What Plumbing Upgrades Are Available for Flood Protection
There are many ways to protect your property from flooding and water damage. Plumbing equipment such as sump pumps, backwater valves, and weeping tiles is most effective for the purpose and eligible for government rebates. But how do you choose the best one for your home? Let’s break down how each functions and how they can safeguard your home:
Sump Pumps
A sump pump system has a special chamber( or a sump pit) that collects water and one or more pumps that remove it, thus preventing flooding. You’ll usually find these systems in basements or crawl spaces. When the water rises, the pump turns on automatically and pumps the water away from your home, keeping your basement dry and safe from water damage.
Sump pumps are available in two types: submersible models, which sit quietly in the water, and pedestal types with the motor above the pit. If there is a power outage or a primary pump fails, you can also install battery-powered and water-powered backup systems to keep your home protected no matter what.
Basements are naturally prone to water leaks, even with proper waterproofing, which makes sump pumps a crucial device for protecting your home from costly damage.
Backwater Valves
A backwater valve is a valve typically installed on your home’s main sewer line. It protects your home against sewage backups from the municipal system during heavy rainfall when the city lines become overwhelmed and wastewater flows backward towards your home.
The valve contains a flap or gate that automatically closes upon detecting reverse flow, preventing dirty water from entering your basement through drains and toilets. You can choose between mainline backwater valves, which protect the entire home by installing on the main sewer line, and fixture-specific valves designed for individual drains.
If your home has a basement or if the ground floor sits less than 30 cm above street level, the risk of sewer backup is way higher. All of this makes backwater valves an essential solution for protecting your home from costly and messy backups.
Weeping Tile
Weeping tile is a porous pipe installed around the outside of your home’s foundation. To ensure its proper functioning, weeping tile must be connected to a sump pit and sump pump equipment. The weeping tile is placed in a gravel-filled trench that slopes away from the house, and as groundwater accumulates, it flows into the pipe and is safely redirected into your yard, a storm sewer, or a sump pit.
You can choose between an exterior (intercept and divert groundwater before it reaches your basement) and an interior perimeter (installed beneath your basement floor to collect water that has seeped in), a weeping tile system. Weeping tile is your best line of defence against flooding and water backups
Plumbing Rebates Allow You to Save Thousands And Avoid Property Damage
Intense flash flooding is not a stranger in Toronto and other parts of southern Ontario in recent years. Heavy rainstorms can quickly overwhelm old sewer systems and flood homes, and especially basements, damaging them heavily. Here we gathered all the information about recent floods in southern Ontario, as well as their possible consequences if homeowners do not take any measures :
- In July 2024, flash floods across Toronto and southern Ontario caused over $940 million in insured damages. (source)
- In summer 2023, storms and flooding in Ontario led to more than $340 million in insurance claims. (source)
- Throughout 2023, natural disasters, including floods in Ontario, caused insured damages of over $3.1 billion across Canada. (source)
- Around 80% of Canadian cities, including many in Ontario, are located in areas prone to flooding. (source)
- More than 1.5 million homes in Canada, many in Ontario, face a high risk of flooding. (source)
- Without action, annual flood-related recovery costs in Canada could reach $13.6 billion by the year 2100. (source)
When such risks occur, all you can do is to be one step ahead and upgrade your home’s plumbing with the help of government rebates. We’ll guide you through the entire process and install your new plumbing equipment.
Still have doubts or questions? We’re here to answer them all
When a homeowner considers upgrading their plumbing system, many concerns arise. The good thing is that you don’t have to worry about them anymore. Why? Superior Plumbing & Heating answers all questions and is ready to consult you on the matter anytime that suits you.
