5 Things GTA homeowners should check after rainstorms to prevent basement water damage
Are you seeing more water pooling around your property after torrential rainstorms? You might have noticed that we’re experiencing more record-setting rain around the Greater Toronto Area recently. When a day’s worth of rain fall in minutes, the regular drainage might not be enough to move the water away from your property. While a little water rarely causes damage, the accumulated water that isn’t draining away from your foundation will cause damage to your home over time. In fact, most catastrophic damage caused by rain water and sewage is caused by smaller leaks that become bigger problems over time.
Our certified plumbers in Whitby have been responding to calls in the last two decades, and we too have seen an increase in calls whenever a heavy rainfall occurs in around Whitby, Oshawa, Pickering, Ajax, and the GTA - Here are the five things we advise homeowners in the GTA to check when they see water pooling and not draining from their property after a heavy rainstorm.
Inspect Your Basement for Water Ingress
1. Inspect your basement for water ingress
Heavy rains can lead to basement leaks or even flooding, including the crawlspace under stairs and decks. Check for standing water, damp spots, or mold along walls and floors. If your basement is unfinished, look for discolouration on your brick walls - that’s in an indication that water is getting in but drying before you can spot pooling. A quick inspection can help you catch issues before they turn into serious problems.
2. Check and test your sump pump to make sure it is working
Check and test your Sump Pump to make sure it is working
If you have a sump pump (and if you live in the GTA, you certainly should), then you should check your sump pump as it is a key part of actively defending your home from potential water ingress from your municipal sewer system. If it’s running, that means there’s water coming in and you should pay close attention to the immediate area to ensure there’s no water damage. If it isn’t running, conduct a test to ensure it will start up in case of an emergency. Now would also be a good time to check the sump pump battery if you have the type that can run when the power cuts out.
3. Check for unexpected waterfalls from your eavestrough
Eavestroughs clogged with leaves or debris can overflow, directing water toward your home’s foundation. Walk around your property and spot any miniature waterfalls or unexplained erosion under the length of your eavestrough - both are an indication of clogs that are diverting water away from where it is supposed to go. Maintain your eavestrough by bringing in certified at-height experts to clear out your eavestrough once your trees have shed its last leaf from its branches.
4. Check seals on windows and doors
Rain can reveal weak spots in window and door seals, and your basement windows are especially vulnerable if your door or windows are submerged in raindwater for extended periods of time. Check for any dampness or drafts around these areas, as even minor leaks can cause long-term damage to your walls and insulation.
5. Inspect outdoor plumbing and drains and remove debris
Make sure outdoor drains are clear of debris and that exterior plumbing shows no signs of leaks. If you have a sewer grate in front of your property, ensure that it is clear of leaves or debris after a rainstorm to prevent a large scale water backup. Visually check the pipes that lead from your eavestrough to the municipal sewer system, or even just off your property, to ensure that they didn’t shift, disconnected, or damaged from wind or debris.
Inspect Outdoor Plumbing and Drains
Inspecting for water ingress will prevent big plumbing and repair bills in the future
Torrential rainfall can slowly cause damage to your home that you can’t immediately see, but over time that damage adds up and may cause a plumbing emergency. To prevent damage from flooding in your basement, consult with your local expert plumber in Whitby or in your own home town to ensure your sump pump is ready to operate. Taking a few moments inspect your property to ensure the current storm hasn’t affected your home, and you are ready for the next one.