Heavy rains can quickly overload sanitary sewer systems, causing raw sewage to back up into your home. This can damage the interior of your home, your belongings and also introduce health hazards like mould and harmful bacteria.
These tips can help protect your home from sewer backup when heavy rainstorms hit unexpectedly:
Extend all rainwater downspouts away from the foundation of your home.
Maintain surface landscaping so water flows away from your foundation.
Install an automatic sewer backwater valve, especially if you’ve renovated your basement. This valve automatically allows sewage to exit your home, but prevents it from entering your home from the sanitary sewer system.
Install a sump pump and discharge the drainage onto your lawn or driveway. Test the pump every spring to make sure it is working properly.
Keep sewer caps on all basement sewer outlets (floor drains, washing machine stacks and sump hole) during rainstorms.
Check your basement regularly during summer storms or have a neighbour look in if you’re away.
