A lot of people have this experience: A heavy rain and your basement turns into an indoor pool or moisture soaks the walls. If this is a recurring event in your home, you’re not alone. Basement flooding after a heavy rain is a widespread issue in Toronto and the GTA. It’s not all about your basement getting flooded, but also the mold and other problems it causes. Let’s explore the reasons your basement might be prone to flooding after a heavy rain.
Why Is My Basement Flooding?
There can be several reasons for basement flooding after a heavy rain; it could be improper grading, foundation cracks, or the type of soil around your home, to name just a few reasons. Water always finds a way, if there is one. Understanding the cause of your basement’s vulnerability to flooding is crucial to fixing the problem.
What To Do When You Know A Storm Is Coming
If you know bad weather is coming, especially a storm, it’s the perfect time to make sure your sump pump is plugged in an working properly. Also make sure your alarms are working properly, and that includes not only the alarms for your sump pump and backwater valve, but also your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Being prepared is the key to weathering out the worst storms in your area.
What To Do First After a Heavy Rain Flooded Your Basement
Always remember, safety comes first. Make sure the area is safe to enter. Watch out for electrical problems! Turn off the breaker to your basement or call an electrician to make sure it’s safe to enter. Any appliance, including your water heater that is connected to where the flooding occurred might put you in danger. If you smell gas or your carbon monoxide alarms go off, call the fire department and leave your home until they deem it safe to re-enter.
Document everything with photos before you do anything. You may need them for insurance purposes.
Then you can start removing important items and placing them in a dry space. Next you can start the water removal process, dry out the space, and then assess the damage to your belongings. Acting quickly can greatly reduce the impact of basement flooding after a heavy rain. Waiting too long creates more problems making it unsafe and requiring the help of professionals. And remember, it doesn’t take long before dangerous mold starts to form.
The Importance of a Basement Inspection
A thorough basement inspection by a licensed basement flood prevention company is your next critical step. This isn’t just about damage control, it’s about getting to the root cause of the problem so you can prevent your basement from flooding after a heavy rain. A professional inspection will uncover hidden issues, such as minor cracks or poor drainage, that contribute to flooding. Using an infrared camera to spot cool areas in your basement, then checking those areas for moisture will find issues that aren’t immediately apparent. So make sure the company you choose has this technology. Draincom is one such company in Toronto. You can contact them at 905-238-6800 or visit their website. They have been serving Toronto and the GTA for more than 20 years and are licensed, insured and use the latest technology to inspect your basement.
Installation of a Sump Pump
Installation of a sump pump is a vital part of basement flood prevention. A good inspection includes making sure you have a sump pump that is capable of removing water based on the size of your basement and that it is well-maintained and in good working order. A sump pump alarm is also recommended. A sump pump is your basement’s best friend, actively removing water to keep the area dry, even in the worst storms the Toronto area has to throw at you.
Capping and Pipe Severance
Your basement flood prevention inspection may also reveal the need for capping and pipe severance. This process involves redirecting your downspouts away from your home’s foundation, reducing the risk of water buildup around your foundation that can lead to seepage into your basement.
Installation of a Backwater Valve
A basement inspection might also reveal the need for the installation of a backwater valve. It prevents sewer backflow, which can be a common issue during heavy rain. By ensuring that sewage only flows away from your home, you protect your basement from a much worse problem than just rain water flooding your basement. Backwater valve installation is one of the most important and smartest investments a house owner can make. There are alarms for this as well to alert you when it isn’t working properly.
Enlisting Draincom’s Expertise
With a team of experts skilled in basement waterproofing and plumbing solutions, and more than 20 years of basement flood protection experience, Draincom is the company to call if you live in Toronto or the GTA, Draincom conducts comprehensive basement inspections, using the latest technology to identify the best preventative measures, and will help you implement solutions like sump pump installations, capping and pipe severance, and the installation of backwater valves. Plus, their services are eligible for the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, if you qualify, offering financial relief in the form of rebates from the city of Toronto.
Click here to contact Draincom or call us at 905-238-6800 to schedule your free inspection and quote.
