Outside the house
- Extend each downspout so it lets out on your own grass, two metres or more from the wall and clear of the neighbour's lot.
- Soil should slope away from the walls.
- Window wells need covers and clear drains.
- Eavestroughs should be cleared of leaves each fall.
Inside the house
- Our backwater valves sit in the main drain line and snap shut when the municipal sewer surges.
- A working sump pump handles groundwater where there is a pit.
- Floor drain traps should hold water to block sewer gas.
- Valuables and documents belong on shelves, not on the basement floor.
Downspouts: Toronto has pushed owners to cut downspouts off from the sewer where that can be done safely. Read the City's present guidance for your lot.
Habits during big storms
- Limit water use while heavy rain is falling.
- Watch the floor drain and sump pit.
- Keep a flashlight and wet vacuum handy.
Help with the cost
Toronto has helped pay for some protective work through a subsidy. See our subsidy guide.
When to bring in a plumber
If water has come up through a drain before, or if your sump pump is old, get it checked before storm season. We install backwater valves and sump pumps.