Tips to Prevent Basement Flooding
Basement Flooding
Springtime brings a mix of warmer weather and heavier rainfalls. The 2020 spring weather is forecasted to be warmer-than-normal, with flooding potential is forecasted above normal as well. A mix of melting snow and excessive rain can be quite detrimental. This, combined with improper home maintenance, can lead to flooding—damaging your home, valuables, and wallet. The average cost to repair a flooded basement is $43,000, according to last year’s numbers from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Taking the correct precautions can save you the money and headaches.
What causes basement flooding?
The culprits for basement flooding are most commonly overland flooding (drainage failure), or sewer backup. Excessive rainwater or ground water can seep into a property if there are drainage issues. Some of these issues include:
- improper sealing of the floor or wall
- sump pump failure
- blocked drains
And just like drainpipes, sewer lines can become clogged. This, along with broken or collapsed pipes, usually results in flooding caused by sewer backup.
Homes in low-lying areas and homes with pipe problems, unmaintained foundation, and poor lot grading are at most risk for basement flooding.
Tips and Precautionary Measures
- Inspection– To understand your plumbing, hire an expert. A licensed plumber can conduct inspections and specialized testing on your pipes, drains, sump pumps, and other backflow devices.
- Sump Pumps and Valves– Sump pumps are used to get rid of any water that has been accumulating in the basement of a property. Proper installation and maintenance is vital. In case of a power outage, it is important to install backup power. To prevent water from backflowing, a backwater valve can be installed. Maintenance and inspection should be done regularly.
- Landscaping Solutions– Ideally, water should be flowing away from your house. You may need to find a solution if you find that your property, or surrounding area slopes towards your house. Some solutions may be correcting grading levels, diverting or extending downspouts away from the building, or installing a rain garden.
- Spring Cleaning– Get a head start by cleaning out debris from gutters, sewer entry points, and drains.
Insurance Coverage
Contact Westland Insurance if you have any questions regarding water damage coverage. Every policy is different, so it is important to know what you are covered for. To learn more about coverages visit House Insurance or call 1-800-899-3093.