Before we can enjoy the warmer weather spring brings, there’s the spring thaw to deal with. Make sure your home is protected when all the snow melts and the spring rain comes.

The Windsor Essex area had a reasonable amount of snowfall this year but water issues may still occur.

With spring thaw and rainfall, your home may be at risk of water entering your basement and causing damage. You may see a small amount of water on your basement floor, but the real issue is behind the finished walls. Water may be trapped behind the drywall and cause mould.
It will take a professional like RC White to access the damages and test for mould.

Follow some simple tips to reduce the risk of spring thaw problems in your home:

• Ensure your downspouts are extended so they discharge rain or meltwater at least ten feet away from the foundation. Downspouts should not be connected to the sanitary sewer system inside your home.

• Remove any debris in the gutters and downspouts to ensure water is taken away from the house.

• Check to make sure your sump pump is working. If you don’t have a sump pump, consider installing one. Contact a plumber for assistance if required.

• Check your basement regularly for signs of water. Everything you keep in the basement should be stored on shelves off the floor.

• Consider installing a mainline sewer backwater valve to protect against sewer backup if you don’t have one.

Follow these tips to protect your home from flooding, water seepage and sewer backup. Your municipality may have other prevention tips too.”

NOTE: Although home insurance policies cover many water escape and rupture situations, damage caused by flooding, seepage and continuous or repeated leakage is not covered. Sewer backup insurance is often sold as an optional coverage and may be subject to certain conditions, limitations or exclusions.

Produced in part by SGI CANADA’s Communications department – www.sgicanada.ca