Reduce the risk of flooding on your property

Reduce the risk of flooding

The weather is unpredictable and changing, so being prepared is important. Heavy rain can cause water seepage in basements, overflowing eavestroughs, pooling in low-lying areas, overtopping riverbanks and flooding. It can also cause traffic disruptions, road closures and sewer problems, resulting in evacuations, power outages, supply shortages, infrastructure and property damage and debris.

To reduce the risk of flooding on your property and within your home, consider the following:

Home and property maintenance

• To prevent backups and overflowing when it rains, eavestroughs and downspouts should be regularly inspected for blockages and cleaned out as needed. Downspouts should be directed onto lawns and gardens at least away from any foundations or adjacent properties, or further away if possible.
• Periodically inspect the ground all the way around your home to be sure that it slopes away from the house and allows water to flow away from your foundation, patio doors, basement windows and entrances. If the ground has settled in the area next to foundation walls (check behind plantings next to the exterior walls), add clay soils to this area to correct the slope and prevent water from ponding next to your foundation.
• Keep eavestroughs, downspouts and storm drains (including private catch basins in the driveway or backyard) free of debris, litter or obstructions to ensure water can flow freely through them. Repair any leaks.
• Leaves and other debris should be cleaned out of basement window wells and plastic covers can be installed to keep water out. Be sure they can still open in case of an emergency. Window wells should protrude sufficiently above lawns, patios or the ground surface to divert water away from entering basement windows.
• If your home has a sump pump, check the pump and the discharge pipe regularly and make sure it is free of debris and functioning properly. Make sure water is being pushed out at least six feet or two metres away from any basement foundations or adjacent properties, allowing it to absorb into the ground on your own property.
• Address roofing issues promptly to prevent water damage. If you are able, inspect your roof and check shingles for potential tears, cracks or leaks or contact a reputable, professional roofing contractor to do this work.

Green infrastructure for your home

• If using a home rain barrel to collect water from your roof for your lawn and garden, be sure to install an overflow hose to drain excess water at least two metres (six feet) away from any basement foundation or adjacent property onto your own lawn or garden. Water collected in rain barrels should always be used between rainstorms.
• If there is sufficient space in your yard, rainwater could be diverted from your roof into a raingarden. These special and attractive gardens are designed to help water soak in the soils underneath the garden and should only be located at least 9ft or 3m away from any building foundations or adjacent properties. Raingardens work best with native plants adapted to both wet and dry conditions and can support native pollinating species.

Additional measures

• If you see a blocked storm drain (catch basin), or culvert, on public property report it to 311 or online.
• If you still have concerns about a damp basement after undertaking other flood-risk reduction activities, consider consulting a professional to evaluate if a sump pump is appropriate. A sump pump moves water out of your basement to your home’s exterior. Have a backup power supply for your sump pump in case the power goes out.
• Consider the professional installation of a backflow valve to protect your home’s interior from sewage backflow. These types of valves must be regularly cleaned and tested by the homeowner to ensure they are capable of preventing sewage from flowing back up the pipe into your home.
• Ensure you’re fully aware of your home and property’s flood insurance coverage. Talk to your insurance provider to double-check what your policy covers for flooding and water damage and if you have the coverage you need.
• Store your valuable personal items in waterproof containers on shelving or on a higher floor instead of the basement to prevent those items from getting damaged or destroyed.
• If you store your vehicle or other valuables in underground parking or storage, be sure that you have appropriate insurance coverage for these items.

Water damage

Flooding can also cause water damage which can be costly to repair or renovate. If left unrepaired, water damage can cause significant harm to your property and health. If left unchecked, it will lead to mold issues, which could impact your health.

Depending on the damage, costs for repair can vary and depends on several factors, like how much damage was caused, the type of water damage and where the damage has occurred. With flooding that happens in your home, you may have to replace flooring, electrical, appliances, baseboards, drywall, furniture or lighting. The key is to act fast and prevent flooding from turning into a costly repair.

Follow these steps if your home has flooded:

1. Shut off the power (electricity) in your home, you might need to hire an electrician to help with this.
2. Avoid contact with contaminated water, wear protective gear like rubber boots, gloves and eye protection.
3. Look for the source of where the water is coming in.
4. Take pictures of the damage to send to your insurance company.
5. Remove wet items so they can dry out – discard any items that have come in contact with grey or black water.
6. Use a water pump to remove water or hire a professional to help dry out the space and drain water out.
7. Open windows and doors, turn on your air conditioning and use fans and dehumidifiers, if possible, to help increase circulation.
8. If water rises above your electrical outlets, baseboard or furnace, immediately call Alectra at 1-833-253-2872 to report it.

A sump pump subsidy program is already in place to assist homeowners who live on streets serviced by the municipal Foundation Drain Collector (FDC) system. The City offers eligible homeowners a financial subsidy to install a sump pump within this area. In Mississauga, Lisgar is the only community serviced by the FDC system.  A city-wide Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate Program is currently being developed and will be go live in February 2025.

Flood risk reduction resources

Floods can happen quickly and without warning at any time of the year. Learn what to do before, during and after flooding to keep yourself, your family and your property safe.

• How to prepare for an emergency
• Emergency Preparedness Guide
• Residential guide to flood prevention
• Essential outdoor cleaning tips to prevent flooding, pooling and pollution
• How to prepare your home for basement flooding
• The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) handbook for reducing basement flooding
• Insurance experts provide guidance to Ontario residents in wake of flash flooding
• Flooding and Insurance

Tags

• Climate Change
• Emergency and Preparedness
• Stormwater