Flood/drought papers Handbook for reducing basement flooding Dan Sandink June 2009
Abstract
This handbook provides information on how you can reduce your chances and your neighbours’ chances of having basement flooding. There are 20 flood reduction options in this handbook, including:
Option 1: Talk to your municipal government about basement flooding Option 2: Inform your municipal government about basement flooding that you’ve experienced Option 3: Hire a licensed plumber to conduct a detailed plumbing investigation on your home Option 4: Check your insurance policy, or talk to your insurance broker or insurance provider about basement flood coverage Option 5: Avoid pouring fats, oils and grease down household drains Option 6: Keep storm sewer grates clear Option 7: Seal cracks in foundation walls and basement floor Option 8: Considerations for overland flood entry-points Option 9: Reduce home water use during heavy rainfall events Option 10: Maintain eavestroughs and downspouts Option 11: Avoid storing items directly on the basement floor Option 12: Downspout disconnection, extension and splash pads Option 13: Lot grading, backfilling and swales Option 14: Weeping tiles, sump-pits and sump-pumps Option 15: Mainline, normally open backwater valve Option 16: Maintain sewer laterals Option 17: Severance of storm sewer lateral Option 18: Considerations for reverse sloped driveways Option 19: Window wells and window well covers Option 20: Avoid remodelling or finishing basements
This handbook also provides some background information and descriptions of municipal sewer and stormwater management issues that have led to basement flooding problems. It is our hope that this handbook will provide useful guidance to any homeowner who would like to reduce their chances of having basement flooding.