Flooding is a homeowner's nightmare.  This spring is promising to be a rainy one which can mean basement flooding for many homeowners.  Fortunately there are preventative steps you can take in order to ensure your basement stays dry this spring.

Check the condition of your home's foundation.  Cracks can mean leaks, especially during heavy downpours.  If you notice cracking or other damage, call a contractor.  Repairing your home's foundation can save you money and ensure that your belongings are safe from water damage.

Make sure your eaves troughs and downspouts are clean and clear of debris.  Leaf buildup in your eaves troughs can prevent water from safely draining away from your home.  When your eaves troughs overflow the water pools directly beside your home's foundation and can overload your weeping tile causing your basement to flood.

The grading of your property can also cause basement flooding.  If the ground around your home slopes toward your home rather than away from it the water will pool around your home overloading your drainage system and this can cause flooding.  You can build up the ground around your home or adjust your downspout drains further away from your house (at least 6 feet).  Be sure changes you make to your grading wont cause your neighbours basements to flood.

Check to make sure your sump pump is in good working order.  A qualified plumber can inspect your flood proofing devices to make sure they're operating correctly.  Sump pump failure is a common cause of basement flooding¹ and having yours checked could save you from a flood.  Your sump pump pumps water away from your home when the water comes up too high.  It is also important to have a back flow valve, which prevents overflow from a main sewer line from backing up into your basement.  People living in areas with high water tables should have a sump pump and a back flow valve installed as even 2 inches of water flooding your basement can cause thousands of dollars in damage, especially if that water contains sewage contaminants.

It is wise to get insurance that covers basement flooding damage.  Ask about sewer-back up coverage as this can be included in your policy.  In the event that your preventative steps weren't enough to stop the water, flood insurance is invaluable to a homeowner.

For more information on avoiding basement flooding visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's "Avoiding Basement Flooding"