The summer of 2024 has been quite wet and has seen rains three times greater in Toronto than it normally does in August. This has also made many homeowners and business owners affected realize the city’s need for a storm water system that’s ready for flood damage.

At Preferred Plumbing Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how even well-maintained properties can be caught off guard. Recently, our team responded to a dental office near Keele and Wilson that suffered significant flooding.

The volume of water was immense and it affected the city’s storm water system in a way that it overwhelmed the office’s combined sewer system. This in turn caused more than $20,000 in damage to equipment.

The Importance of Flood Damage Prevention

Therefore, there is a need to put measures that will help avoid flood damage to property since disasters have been increasing. In the case of the dental office, their mainline backwater valve was not maintained, allowing the city’s backed-up storm system to flood the basement. To this end, we did the following to prevent further flooding of the property:

• Maintained the backwater valve to ensure it could properly block water from entering the property.
• Installed a sump pit and sump pump to divert excess water and prevent it from accumulating in the basement.
• Redirected downspouts away from the foundation to prevent water from seeping into the weeping tile and overloading the drainage system.

These measures, while specific to this dental office, are applicable to any home or business looking for reliable flood damage prevention.

Practical Tips for Flood Damage Prevention

This means that even if your property has not been flooded before it is advisable that these preparations be put in place ahead of time to avoid are the panic that comes with it. Ensure last-minute home arrangements are protected from future storms: The following are some  tips  that can help you protect your home from future storms: Here are a few tips to ensure  your home  is protected from future storms:

1. Maintain Your Backwater Valve:
   It is = essential to make sure that your backwater valve is in the best condition all the time and this can only be done through regular maintenance. It only takes one storm for this and puts neglected houses at a high risk of flooding.
2. Upgrade or Inspect Your Sump Pump:
   As storms intensify, a powerful sump pump can provide extra protection. Ensure your current system is operational, and consider upgrading if necessary.
3. Check Your Downspouts:
   Make sure downspouts are clear of debris and not direct water into your foundation. Redirecting them to discharge water onto the ground away from the house is a simple but effective flood damage prevention tactic.

Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm

It is thus important to frequently check up on the flood defenses of your home as extreme weather is  on the rise. This has been put into perspective by our recent experience in the dental office even if a property is well maintained it is not immune to damage during extreme weather conditions. By focusing on flood damage prevention and ensuring your systems are up to date, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain peace of mind.

Need help with an inspection or maintenance? Our team is here to help you prepare for the next storm. Reach out today to safeguard your home.

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