At this time of year, when spring is around the corner, Canadians get excited about the arrival of warmer weather. When winter has been mild, the transition into spring is smooth sailing. Unfortunately, if there have been colder temperatures with lots of snow, you could experience some unexpected damages to your property. Spring rain and run-off water from the melted snow could potentially lead to spring basement flooding. If your basement is finished, this means that your drywall, carpet, finished floors, furniture, and other property could be ruined. If the water damage isn’t noticed and dealt with quickly, mould could result, and items may need to be replaced. This is why preventing basement flooding before spring or contacting licensed basement flooding clean-up services is paramount.
Common Causes of Floods in the Spring
Poor or blocked drainage, cracks around your foundation and basement walls, blockage to your sewer system from your home, and sump pump failure, are common causes of floods in the spring. Although these may not be easy to spot until there is a problem, there are some precautions to take so that when springtime comes, you won’t have a flooded basement.
9 Tips for Preventing Spring Basement Flooding
Water damage to your property can lead to expensive repair bills and can ruin priceless valuables. Even worse, depending on the source and whether there is mould growth, water damage can harm your family. How do you prevent basement flooding in the spring? Here are a few important steps to take to prevent your basement from flooding in the spring.
Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to basement flooding, so it is important to make sure they are cleaned and working properly during the transition into spring. Water will then be directed away from the home when the ice and snow melts.
Repair the Cracks
Caulking cracks in the foundation and areas between your home and the driveway or sidewalks can prevent water from seeping in by making a barrier.
Inspect and Clean Septic Tanks
Having sewers and septic tanks inspected and cleaned is another great tip to prevent spring basement floods. This role may not be easy to do on your own, but there are certified septic service companies that can assist you with this.
Have an Alternate Power Source
Consider purchasing a generator, especially if you live in an area where storms occur frequently. Having an alternate power source could go a long way to ensure overall safety for your home and family.
Redirect Groundwater Away from Home
The top of your home should have a downward slope so that when rain falls or snow melts, the water will wash away from rather than toward your home. For properties with landscaping, a good tip is to lay heavy plastic under rocks, which can further carry water away from your house.
Make Sure Basement Sump Pump Is Functional
Checking to see if your sump pump has debris can prevent you from having a flooded basement. Some basements do not have a sump pump—in this case, have one installed as soon as possible and have a backup battery-operated one in the event of a power outage.
Remove Snow
Keeping as much snow as possible away from your home will reduce the amount of water that could seep into it. To achieve this, direct the snow a few feet away from your home when you shovel.
Use Window-Well Guards
Window-well guards are a great tool to prevent water damage. Snow that melts in window wells increases the risk of water leaking into your basement, so using well guards will keep you safe.
Put in a Backwater Valve
To prevent your home from being water damaged by blockage from a municipal sewer line, instal a backwater valve. It automatically closes off your home from the sewer if water begins to back up. Otherwise, water can back up through your pipes and end up in your basement, leading to an even bigger problem.
Flooded Basement Cleaning Services in Toronto
Taking precautions to prevent the risk of a basement flood is always a good idea for people who live in areas with heavy snow or rainfall. Unfortunately, it is even more alarming to find out that part of your house has already been flooded. Basement floods are the most common type of flood and aside from damaging your items, they can have a negative impact on the structure of your home, and risk the health of your family.
Flood Services Canada provides superior basement flood clean-up in Toronto and across the GTA. We are skilled and certified to remove water, assess water damage, and deal with any mould growth. Our team acts quickly to emergency calls about basement flooding, water damage clean-up, or flooding to other areas of your home to prevent the possibility of any formation of mould and ruined property. Our state-of-the-art drying equipment will thoroughly dry all the affected areas of your home, including the structure.
Dealing with a basement flood is always a challenge—much must be considered when handling a basement flood cleaning. Flood Services Canada has responded to numerous 24/7 basement floods in the GTA and knows the steps required to efficiently get your basement water-free and your home safe and livable again. Contact us for more information!
