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OIP News - Tips To Avoid A Flooded Basement

Flooded basements can be caused by:

  • Improper disposal of materials such as fats, oils, grease, and diapers
  • Tree roots growing through cracks in waterlines and causing blockages
  • Frozen water pipes
  • Lines blocked with bricks, wood, and oil filters (and even Christmas trees in manholes)
  • Illegal hookups allowing excess water into lines.  Outside stairwell drains, sump pumps, down spouts, and drain gutters should never be connected to the sewer system.

There are steps you can take to help reduce the chance of your property being damaged by water. You can:

  • Keep floor drains clear of obstruction
  • Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects where they will not get damaged
  • Elevate furnaces, hot water heaters and electrical panels in the basement on masonry or relocate these objects
  • Ensure that there is proper grading around your home
  • Install a sump pump
  • Install backflow valves or plugs for drains, toilets, and other sewer connections to prevent water from entering the home
  • Avoid finishing areas like basements that may be prone to flooding
  • Arrange to have someone check your home if you are going away for more than four days
  • If you will be away from home during the winter for more than four days, drain the plumbing or arrange to have someone come in daily and check your home to ensure that your heat is on

If you find water...BE CAREFUL!

  • Do not turn on any electrical switches until your electrical system has been checked 
  • If you have gas service, check for fumes; if you notice an odour, call the gas company immediately
  • Take safe steps immediately to protect your property from further damage; move items out of wet basements
  • Save any receipts for expenses incurred for the adjusters review.  Don't throw anything out as the adjuster will require proof of damaged items
  • Call your broker right away to review matter

HEALTH HAZARDS

Failure to remove contaminated materials and reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long term health risks.  Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and mould. 

For more information on this and other aspects of OIP coverage, contact Pottruff & Smith Insurance Brokers Inc., OVMA Insurance Program administrator, at 1.888.681.2862.