Floods are the most frequent natural hazard in Canada and can cause significant and extensive damage to your home. When you combine issues like clogged drains or sewer back-ups, overflow from rivers or lakes, and entry of heavy rain or water through a home’s foundation or window wells, they become a common reason to make a home insurance claim. By taking a few steps inside and outside your home, you can reduce the risk for water damage.

Inside your home

• Have a licenced plumber inspect your pipes for corrosion or leaks and make any necessary repairs.
• Keep floor drains in your basement clear of obstructions.
• Fill any gaps in your basement walls, around windows, doors and all entry points for pipes and cables.
• Store any valuable possessions on shelves or higher floors in airtight containers, rather than the basement floor (whenever possible).
• Ensure electrical system components, including service panels, meters, switches, and outlets, are at least 30 centimeters above from the basement floor.

Outside your home

• Install eavestroughs and position them to drain away from your home's foundation. Regularly clean and maintain them so that they don't become not blocked.
• If possible, grade the property surrounding your house to encourage water to drain away from the foundation.
• Use all-weather sealants around basement windows and ground floor doors, and be diligent about sealing cracks in your foundation and exterior walls.
• Install window well and well covers on basement windows.
• Keep storm drains near your home clear of leaves and debris.
• In winter months, clear snow away from your home’s foundation following every snowfall to avoid fast  accumulating water from melting.

Home Insurance policies can offer protection for damage to your home and personal belongings caused by water. Talk to us today about Sewer Backup and Overland Water insurance - important coverage that all homeowners should have.