Home Maintenance Guide: How To Prevent A Spring Flood

Other than our annual late April/early May snowfall we get here in Windsor-Essex, the weather has started to turn and spring has arrived. Along with the warmer weather comes the spring showers. Many homes in Windsor have had flooding issues in the past and while the city continues to update infrastructure for some it is not enough. For homeowners new and old, now is the time of year to ensure you take the necessary steps to prevent a flood. If you bought over the winter, this is your first rainy season in a new home. Experienced homeowners know the drill by now, but if you are thinking of selling your home, flood prevention is a major selling point for potential buyers. Let’s look at 5 common causes and how to prevent spring floods.

Gutters and Downspouts: Over the fall and winter months, leaves, twigs, and other debris can build up in your gutters and downspouts and lead to clogs. Rainfall can collect around your foundation in these situations and contribute to floods. Be sure to clean out gutters and ensure proper flow of water to prevent pooling and flooding.
Poor Drainage: Improper grading, damaged or clogged drainage systems, or a high water table, are leading causes of poor drainage and can also lead to pooling around the foundation that can cause leaks and water damage. Check the grading around your house slopes away from the house and ensure other draining also flows away from the home.
Foundation Cracks: Soil settlement, temperature changes, and water damage are a couple of the leading causes of foundation cracks. Be sure that water flow is away from the foundation as cracks can be caused by water seeping in and freezing and expanding as well as causing the settlement of soil that leads to stress and cracks. Be sure to always keep an eye on your foundation, especially in the spring as you can inspect the winter damage. Be sure to address an issue immediately before it becomes a major cost.
Sewer Back-Up: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm the sewer system causing a backup. This is a common occurrence seen in older Windsor neighbourhoods. Be sure to Install a backwater valve on your main sewer line to prevent a backup.
Sump Pump: Incorrect installation, power outages, lack of maintenance, or age can all contribute to sump pump problems. Ensure your sump pump is properly installed, maintained, and consider some sort of electrical backup as rain is often accompanied by storms and power outages. A sump pump is your ebay friend in heavy rainfall, ensure this vital piece of equipment is in top operational condition. Be sure to look into the City of Windsor Basement Flooding Subsidy.

Here at Jump Realty our agents will give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Tecumseh, Kingsville, LaSalle, Harrow, Chatham, and Leamington, no matter where you are, a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!