Ten Tips for Preventing Water Damage to Your Home
• To help prevent water from freezing in pipes on extremely cold days, leave kitchen and bathroom cabinets open to expose pipes to warmer air. Also insulate any exposed pipes. In addition, make sure your attic floor is properly insulated. Be sure to shut off and drain outside taps during winter months.
• Know where your water shut-off valve is located in case you need to turn off the water in an emergency.
• April showers can bring wet basements. Be sure that downspouts direct water well away from your home's foundation at least 4-5 feet; otherwise, water from the downspouts could leak into your basement. Do not tie your eaves troughs into your weeping system that surrounds you house. Ensure ground slopes way from your foundation all around your home. Watch for neighbouring downspouts directed at your home . Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves, dirt and other debris.
• Help prevent basement flooding by installing a sump pump. You would be required to hire a licenced plumber to install a sump pump in an existing basement.
• Have a battery backup system installed on your sump pump in case of power failure. Remember the battery life may only be good for an hour of running time. Be sure to charge the battery periodically. It is a good idea to have second sump pump on hand in case of sump pump failure. Sumps pumps should be replaced every 3-5years.
• Another sump pump back up system is a hydraulic sump pump that runs on the pressure of the municipal water inlet into your home. These would eliminate the worry of power failure, however the volume they can handle is slightly less than an electrical unit. Installation of a Hydraulic pump system should be installed by a licenced plumber.
• A gas powered generator is very useful as well in case of a power outage for an extended period of time. It can keep sump pumps running, temporary heaters operating to prevent pipes from freezing etc.
• Help prevent sewer backup by have a licenced plumber install a sewer backflow valve. http://backwatervalve.ca/how-it-works.html.
• Make sure your roof is in good condition and that shingles are secure.
• At least once a year, check that all of your windows and doors are secure and re-caulk as needed to help prevent water from seeping in.