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Basement Flooding in Toronto: Causes and How To Safeguard Your Home From Its Effects
    Royal Work Corp. > Blog > Basement Flooding in Toronto: Causes and How To Safeguard Your Home From Its Effects

Basement flooding is an unpleasant reality for many homeowners in Toronto. Heavy rains, overflowing sewers, and blocked drains are just a few of the factors that can cause your basement to become flooded with water, and this can have serious consequences.

The effects of basement flooding might not be immediately apparent, but they are still very serious. Water damage can lead to mold growth and structural damage, and both of these issues can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs if left unchecked. Additionally, contaminated floodwater presents a health hazard to anyone living in or near the affected area as it may contain hazardous bacteria and other pollutants.

Fortunately, several steps can be taken to protect your home from such disasters. In this blog post, we will explore water damage prevention tips so that you can rest easy knowing that your basement is safe from rising waters!

What Causes Basement Flooding?

The most common causes of basement flooding include:

Water seepage after rainstorms

Heavy rainstorms in Toronto can cause water to seep through the foundation of your home, leading to flooding in your basement.

Water seepage happens when your home is situated in an area with a high water table, or if the soil around your home is not properly graded.

This can cause water to pool around your home and then leak into the basement through cracks in the foundation, thus destroying your basement’s flooring, walls, and furniture.

Overflowing and clogged drains and sewer lines

Blocked drains are another common cause of basement flooding. This happens when debris such as leaves and twigs get stuck and block rainwater from exiting through downspouts or eavestroughs. Water then overflows onto the ground near your foundation, where it infiltrates the soil and enters your basement through cracks in the foundation, and soon enough your basement becomes flooded.

Sump pump failure

Sump pumps are designed to pump water away from your home, but if it fails or is overwhelmed by too much water, your basement may flood. To prevent this, make sure your sump pump is regularly inspected and serviced by a licensed plumber.

Home plumbing systems issues

Faulty fixtures can cause flooding if not addressed immediately. For instance, a leaking faucet, failure of the weeping tile system, or even a blocked drain can cause water to accumulate and eventually flood your basement. Other plumbing issues like frozen or burst pipes can also cause flooding and costly water damage to your home.

What Are The Effects of Basement Flooding?

The effects of basement flooding can vary depending on the extent of the water damage. Generally speaking, it is best to act quickly and address any water issues in your basement as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.

drying water damage

Damage to property and belongings

The most obvious effect of basement flooding is the damage it can cause to your furniture, carpets, and basement walls. Not only is this emotionally distressing, but it can also be expensive to repair or replace all of these items.

Damaged electrical and mechanical systems

Water damage can also lead to serious issues with your electrical systems and mechanical equipment. Electrical wiring, switches, outlets, and other components are extremely delicate and can easily be damaged by water, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Mechanical equipment like furnaces, washers, and dryers may also malfunction due to flooding in the basement.

Unplanned cost of cleanup and restoration

Cleaning up water damage can be a difficult and expensive process, especially if the flooding is severe. In addition to the cost of repairs and replacements, you may also need to hire professionals for basement clean-up and restoration services such as dehumidification and mould removal. All these costs add up quickly.

Health risks from exposure to mould and floodwater

In addition to the financial costs of flooding, you should also be aware of the potential health risks associated with it. Mould spores that are released due to water damage can cause respiratory illnesses and other health problems if not removed properly. Inhaling floodwater is also dangerous as it may contain pollutants and pathogens from sewage and other substances.

This also affects your finances, as medical bills and lost wages due to illness can be costly.

How to Prevent Basement Flooding in Toronto

There are several steps you can take to prevent basement flooding in Toronto:

Backwater valve installation

A backwater valve is a device that stops sewage and storm-water from entering your home’s plumbing system. It is installed on the basement floor on the main lateral drain line.

Installing it is a great way to prevent basement flooding as it prevents the water from entering your home in the first place. This will help prevent sewage from backing up into your basement due to excess pressure or flooding in the city’s sewer system.

Backwater valve installation requires a waterproofing professional as the work is extensive, so be sure to hire one who is certified and insured.

Install a waterproofing system

Installing a waterproofing system such as an interior drainage system or sump pump is another great way to protect your basement from flooding. It helps remove excess water and divert it away from your home, preventing it from infiltrating your foundation and entering the basement. Exterior waterproofing systems are needed to support the interior waterproofing systems.

Make sure your downspouts are properly drained

Downspouts are the pipes that collect and divert rainwater from your roof to the ground. If these downspouts are not properly drained, water can accumulate around your foundation and eventually find its way into your basement. Make sure all of your downspouts are angled away from your home and directed towards an area where the water will be able to safely drain away, such as a garden or flowerbed.

Have your plumbing and drainage systems checked regularly

It is a good idea to have your plumbing and drainage systems inspected periodically. This will help you identify any signs of trouble early on, allowing you to address any issues before they become serious problems.

By taking these steps, you can protect your Toronto home from basement flooding and the costly consequences that come along with it. With a little bit of prevention and preparation, you can help keep your basement dry and safe.

FAQs: Issues Related to Flooded Basements

What are the requirements for flood prevention in the city of Toronto?

The basement flooding protection program is an initiative whose goal is to help the city of Toronto residents protect their basements from flooding. Property owners are to install flood protection devices including a sump pump, pipe severance and capping of a home’s storm sewer or external weeping tile connection, and a backwater valve. The city offers owners of single-family, duplex, and triplex residential homes a financial subsidy to install flood prevention devices.

Are there any services available to help with basement flood cleanup?

Yes, there are professional flood cleanup services available (Restoration). These services can help with everything from water extraction and drying to de-humidification and mold removal.

Basement Flooding Solutions: Why Should You Choose Royal Work Corp?

Royal Work Corp is a trusted and reliable basement waterproofing service provider in the Greater Toronto Area. We offer comprehensive services all things waterproofing, and structural repairs. Our team of experienced professionals has years of experience in dealing with flooding issues and how to correct them.

We will ensure that your home or business is safe from flooding conditions quickly and efficiently as possible. We always use the latest tools and techniques to ensure that your property is safe from water damage.

Call Us For Basement Waterproofing in Toronto RoyalWork

At Royal Work Corp, we understand how stressful a flooded basement can be. That’s why our team of specialists will work closely with you throughout the entire process to make sure all your needs are taken care of and your home or business is safe and dry. Call us today for the most reliable basement waterproofing systems in Toronto.

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