Water loss prevention tips for your home
Help prevent the damage water can do to your home
1 in 10 Canadian households are highly exposed to flooding¹
Flooding and water damage are the most common and costly concerns for Canadian homes.2 It can come from many different sources and happen at any time. Whether it’s a result of burst pipes, leaking appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, or weather-related events like heavy rainfall and snowmelt, water damage can be a risk both in and around your home. Taking preventative steps can help reduce these risks and keep your home and belongings safe and dry.
Did you know?
Water-related claims are today's primary cause of home insurance losses in Canada.3
How can water cause property damage?
When we think about flooding, big storms might come to mind first, but water damage can also start inside your home. Indoor issues often start with plumbing or appliances, while outdoor ones may be related to issues with the roof or gutters, foundation cracks, or nature-based flooding.
Leaks, big or small, can gradually cause damage to your home including flooring, drywall, furniture, and other personal belongings. Mould can also grow in damp areas in your home.4 Here are some of the most common causes of water damage.
Burst pipes
Pipes can burst and crack from wear and tear or freezing temperatures, causing water to leak into your home and damage walls, floors, and belongings.
Faulty appliances
Aging appliances or loose connections from dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators can cause water to pool causing damage to your property.
Roof and gutters
Clogged gutters or damaged roofs with missing shingles can allow water to seep into your home, causing damage to ceilings, walls, and insulation.
Sewer backup
Heavy rain can overwhelm sewer systems, causing wastewater to flow back into your home through drains and toilets, leading to contamination and damage.
River or lake overflow
When rivers or lakes overflow, water can flood nearby homes through doors, windows, and foundations, causing damage to floors and walls.
Extreme rainfall
Prolonged rain can seep into homes through roofs, windows, and foundations, especially if gutters are clogged, damaging walls and floors.
Water protection
Protect your home and belongings from water damage
Get your home water-ready
Take steps to prepare your home for water-related issues to minimize risks and potential repairs. It’s also good to review your home insurance policy to understand what types of water damage are covered so you can make informed decisions and avoid any surprises.
Before a leak or flood
Indoor leaks and flooding
Water can pool in areas of your home when water escapes from things like plumbing systems and household appliances, such as burst pipes, leaky faucets, washing machines, and dishwashers. Regular maintenance and prompt action are key to minimizing water damage.
Inspect plumbing and fixtures regularly
- Check for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and in basements for moisture or pooling water.
- Inspect exposed pipes for cracks, leaks or corrosion and consult a professional about repairs.
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections with a licenced plumbing professional.
Maintain appliances
- Inspect washing machine hoses and ensure there are no cracks or leaks.
- Clean dishwasher filters and inspect connections for wear and tear.
- Place drip trays under water heaters and appliances to catch small leaks.
- Replace rubber appliance hoses with steel braided hoses as they are more durable.
Install preventative devices
- Place water sensors near pipes, appliances, and in basements.
- Use smart systems that alert you to leaks via a smartphone.
- Consider installing automatic shut-off valves that stop water flow when leaks are detected.
Outdoor leaks and flooding
Environmental factors and your home’s exterior can lead to leaks and potential flooding. Although we can’t control the weather, we can prepare and help minimize damage.
Maintain roof and gutters
- Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs.
- Consider extending your downspouts to channel water away from your home’s foundation.
- Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles and consult a roofing professional for repairs.
Enhance basement and foundation protection
- Seal basement windows and ground-level doors with weather protection sealant to ensure there aren’t any gaps and cracks.
- Inspect and seal any cracks in your foundation walls and keep water and snow out of window wells and away from your foundation walls.
- Consider installing a sump pump and backflow valve in your basement to manage water and prevent sewage backup.
Landscaping around the house
- Facilitate flow from your home so that your lawn and landscaping slopes downward from your home.
- Ensure patios, decks and driveway haven’t shifted over time causing water to flow toward your house.
- Choose plants that keep the soil in place and help prevent soil from eroding.
Review your area’s flood maps to see if your location is more prone to flooding.
Get a template on how to make an emergency plan from the Canadian Red Cross.
Read more on how to get flood ready and protect your home from flood risks and water damage.
During a leak or flood
Stay safe during a leak or flood
Even when we do our best, we can’t control Mother Nature and water leaks can still happen. Here are some steps you can take so you can respond quickly to an emergency:
Shut off water:
- Turn off the main water valve immediately to stop the water flow.
- Know the locations of the shut-off valves for each home appliance.
- Turn off electricity to prevent electrical hazards in the affected areas.
Protect your belongings
- Move furniture and electronics away from water-damaged areas.
- Use plastic tarps to cover items that can’t be relocated.
- Store important documents in waterproof containers.
Clean and repair quickly
- Remove standing water with mops or wet/dry vacuums.
- Dry the area with fans and dehumidifiers to prevent mould growth.
- Contact a professional plumber to repair the leak and assess damages.
Be alert and informed during severe weather
- Monitor weather conditions, warnings, and advisories from weather alert services and other trusted news and government sources.
- Bring your 72-hour emergency kit and other essential items if an emergency evacuation is issued.
- Avoid walking or driving in floodwater as it can appear deeper than it looks and if safe to do so, head to higher ground.
Learn more on how you can get prepared for floods.
After a leak or flood
Recover after a leak or flood
It can be overwhelming to consider all the different ways home leaks and flooding can happen. Take care of yourself and take it one step at a time.
- Clean up safely and check with local authorities to see how to dispose of damaged items properly.
- Ensure appliances and home systems are safe and dry and have been inspected by a qualified professional.
- If you experience environmental flooding, wait for the green light from authorities to return to your community and be aware of your surroundings as roads and walkways may still be pooled with water and debris.
- If it’s safe, take photos to document any damages and keep an inventory of belongings you may need to replace. Detailed information about any water damage may help expedite a claim.
- If you suffered a loss, call your insurance representative as soon as possible to submit a claim.
Read more and find additional resources on what to do before, during and after a leak or flood.
Looking for more tips to prepare for extreme weather?
Whatever the season be prepared and take precautions early to help ensure the safety of your family and property.
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Sources:
2 Government of Canada: Adapting to rising flood risk
3 Government of Canada: Air contaminants and health
4 Public Safety Canada: Floods
The content in this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as specific professional or expert advice. Aviva Canada accepts no responsibility for action taken as a result of reliance on any information contained on this webpage. Aviva and the Aviva logo are trademarks used under license from the licensor.