further water damage from continuing. We have certified emergency personal who are prepared to respond to your needs and restore your home with minimal disruption to you and your family.