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HOW TO PREVENT WATER ESCAPE/BACK-UP
Water escape is a growing problem for Canadian homeowners, and flooding can lead to extensive and devastating
damages, however, there are many ways to prevent both water escape and back-up.
1
Install a backwater valve. A backwater valve is a one way control valve installed directly on
the main sewer drain of the property. Under normal circumstances this valve will remain open
to allow for unrestricted flow of waste water out.
The valve is designed to prevent sewage in an overloaded or blocked sewer line from backing up into the home. In the
event of backflow from the sewer the valve will close, stopping the sewer water from entering the home. Preference is
a normally open backwater valve as shown in the illustration.
CLEANOUT
FROM HOME
TO SEWER
FLAP IN STANDARD POSITION
UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS
CLEAR PLASTIC TOP
FOR EASY INSPECTION
FLAP FLOATS TO
BLOCK BACKFLOW
BACKFLOW FROM SEWER
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2
Install a sump pit with a primary sump pump and an alarmed sump pump with battery
backup. A sump pit with a sump pump is a common and effective basement water collection
system. The sump pit, which is set into the basement floor, collects water from the weeping
tiles around the basement. The sump pump is activated by a float switch that turns on when
the water in the sump rises beyond a certain level. The pump then pushes the water outside
the home through a discharge pipe.
An electric primary sump pump alone will not provide the protection that is required in the event of flooding due to
power failures that often occur along with storms. An alarmed sump pump with battery backup is an additional sump
pump that is connected to a battery that can run for up to 7-9 hours, depending on the manufacturer and type of battery
used. The alarm is triggered when the power goes out to the primary sump pump and the backup sump pump is turned
on. It will also signal when the battery is about to run out of power. Depending on the battery backup sump pump that
is purchased, some can actually assist the primary sump pump if it can’t keep up with the volume of water entering the
sump pit.
To ensure a sump pump is in good working order, check the float at least once a year to ensure it’s clean and moving
freely by slowly pouring water into the sump tank. Watch for the float to rise and start the pump. Once the pump starts,
the water level will quickly lower and the float will shut off the pump. A good quality sump pump should last around 10
years, depending on how often it is working as well as the acidity and silt content in the water.
3
Keep storm sewer grates clear. When storm sewer grates
are clogged with yard waste, leaves, garbage, snow and ice,
or other debris, less water will enter the storm sewer system.
When water can’t get into the sewer system, there is an
increased chance that it will flow onto private properties and
into homes and basements.
4
Seal cracks in foundation walls and basement floors. A
home’s foundation and basement are areas where significant,
and often expensive, damage can occur. The origin of
leaks is often traced to the foundation. Minor cracks in the
foundation are not normally cause for concern; however,
major cracks can represent substantial movement and can
allow water to seep into the basement. Filling in foundation
cracks and stopping them from spreading helps to prevent
water damage and serious structural issues.
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5
Maintain eavestroughs and downspouts. Regularly check to ensure eavestroughs and
downspouts are kept clean of debris and in good repair to ensure proper drainage. When
eavestroughs and downspouts are clogged, water can pour over the sides and run down into
the foundation. Water can also pour into window wells, which may be connected to weeping
tiles through a drainage pipe. If this water enters a weeping tile, or basement through cracks in
the foundation, it will increase the chances of basement flooding.
Weeping tile is a perforated pipe that surrounds the foundation of many homes. It sits in a bed of gravel and collects
excess ground water which seeps into it. The water is then channelled into a sump pit and pumped out by sump pump,
or sent directly into the sanitary or storm sewer system (depending on the age of the home). To lessen the pressure on
the sump pump or sewer system the water from the weeping tile is being directed to, downspouts should be disconnected from the weeping tile.
Ensure downspouts extend from the home by at least six feet (two metres). The flow of downspouts should be directed
over permeable surfaces, such as lawns or gardens, and not paved surfaces including driveways or walkways.
MINIMUM 1.8M (6FT)
DOWNSPOUT
DOWNSPOUT
EXTENSION
SLOPED CLAY CAP
SPLASH PAD
BACKFILL
ZONE
BASEMENT WALL
UNDISTURBED SOIL
FOOTING
COURSE
GRAVEL
WEEPING
TILE
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6
Ensure proper lot grading. If possible, build up the ground around the house so water can
drain away from basement walls. Check sidewalks, patios, decks, and driveways to make sure
they haven’t settled over time and are causing water to drain toward the house. Landscape
with native plants and vegetation that resist soil erosion.
7
Prevent ice damming. Proper attic insulation and ventilation are the most effective way to
prevent ice damming. If the roof is kept cold, snow will not melt and re-freeze. Apart from
proper attic insulation and ventilation, thermostatically controlled heat tapes can be installed
on roofs to melt and drain accumulated snow. The system is activated when snow accumulates
during heavy snowfall.
A waterproof membrane can be laid under shingles along edges, at roof angles or under areas where snow accumulates
before asphalt tiles are installed to prevent water percolating under the shingles from leaking into the home.
Another prevention method is the manual removal of snow from roofs. This should be done by a professional to prevent
both damage to the roofing and physical harm to the homeowner.
8
Maintain sewer pipes. Clay sewer pipes can collapse due to age (wear and tear), pressure,
and earth movements, whereas metal sewer pipes can corrode, collapse, or rupture. Damaged,
old, lateral pipes should be replaced with non-corrosive pipe, preferably reinforced PVC.
The sewer lateral line is filled with water and other nutrients that make it an attractive target for tree roots. Once roots
find moisture, they’ll grow right into the pipe itself. If roots enter lateral pipes through holes or punctures of the line
or enter via loose joints, those sections should be replaced. If those sections cannot be replaced, the joints should be
tightened or covered to prevent root infiltration.
If plants and trees with deep roots exist near the sewer lateral line, roots should be cleared on a regular basis by professionals. Customers can reduce the problem by removing hedges and other deep rooted plants near to laterals. For tree
removal, municipal permits and neighbours’ consent may be required.
9
Talk with the Municipal Government about flooding.
For more information please consult the following websites:
•www.insuranceisevolving.com
•www.ibc.ca
•www.basementfloodreduction.com
•How to install a sump pump - www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1631605,00.html
•Sump Pump and Battery Backup Install - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nAId3uDoTY
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