Insurance
Prevent Water Damage In Your Home
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, one of the most common threats to your home is water damage caused by sewage backup.
When your home is flooded by sewage backup you can experience long-term disruptions in your daily life. In addition to the months of reconstruction work that may be required, you may also face the impact of losing significant and irreplaceable personal items.
How does sewer backup occur?
In most cities and towns, residential homes are connected to separate sanitary sewers and storm sewers. However, in some older areas, the two systems are combined. During heavy rains, these combined sewer systems can become overwhelmed with water. This can cause sewage to be forced back up the system and into the lower levels of your home through floor drains, sewer cleanouts, basement toilets, sinks and showers.
What can you do to protect your home?
Homeowners usually don't think about water damage losses until there is a problem. Here are a number of simple steps you can take to protect your home and your memories:
- Contact your local government office or website to determine the type of sewer system service that is in your area. If you are linked to a combined sewer system, the likelihood of sewer backup is greater and you should take steps to protect your home.
- Have a professional plumber install and properly maintain a backwater valve in your home's main sanitary sewer connection. The valve is a device that automatically closes, preventing sewage in an overloaded main sewer line from backing up into your basement. Municipalities such as Toronto, Hamilton, Peterborough and Ottawa offer subsidy programs for the installation of backwater valves. Contact your local municipal government to find out if you are eligible for a subsidy.
- If your basement is below grade, have a professional install and maintain a sump pump system with battery backup.
- To protect important items, keep them on the higher floors of your home and out of the basement.
Don't wait until it's too late. Protect yourself today.
For more information on how to protect your home from water damage, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website.
Learn more about CAA Home and Property Insurance or call 1-877-665-1222 for a quote.
