Dave Wardrop, Wastewater Operations Engineer, says, “ the heavy rains we experienced last week are a reminder that we all need to take steps to protect our homes from basement flooding.”

To ensure maximum protection against basement flooding, the City recommends installing a sewer-line backup valve and a sump pit with pump in the basement. Professional installation by qualified plumbing contractors is recommended, and a permit and inspection are required.

Wardrop says, “sump pump drainage systems should be inspected every year in the early spring to make sure they are functioning properly for the rainy season.”

The risk of sewer backup is greater in homes located in older parts of Winnipeg (generally built prior to 1960). These homes are served by single-line, combined sewers, which carry both sewage and runoff. These sewers can fill to capacity during heavy rains, causing excess water to back up into basements.

Poor land drainage around homes, anywhere in Winnipeg, can further increase the risk of flooded basements. Wardrop says, “The most common problems are soil settling around foundation walls, eaves troughs overflowing near foundation walls, and down spouts emptying too close to foundation walls.” The City recommends residents check around their house during heavy or prolonged rainstorms for surface water collecting against or near basement walls. Areas which are collecting water should be filled in with soil to encourage runoff to drain away from the foundation. Also, residents should clear debris from eaves troughs, and extend down spouts where required. If overflowing eaves troughs are persistent problems, larger eaves troughs may be required.