Basement flooding in Etobicoke is one of the most common homeowner tragedies to occur. With frequently changing weather and occasional severe storms, basement flooding can happen to anyone almost any time of the year.
If you have ever had your basement flood, then you know how severe the situation can be. Often times, a flood will destroy everything in the basement, cause damage to walls and potentially allow for mold growth, and can even create unlivable conditions for months on end. Especially if you are in an area that has experienced flooding before, it is important to stay informed on how you can best prevent basement flooding in Etobicoke.
Get to know your plumbing and pipes
One of the first and easiest ways to prevent flooding is to get to know your piping system. Piping runs all throughout your house, and most likely, runs along the ceiling in your basement. One potential way for a basement flood to occur is through a broken pipe. Routine inspections of your piping are easy with or without a professional plumber, although a plumber can provide more security. Pipe bursts often occur in areas with severe corrosion, near opening to the outside where pipes can freeze, and will almost definitely happen if there is a leak in a pipe. Keeping a close eye on your piping will help insure your basement won’t flood anytime soon.
Another tip is to have a sub-pump installed. Sub-pumps redirect water away from your basement and prevent everything from small pools of water forming, to assisting with evacuating water during a flood. Severe floods can eventually overwhelm a sub-pump system, but having one can still assist in keeping your basement dry. A similar device to prevent your basement flooding is a back flow preventer. Even if your drains are fine, a back-up in a neighboring drain or basement can cause a chain reaction, causing your drains to back-up and overflow. This easy to install device by a professional helps insure this can’t happen to you.
Finally, you can tackle the most common source of basement flooding. Foundations often allow water in during the most torrential storms. By waterproofing your foundation you can make your basement almost impenetrable to flooding. There are many methods to achieve this: European waterproofing and weeping tiles, liquid or sheet membranes, cement, and built-up systems. All have various advantages and disadvantages and come in a variety of costs. Depending on your basement, some are probably a better choice than others.
Call a pro
The number one thing you can do to best prevent basement flooding in Etobicoke is to call a professional and have them come out for a home inspection. By providing you with expertise advice, a professional will guide you through the process of waterproofing your basement. They can also provide estimates on what the material and labor costs will be, in addition to giving you several options depending on your budget and how at-risk your house is. Hopefully you’ll take advantage of this advice and can be rest assured your basement will stay dry for years to come.