Basement Flood Prevention

Every home is at risk of basement flooding, even if it has not happened before. Water in your basement is most likely to occur during a heavy rainfall, or when snow and ice is melting.

The good news is that you can take steps to help reduce or prevent it from happening.

Backwater Valve

Backwater valves are designed to close the sewer line during periods of extreme rain to prevent water from entering your home. When the valve is closed you should not use any plumbing fixtures (i.e. toilets, sinks, dishwasher, washing machine) because water will not drain and will backup into your home.

Backwater valves should be installed by a licensed plumber and require a building permit to be installed. They also need to be maintained and regularly inspected according to product specifications.

Sump Pump

A properly-sized sump pump helps pump water collected by the weeping tile system to an area outside. It is crucial that you ensure the sump pump empties onto a permeable surface at least 2 m from the foundation wall.

Sump pumps can lose power during severe storms, so you may wish to consider a battery back-up. They also need to be inspected and maintained according to product specifications to ensure optimal performance.