Prevent water damage

• Be selective about investing in and/or storing valuable items in areas that are below ground level.
• Inspect visible plumbing pipes for corrosion and/or leaks, and make or request (of your condo board or landlord) any necessary repairs.
• Avoid discarding fats, oils and grease down drains; they can cause clogs when they solidify.
• Know where the water shut-off valve is located within your home, apartment, condo or seasonal property (which may help to limit damage in the case of an emergency).
• Install a water-damage alarm to serve as an early warning, which will give you a chance to turn off the water and prevent damage.
• If you store items on a level below ground, consider putting them on shelves and in watertight plastic containers, whenever possible.

Want to take extra steps? Consult a plumber, who can inspect your home and help you determine the best preventative options, based on your specific plumbing and septic/sewer connections. These may include:

• Installing an automatic back-up pump to your existing sump pump, if you have one; batteries or a generator can be used to power the back-up pump.
• Installing a backwater valve.

Outside

• Ensure that downspouts are directed away from your home, building and/or garage.
• Clear snow away from foundations and window wells to prevent melt water from accumulating.
• Seal (or request that your condo board or landlord seals) any cracks in your ceilings, walls, foundation and/or basement floors, where accumulated water could get in.
• Keep storm drains clear of leaves and other debris to prevent water from accumulating.
• Install window wells around basement windows to keep water out; check them every spring to ensure that they are free of debris.
• Maintain eaves-troughs regularly to keep them clear of leaves, twigs and other debris, so they can properly steer water from your roof, walls and foundation.
• Use a rain barrel to collect overflow water, or build a rain garden (great for urban or concrete areas) to prevent water from pooling around your walls and foundation.
• Ensure that grading around the foundation allows for correct drainage.
• Keep weeping tiles clear and in good repair.
• If you have a back-up pump installed on an existing sump pump, test the sump pump before the start of each wet season to make sure it's working.
• If you live in an area with mature trees, have pipes checked for tree roots.
• Review our rain checklist for simple steps to follow during periods of heavy rainfall.

As a home, residential or seasonal property owner, you can be eligible* for discounts by installing loss-prevention devices, such as:

• a backflow prevention device (BPD), installed on the sewer or septic line (if connected to a municipal sewer, clean-out access is also required)
• a secondary automatic powered backup sump pump (must have an automatic power source, such as a battery, to qualify for a discount)

*Check with your municipality and a licensed plumber to ensure that these devices are allowed in your area and effective for your home.