From drips to disasters: How to flood-proof your home
With flood risks surging and repair costs soaring, is your basement ready for spring?
2024 was the most expensive year for severe weather-related losses in Canadian history. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, flooding alone caused over $1 billion in damages.
“Of all the different risks–fire, wind, hail–the most likely threat to your home is water in your basement,” says Marc Tannous, agency manager at Allstate Canada.
With flood risks increasing each year, many homeowners may not realize their current insurance coverage and preventative measures might not be enough.
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As spring approaches, here are three essential steps to safeguard your basement before the next storm hits:
1. Review your Insurance Coverage
Toronto saw record-breaking rainfall last summer, with 128.3 millimetres of rain on Aug. 17 alone–flooding homes across the city.
“Many homeowners assume they’re covered for basement flooding, but standard policies may not include adequate water damage protection,” said Tannous. “When severe flooding hit in August 2024, many people were underinsured because they hadn’t reviewed their coverage.”
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Review your policy, check for gaps in coverage and ensure your limits reflect the true cost of potential damages.
LEARN MORE: Flood insurance isn't guaranteed, and the type you have can vary
2. Protect your Valuables
A flooded basement can mean more than just property damage–it can also lead to the loss of sentimental and expensive items. Taking simple precautions now can prevent this devastation.
“Store important items in waterproof plastic containers–this can keep them safe even if water seeps in,” said Tannous. “Additionally, keeping belongings at least two to three feet above the ground reduces the risk of water damage.”
3. Install a Sump Pump and Backwater Valve
A sump pump helps prevent basement flooding by removing excess water and directing it away from your home.
Meanwhile, a backwater valve stops sewage from backing up into your basement–an expensive nightmare scenario no homeowner wants to face.
According to Allstate Canada, the cost of basement water damage repairs has surged nearly 20 per cent since 2019. One major reason? Basements are no longer just storage spaces–they’ve become home theatres, playrooms and even gyms.
Ensuring your insurance reflects the true value of your basement’s use is more important than ever. Taking these steps now could save you thousands of dollars in repairs, so don’t wait and protect your home now.
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With copy edits from Fredrick Reyes, a digital journalist for The Weather Network and feature image courtesy of Getty Images.