Severe weather events and other factors that lead to basement flooding are extremely difficult to predict. It is impossible to account for every potential scenario in the design of municipal stormwater management and sewer infrastructure, and basement flooding isn’t always the fault of municipal governments.
Download the complete handbook (PDF format) here - Handbook For Reducing Basement Flooding
There are 20 flood reduction options in this handbook, including:
Option 1: Talk to your municipal government about basement flooding
Option 2: Inform your municipal government about basement flooding that you’ve experienced
Option 3: Hire a licensed plumber to conduct a detailed plumbing investigation on your home
Option 4: Check your insurance policy, or talk to your insurance broker or insurance provider about basement flood coverage
Option 5: Avoid pouring fats, oils and grease down household drains
Option 6: Keep storm sewer grates clear
Option 7: Seal cracks in foundation walls and basement floor
Option 8: Considerations for overland flood entry-points
Option 9: Reduce home water use during heavy rainfall events
Option 10: Maintain eavestroughs and downspouts
Option 11: Avoid storing items directly on the basement floor
Option 12: Downspout disconnection, extension and splash pads
Option 13: Lot grading, backfilling and swales
Option 14: Weeping tiles, sump-pits and sump-pumps
Option 15: Mainline, normally open backwater valve
Option 16: Maintain sewer laterals
Option 17: Severance of storm sewer lateral
Option 18: Considerations for reverse sloped driveways
Option 19: Window wells and window well covers
Option 20: Avoid remodelling or finishing basements
This handbook also provides some background information and descriptions of municipal sewer and storm water management issues that have led to basement flooding problems. It is our hope that this handbook will provide useful guidance to any homeowner who would like to reduce their chances of having basement flooding.
Published by the Institute For Catastrophic Loss 2009