After a series of heavy downpours and floods that affected many areas of Quebec, experts are reminding homeowners about measures that can help reduce the risk of property damage and avoid major financial losses.
Insurance broker Louis Cyr explained what steps should be taken before, during, and after heavy rains, and also why standard insurance is often not enough.
Keep an eye on the condition of backwater valves
One of the main causes of basement flooding is the backflow of water from the sewer system.
To protect the home, special backwater valves are installed: they let wastewater flow out but prevent it from coming back into the house.
However, the system’s effectiveness depends not only on it being in good working order, but also on the actions of the residents themselves.
According to Louis Cyr, during heavy rain, when the valve is already performing its protective function, you should not use plumbing.
“If you flush the toilet at that moment or use a lot of water, you can open the valve again and create a path for wastewater to enter the home,” the expert explains.
That is why, while the protective system is operating, it is recommended to reduce water use as much as possible.
Check the foundation and basement windows
Another important measure is timely foundation repair and sealing cracks through which water can seep into the basement.
In addition, special inflatable protective barriers are now available; they are installed around basement windows and doors.
Such structures help prevent water from entering during heavy precipitation.
The expert emphasizes that there is no need to keep them installed all summer—it’s enough to use them only when forecasters warn of torrential rains.
After flooding, you need to act quickly
If water does get inside, especially through the sewer system, it is important to remove all porous materials as quickly as possible:
- carpets;
- upholstered furniture;
- cardboard;
- drywall;
- textiles.
According to Louis Cyr, within just a few hours bacteria and mold begin to multiply rapidly on such surfaces.
This can lead not only to property damage, but also create serious health risks, including the development of respiratory illnesses.
Basic insurance won’t always help
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that a standard insurance policy covers any flooding incident.
In reality, basic insurance usually applies only to accidents inside the home—for example, if a water pipe suddenly bursts.
The situation is quite different with water coming from outside.
For such cases, you need to purchase additional insurance coverage.
What types of insurance coverage exist
According to the insurance broker, property owners should pay attention to three separate types of additional insurance coverage:
- for flooding due to sewer backup;
- for rainwater or meltwater intrusion through the foundation and walls;
- for floods caused by rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water overflowing their banks.
Each of these risks is added as a separate endorsement to the insurance policy and is not included in standard home insurance.
Preparation costs less than repairs
Experts note that, given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, prevention is becoming an ever more important part of protecting property.
Regular maintenance of sewer systems, monitoring the condition of the foundation, using temporary protective barriers, and properly arranged insurance can significantly reduce the impact of heavy downpours and spare homeowners from costly repairs.
