Flood risk isn’t just something to think about when bad weather is in the forecast. Severe weather is becoming more frequent, resulting in heavier and often unpredictable rainfall. Regular maintenance and key home upgrades can help reduce the risk of basement flooding. While these measures can help, the risk of flooding is never zero. It’s also important to know what to do in the event of a flood.
Here are the key things you need to know before and after a flood.
Before the storm: Be prepared
Flood risk isn’t just about the extreme weather—it's also about how your home is set up to handle it. While various factors (e.g., age, location) can impact the level of risk, there are proactive steps you can take.
Our Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program makes it easier and more affordable to make home improvements. These include:
Downspout Disconnection Subsidy: 100% of the costs for materials and contractor labor to disconnect downspouts from municipal wastewater systems, up to $500.
Here are some other actions that make a big difference and can go a long way:
- Clear Gutters and Drains: Leaves, twigs, and debris can block water flow, increasing the risks of pooling near your home. Before a storm and all year round, safely ensure rainwater can move unobstructed out and away from your home (ideally at least three metres away from your foundation).
- Limit Water Use During Heavy Rain: Running dishwashers, washing machines, and showers during storms can add stress to the system. If your backwater valve is closed, do not use your water as it will increase the risk of flooding.
- Maintain your Sump Pump: Test your sump pump regularly to confirm it is working properly. You also need to make sure the discharge pipe is clear so that water can flow out of your home when activated.
- Maintain your Backwater Valve: Inspect and clean your backwater valve every three months. Make sure the flapper moves freely and remove any additional grease or debris.
- Check your Basement/Foundation for Cracks & Leaks: Water can seep into foundation cracks, causing damage and/or mold. Seal any minor cracks with a waterproof sealant and inspect basement windows and doors for leaks. If you notice any significant issues, schedule an assessment with a trusted professional to prevent further deterioration and potential flooding risks.
While taking the above precautions can help limit the risks of flooding with extreme and unpredictable weather, the guarantee is never 100%. Here are a few additional precautions, just in case:
- Check your home insurance policy: Many homeowners aren’t sure what their insurance policies cover, and believe it or not, flood damage isn’t always covered under standard home policies. Contact your provider to verify whether you have sufficient coverage.
- Take pictures and keep an inventory: Take photos of your basement and have a running list of key items on hand. This will help when submitting claims to your insurance provider.
- Protect your valuables: Store important items off the basement floor to prevent potential water damage, especially if you have experienced basement flooding previously or are at a higher risk.
After the storm: What to do if you experience basement flooding
Even with the best precautions, basement flooding can happen when you least expect it. Experiencing a basement flood can be overwhelming and knowing what to do and steps to take can help alleviate some of the stress. Here’s what you need to know:
Safety first: Sewage from wastewater backup can pose a health and safety risk.
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Never enter a flooded area if there’s a risk of electrical hazards.
- Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup is completed.
- If you detect gas, leave the house immediately and contact your gas provider.
- Do NOT use toilets or sinks until the source of the backup is known.
Contact Halton Region: Once you’ve assessed the situation and can ensure everyone is safe:
- Call 311 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or email accesshalton@halton.ca to report basement flooding.
- Halton Region Public Works staff will work as quickly as possible to review the property history, discuss the situation, and follow-up as required.
Before you start to clean up:
- Take photos. Your insurance provider may ask for photos to help with the claim process.
- Plan to keep receipts. Your insurance provider will require documentation of all expenses incurred (e.g., emergency cleanup services, repairs).
Contact your insurance povider:
- After connecting with Halton Region, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report any property damage caused by basement flooding.
- Next, you will discuss what steps you need to take to make a claim.
- The Insurance Bureau of Canada also has theirits virtual Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion to help with questions related to insurance. For support, you can call 1-844-227-5422 or email ONCIC@ibc.ca.
Don’t wait for a rainy day
Get ahead of the weather and take action to set yourself up for success this Spring.
For more information about basement flooding, including details on our basement flooding prevention subsidies and tips on how to limit your risks, visit halton.ca/flood.
You can also check out our video series featuring Matt, Halton’s expert in basement flooding prevention.
Flood prevention video series