As winter comes to an end across Canada, spring brings warmer temperatures, melting snow, and seasonal rainstorms. Extreme weather events are also getting more severe and happening more frequently, making flooding more likely in homes and communities across Canada Know that flooding can happen in different ways, depending on where you live, and every home is unique. The good news is that protecting your home does not have to be complicated or expensive.
Things to consider:
- The average cost of repairing a flooded basement is more than $40,000[1].
- Acting early is far more effective (and affordable) than dealing with emergency repairs.
- DIY upgrades, such as flood alarms and routine checks, can help.
Spring is a great time to check your gutters and downspouts. Over the winter, ice, leaves, and debris can build up and block proper drainage. Cleaning out gutters and making sure downspouts extend several feet away from the foundation can make a big difference during heavy rain.
For homes with a sump pump, spring is often when it works the hardest. Testing the pump before the snow fully melts can help prevent surprises during the first big thaw or rainstorm. Pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit should trigger the pump to turn on. It’s also worth checking that the discharge pipe outside is clear and directing water away from the house. There are often power outages during storms, a battery backup is essential to ensure your sump pump remains functional when you need it most.
Outside, homeowners should also look at how water drains across the yard. Water can pool more easily in low spots. Making sure the soil slopes away from the house and keeping nearby storm drains clear can help prevent water from collecting around the foundation.
Finally, if you’re already doing some spring cleaning, take a few minutes to make sure all your valuables and important documents are stored either in watertight containers or are far enough away from the ground. Try installing a flood alarm in your basement near plumbing, pipes or appliances for added protection as they can provide early detection, giving you time to prevent damage and peace of mind.
RBC is sharing their Flood Protection Guide for Canadian Homeowners to support you in helping protect your home. It walks through a range of practical, cost-effective steps you can take to improve your home’s resilience and your peace of mind.
[1] The risk of floods - Canada.ca Government of Canada (2022). https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/flood-ready/know-the-risks/cost-floods.htm