Heading into the weekend, we are expecting as much as 25mm of rain starting Friday with warmer temperatures expected to rise as high as 7 degrees.

As we anticipate rain and snow melt, customers are reminded that any basement is at risk of flooding, even if it’s never happened before. Utilities Kingston offers steps you can take today to protect your home:

• 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.
  • Check for any frozen lines that need to be thawed.
  • Consider an extra length of hose to increase the distance at which it discharges away from your foundation.
  • Consider, if your sump pump drains to the surface, the discharge point may be buried under snow and ice. Uncover it and clear a path so the water drains away from your foundation. Otherwise, water may recycle back into your basement.
• Clear snow away from your foundation, providing a path for water to follow the natural grade around your house.
• 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.
• Ensure your downspouts are clear of snow and ice so water can route safely away. Shovel a path for the water to run well away from the foundation, or consider an extra length of pipe. (Stay safe: keep on the look-out for icicles that have formed and may fall from your eaves.)
• 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 (for example, 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 snow and ice, we’d appreciate if you could take some time to clear it. This will help make sure that snow melt and rainwater can enter the storm sewer and promotes good drainage away from your neighbourhood. (Tip: 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 and view our video for more tips on preventing a soggy basement disaster.

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 offered

Homeowners: get up to $3,000 through our 2022 Preventative Plumbing Program. You may use the funds to install sump pumps, backwater sanitary valves and other eligible measures, including disconnecting illegal plumbing connections.

Participants benefit from a free in-home visit that provides advice to reduce the risk of basement flooding. Interested? Visist our Preventative Plumbing Program webpage to find details and an easy-to-use online application, email or call 613-546-0000.

Contact us

If you have any concerns about utility equipment, contact the Utilities Kingston 24-hour line at 613-546-1181.