Key to Prevention – Water Damage
Preventing water damage
Our prevention advisors see water damage incidents on a daily basis. Some losses are major, while others aren't, but the good news is that they're usually avoidable. To help you identify water damage risks in your home, we've put together a series of illustrated sheets based on our experts' experience and advice.
Downloadable prevention sheets (PDF)
Preventing water damage in your basement
Preventing water damage caused by plumbing fixtures
Preventing damage caused by snow and ice
The main causes of water damage are summarized below.
- Preventing water damage in your basement
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Potential causes of water seepage into the basement:
- Ground sloping in the wrong direction
If the ground around your house slopes down toward the building, water will flow toward the foundation. Water can then seep through a crack or other opening.
- Gutters that aren't doing their job
Gutters are designed to direct water away from the foundation. Keeping gutters clean and properly connected (using a downspout extension, for example) ensures that they work properly.
- Basement windows that leak or are too close to the ground
To prevent water from seeping through the windows, make sure they're properly sealed and are at least 20 cm above the outdoor ground level. If not, window wells should be added.
- Problems with the foundation
Seek the advice of a contractor if cracks more than 3.2 mm wide appear in the foundation or if you see efflorescence (white rings) on the interior walls of your unfinished basement.
- Defective subsoil drainage pipe
The subsoil drainage pipe (foundation drain or weeping tile) drains excess groundwater from around the foundation. If water seeps in where the basement walls and floor meet, it may be a sign that your subsoil drainage pipe is obstructed. You should seek the advice of a foundation expert.
- Defective retention tank (holding pond or sump)
The retention tank is located in the basement. It temporarily holds water coming from the subsoil drain before releasing it into the building's drainage system. If it's not working properly, it may overflow.
One of the main causes of sewer backups is:
- A poorly maintained backwater valve
Most homes have a backwater valve. This essential component of your plumbing system is designed to prevent sewers from backing up into your plumbing fixtures. Once you've found the valve in your basement, check the condition of the flap and clean it if necessary.
Download the illustrated sheet for more details on keys to prevention:
- Preventing water damage caused by plumbing fixtures
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You should check the following components and fixtures in your plumbing system:
- Main water supply
As soon as you see water damage (e.g., water leaking from a toilet, washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, etc.), your first reaction should be to shut off the water supply. Shut off the water near the appliance, or shut off the main water supply in the basement.
- Washing machine
Water pressure in the hot and cold water hoses causes them to wear down over time. At the first sign of wear, replace them with braided steel hoses. Turning off the taps after each wash is also a good way of preventing serious water damage.
- Dishwasher
Water supply and drainage hoses can wear down over time and cause leaks. You should also check that the gasket around the door is clean and in good condition.
- Water heater
Water heaters should be replaced at the first sign of deterioration (e.g., rust, seepage, etc.). You may also want to install a leak detector; a device which will automatically shut off the water supply at the source.
- Outdoor faucet
Before winter, shut off the outside water supply and remove the hose. Conventional faucetsshould be drained first to prevent the pipes from freezing. See the illustrated sheet for an explanation of how to do this.
- Galvanized steel pipes
Houses built in 1950 and earlier often have galvanized steel pipes. Since they last about 40 to 50 years, they should be replaced.
- Pipes during a prolonged absence in winter
If the power goes out during a severe cold spell, your pipes could freeze and burst. If you leave home for more than a week, ask someone to stop by once a week to make sure the heat is on, or drain the pipes before leaving. See the illustrated sheet for more details.
Download the illustrated sheet for more details on keys to prevention:
- Preventing damage caused by snow and ice
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Causes of water seepage and structural damage:
- Snow and ice buildup on the roof
Your roof needs to be cleared when a significant amount of snow or ice has built up on it—particularly if you have 70 cm (about 2 ft.) of snow or 5 cm (about 2 in.) of ice.
- Ice dams on the roof
When a building loses heat through the roof, it melts the snow, causing water to flow to the lowest part of the roof, where it freezes. Ice builds up along the edge of the roof, creating dams that prevent water from draining properly from the roof. As a result, water can build up and seep through the walls and ceiling.
Who can remove snow?
Because your safety is important, do not attempt to remove the snow and ice yourself. Hire a snow removal company with the proper equipment and techniques.
Useful link (in French only):
Répertoire des membres de l'Association des maîtres couvreurs du Québec
Check the following structures for snow buildup:
Download the illustrated sheet for more details on keys to prevention:
Your home insurance
The Personal home insurance covers certain types of water damage. However, you can add optional coverage to protect you against seepage of rain or snow and sewer backups.
In the event of a claim, having an inventory of your belongings is very helpful. Take the time to make this list so that in the event of a claim you're prepared.
These tips are provided for information purposes only. They are general in nature, and The Personal cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.