Avoid water damage

How to avoid localized flooding
Overland and infiltration flooding
Sewer back-up
Seasonal flooding
Resources

How to avoid localized flooding

Even a small water leak can be costly to repair if it affects laminate flooring or electronic equipment. Here are some tips to help avoid flood or other water-related damage in the home.

Outdoor measures

• Clear debris from eaves troughs in late autumn.
• Make sure there is at least 200 mm (8 in.) clearance between finished ground level and the bottom of the downspout.
• Regularly inspect the house's foundation and have any cracks repaired.
• Make sure asphalt shingles are not worn or curling.

In the basement and home

• After heavy rains or a rapid thaw, check basement for leaks.
• Do not cover floor drains.
• Store items in plastic storage containers or raised shelving. Consider storing important documents or irreplaceable personal objects such as photographs in a location where they will not get damaged by water.
• Elevate furnaces, hot water heaters and electrical panels in the basement on masonry or relocate them.
• Install a sewer back-up prevention valve on the home's main line.
• Create a sump pit and install a sump pump with reliable back-up power.
• Make sure waste water pipes are not blocked by tree roots.
• Disconnect downspouts draining directly in the sewer system and redirect them at least two metres from the home's foundation.
• Ensure the home site lot is graded to push drainage away from the home.
• If applicable, make sure the septic system is serviced regularly.
• Avoid pouring fats, oils and grease down the drain.
• Do not attempt to flush heavy tissue or other items down the toilet.
• Avoid using excess soap in dishwashers or washers.

Overland and infiltration flooding

Overland flooding happens when water overflows from streams, rivers and lakes, or through storm-water back-up. Infiltration flooding can occur when days of rain prevent water from saturating into the soil bed, causing excess rainwater to collect and enter through cracks in the house foundation, loose joints or cracks in drain pipes, etc..

The purpose of insurance is to spread risk amongst many policyholders. Overland flooding is usually a risk for only a small percentage of people whose homes are built on flood plains. Since most homeowners are not exposed to the risk, and should not share in the cost, providing flood insurance would be unaffordable for the homeowners who might need it. Water damage due to sewer back-up and other causes can be covered by your homeowner's policy, although some coverage may have to be purchased in addition.

Age, faulty structural design and severe and changing weather patterns play a significant role in the potential for water damage to homes. However, here are some of the common areas prone to flooding and other water-related damage that homeowners should be wary of:

Sewer back-up

When sanitary and storm sewers buried beneath the street become backed up, flooding can occur. Three common causes of this include:

• deteriorating wastewater pipe systems that need to be reconstructed,
• root infiltration (when tree roots infiltrate wastewater pipes, causing them to crack and break),
• and through a build-up of material known as 'solid flushes', when hair, fibres, grease, tissue, etc., are flushed down the toilet or sink, backing up the sewer systems.

Seasonal flooding

When the snow eventually begins to melt or thaw, whether through rain or milder weather, there is a serious risk of flood. Because insurance companies don't generally cover overland flooding, it is up to the homeowner to make sure that precautions are taken.

Steps to take when you notice that frost is beginning to melt:

• Be sure to shovel snow as far away from your home as possible, especially from any basement or ground-level windows.
• Make sure that any cracks or holes located on the exterior or interior of basements and ground levels are caulked and sealed.
• Investigate for anything that could prevent snow from draining away from the house and if there are obstructions, clear and make a path for the water.
• Have professionals remove any snow from the roof to avoid roof collapse.

In the event of water damage, homeowners should notify their insurance broker. Brokers work in your best interests to start the claims process if appropriate, and ensure you are being treated fairly and efficiently by the insurance company. Your broker will also advise on the best way to get your property back to normal.

Resources

City of Surrey: Flooding & Prevention
Insurance Bureau of Canada: Before disaster strikes
Provincial Emergency Program: Flooding Information
BC Ministry of Environment: Integrated Flood Hazard Management
Is Your Family Prepared? Floods in Canada