Basements are at an increased risk of flooding during heavy spring rains. Use our flood facts and tips to protect your property this spring.

Know your Flood Facts to protect your property

The number one spring tip is to check your eavestroughs and downspouts. Winter weather may have created blockages, breaks, or disconnections. In most cases, the downspout should drain over the lawn, at least two metres away from your house. Consider adding an extra length of pipe and keeping your eavestroughs and downspouts clear of debris. 

Other tips for spring:

• Check your sump pump for proper operation and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. For example, you may wish to confirm it’s plugged in and working properly and consider an extra length of hose to increase the distance at which it discharges away from your foundation.
• Check your sanitary backwater valve and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s directions. For example, if you can do so safely, you may wish to open the lid, clean it out, confirm there is a good seal in place, and test its operation.
• Reduce your water use on rainy days. When it’s raining heavily the sewers may fill up. Using a lot of water during heavy rains, such as taking a shower or doing laundry, can contribute to basement flooding and overflows to your environment. Consider using less water in extreme weather situations.
• If you know that a catch basin on your street is covered in debris, please consider clearing it. This will help ensure that rainwater can enter the storm sewer and promote good drainage away from your neighbourhood. You can use Google Maps with Street View to locate catch basins on your street.
• Get 18 Flood Facts and tips to protect your property.
• Know what to do if your basement has flooded. First and foremost, consider your family’s health and safety. Entering a wet basement could be hazardous. When in doubt, don’t enter the flooded area until you are told it is safe by a professional qualified to do so.

Financial assistance

Homeowners can receive up to $3,000 through the Utilities Kingston Preventative Plumbing Program. The funds can be used to install sump pumps, backwater sanitary valves, and more, including disconnecting illegal plumbing connections.

Contact us for a free in-home visit and get expert advice to reduce your risk of basement flooding. Interested? Apply online or call 613-546-1181.