This handbook provides information on how you can reduce your chances and your neighbours’ chances of having 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 stormwater 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.