Summer is the perfect time to prevent basement flooding

[guest]

With spring flooding still fresh in our memories, it serves as a reminder for everyone to plan ahead and take measures to prevent basement flooding in your home. This goes beyond spring’s melting snow, as summer storms are sometimes accompanied by heavy or torrential rains that could possibly result in basement flooding.

First, homeowners can take the following steps to help prevent basement flooding:

• Seal window wells and cracks in floors, walls and the foundation.
• Slope ground away from the foundation to allow rainwater to flow away from the home.
• Direct downspouts from eavestroughs away from the foundation (minimum of 1.2 metres) or to a rain barrel.
• Disconnect downspouts from the sewer system or foundation drains.
• Ensure foundation drains direct water to the storm sewer or sump pump. Foundation drains should not be connected to the sanitary sewer.
• If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s connected to the storm sewer or discharges to the ground at least 1.2 metres from the foundation.

Backwater valve

Maintaining backwater valves


What homeowners often forget, or are unaware of, is that their backwater valve should be checked and cleaned every year.

Backwater valves for storm sewers were mandatory for homes built after 2004, and backwater valves for sanitary sewers were mandatory for homes built after 2012.

A properly maintained backwater valve on your sewer lateral pipe prevents stormwater and sewage from entering your home through sewer connections when water levels rise (surcharge) in City sewers. The sewer lateral connects your plumbing to the City’s sewer main.

You can perform annual maintenance yourself by following the manufacturer’s directions. If you are unsure of the valve’s condition, you can contact a licensed plumber to ensure the valve is functioning properly, free of any debris, and that clean-out caps and access covers are secured.

Residential Protective Plumbing Program


For those eligible homeowners who do not have protective plumbing devices, such as backwater valves, the City’s Residential Protective Plumbing Program offers a rebate. To be eligible for the Residential Protective Plumbing Program, the following must be satisfied:

• Applicant must be the property owner

Property must be:

• Residential
• Located in the City of Ottawa
  • Served by City sewers
  • Built prior to January 1, 2004 for protective plumbing work related to the private storm sewer services
  • Built prior to January 1, 2012 for protective plumbing work related to private sanitary sewer services
• Protective plumbing device(s) considered as part of the rebate application shall not be installed for the purposes of maintaining, repairing or replacing existing protective plumbing device(s)
• Property taxes must be current

Find out more information about protective plumbing and how to apply for the Residential Protective Plumbing Program on ottawa.ca

查看原文...