So many Edmonton homes flooding and having water issues this summer. With torrential rains like we’ve never seen, I know many homeowners are dealing with large and small water issues with their home. If you are one of those home owners, you aren’t alone. Although we can’t erase any damage already done, let’s talk about prevention to make sure you don’t have issues when the next big rain storm comes through.
Do the Simple Things
It’s really standard home maintenance, but weather like this year remind us that these simple things can go a long way to protecting your home.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water from backing up under your shingles.
- Make sure your eavestroughs extend away from your foundation or use concrete or other barriers to direct water flow out of spouts, away from your foundation.
- Make sure you build up your grading around your home to drain water away from the foundation.
- Test your sump pump before rain storms by filling the pit with water or making sure the float valve will turn on the unit. Keep an eye on it during high water rain events.
- Install a sump alarm so you know if your sump pump is not working.
- Keep window wells free of debris (like leaves) that can prevent proper drainage.
Understand Your Insurance
Most insurance policies talk about overland water and sewage water. Your coverage will be determined by the type of water coverage you have and your policy details. Be sure to understand your policy and talk to your insurance agent if you have questions or have damage and need to start a claim.
City of Edmonton Backwater Valve Program
Eligible Edmonton homeowners may be able to receive up to $800 through EPCOR’s Backwater Valve Subsidy Program to help cover the cost of installing a backwater valve. These devices help reduce the risk of basement flooding caused by sewer backups.
The program is designed for qualifying homeowners, including those living in older homes, areas with a history of neighbourhood flooding or homes that have previously experienced sewer backup flooding.
Read full program details: CLICK HERE TO VISIT EPCOR PROGRAM PAGE
As I’m writing this, I am hoping the ‘serious weather events’ can just take a break for the rest of the summer. I know many you have been on nerves about Edmonton home flooding or have been dealing with repairs and insurance claims each time the weather changes. It’s not been a fun summer weather wise.
