What To Do When My Basement Floods In Toronto? [Ultimate Guide]

By: 407 Restoration Toronto

The mere mention of a flooded basement can send shivers down any homeowner’s spine.

Basements, while offering additional living or storage space, are also susceptible to their natural enemy: water.

Yet, with proper knowledge and preparedness, you can wade through these challenges effectively.

Here’s everything you need to know.

10 Tips On What To Do When Basement Floods And Their Benefits

No one anticipates a flood, but when it happens, swift and informed action can make all the difference.

1. Prioritize Safety: Venturing into a wet basement can be dangerous due to potential electrical hazards. By staying safe, you prevent further accidents and ensure the well-being of your family.
2. Document the Damage: Before pumping out the water, capture photos of the damage. This not only facilitates the insurance claims but aids in subsequent damage assessment.
3. Stop the Water Source: It’s crucial to halt any further ingress of water. By stopping the flow, you initiate the recovery process and prevent further damage.
4. Remove Water Immediately: Standing water is your basement’s nemesis. Removing it promptly minimizes structural damage and curtails the potential of mold growth.
5. Dry and Dehumidify: Moisture is a silent destroyer. By drying and dehumidifying the area, you protect the integrity of home structures and mitigate health risks.
6. Sanitize Affected Areas: A flooded basement can introduce harmful pathogens. Sanitizing ensures a healthy living environment, free from potential disease-causing agents.
7. Protect Valuables: Safeguarding valuables reduces both financial and sentimental losses.
8. Consult Professionals: Sometimes, DIY just won’t cut it. Expert advice ensures a comprehensive recovery and future prevention.
9. Inspect and Repair: Catching potential flood causes early prevents future disasters and prolongs the lifespan of your basement.
10. Review Your Insurance Policy: By understanding your coverage, you’re better placed to get financial support for those unexpected repairs.

10 Interesting Facts About Basement Floods

According to the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT), floods (including riverine, coastal, and flash floods) are the most frequent type of natural disaster globally. On average, floods affect over 100 million people each year. However, this figure encompasses all types of floods, not just flash floods.

1. Basements are Flood Magnets: Among all the rooms in a home, basements are the most susceptible to flooding.
2. The High Cost of an Inch: Believe it or not, an inch of water can result in over $10,000 in damages.
3. Mold’s Rapid Onset: Left unchecked, mold can start colonizing your basement within 24-48 hours post-flood.
4. Climate Change Impact: With changing climate patterns, basement floods have been on the rise.
5. Insurance Holes: Most homeowner’s insurance policies leave you high and dry, excluding flood coverage.
6. Cracks are Culprits: Foundation cracks, even minor ones, are among the leading causes of basement floods.
7. Property Value Plunge: A history of basement floods can significantly diminish property values.
8. The Unsettling Statistic: Over 90% of basements are expected to experience some water damage.
9. Age Matters: Older homes, with aging infrastructure, are more prone to flooding.
10. Sump Pump Significance: A significant percentage of basement floods can be traced back to sump pump failures.

10 Reasons Why Basements Flood

While there are myriad reasons why basements flood, some culprits are more common than others.

1. Poor Drainage Systems: Water finds the path of least resistance. Poor drainage can direct it right into your basement.
2. Sump Pump Failures: These are your first line of defense. When they fail, floods often follow.
3. Sewer Water Backup: Blocked city sewers can force water to reverse course, heading straight for basements.
4. Wall and Floor Vulnerabilities: Cracks and seepages allow water a free pass.
5. Windows: Improperly sealed basement windows are like open invitations for water.
6. Overflow Issues: Gutters and downspouts that don’t do their job can inadvertently channel water towards your home.
7. The Landscape Trap: If the ground slopes towards your home, it can channel water right into your basement.
8. Groundwater Issues: Prolonged rains can cause a rising water table, known as groundwater swelling.
9. Plumbing Problems: Burst or leaking pipes can unleash a torrent within homes.
10. Nature’s Wrath: Sometimes, heavy and sustained rainfall can simply overwhelm all defenses.

10 Basement Flood Prevention Tips

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to basement floods.

1. Gutter Guardianship: Regularly inspecting and cleaning gutters can prevent blockages and overflows.
2. Backup Plans: Installing a backup sump pump ensures redundancy in your water defense.
3. Waterproof Walls: Waterproofing walls and floors can serve as an impenetrable shield against moisture.
4. Elevate Appliances: Raising appliances off the basement floor can prevent potential water damage.
5. Window Defense: Installing well covers prevents water ingress through window wells.
6. Downspout Direction: Making sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation is crucial.
7. Crack Patrol: Regularly inspect for, and seal, foundation cracks.
8. Valve Ventures: Installing backwater valves can prevent nasty sewer backups.
9. Water Alarms: These can alert you to potential flooding issues before they become catastrophic.
10. High & Dry: Storing valuable items elevated, or on shelves, can prevent damage during unexpected floods.

5 Solutions When Basement Floods

Sometimes, despite best efforts, basements flood. Here’s how you can address the issue.

1. Professional Water Extraction: Speed is crucial. Professionals can rapidly remove water, minimizing damage.
2. Foundation Repair: Addressing the root causes of water entry can prevent future incidents.
3. French Drains: These capture and redirect water away from your foundation, providing an added layer of protection.
4. Basement Waterproofing: A more comprehensive approach, it offers a long-term solution to recurrent moisture issues.
5. Sump Pump Solutions: Either upgrading or installing a reliable sump pump can act as an essential flood deterrent.

Conclusion

Basement flooding, while daunting, isn’t unbeatable.

Through knowledge, preparedness, and timely action, homeowners can safeguard their sanctuaries.

Armed with these insights, you’re now better equipped to navigate the challenges of basement floods, ensuring your home remains dry, safe, and cozy.

If you have any questions about our article “What To Do When My Basement Floods In Toronto?” or need help with a flooded basement and emergency property damage restoration contact us on LiveChat, social media or call us 289-271-3022.