Protect your home from basement flooding this spring
Canada’s climate is changing. Higher temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels are already affecting many aspects of our daily lives. To help homeowners take action and protect their property this spring, Utilities Kingston is sharing practical flood facts and tips.
“Any basement can flood, even if it’s never happened before. With unpredictable weather on the rise, taking action now to protect your home is crucial. Simple steps can make a big difference in preventing damage when heavy rain is in the forecast,” says Robert Bowen, Supervisor, Inspection & Support for Utilities Kingston.
To get started, the number one tip for spring is to install or upgrade your sump pump. A sump pump helps move water away from your foundation before it builds up and causes damage. It’s especially important in older neighbourhoods, where drainage systems may not be designed to handle today’s extreme weather. Learn more about sumps and sump pumps.
Other tips to help prevent basement flooding:
- Check your eavestroughs and downspouts. Winter weather may have caused blockages, breaks, or disconnections. Make sure they are clear of debris and in good working condition.
- Extend your downspouts. They should drain over your lawn, at least two metres away from your foundation. This directs water away from your home, reducing pooling and pressure on the structure.
- Reduce runoff from your property. Use a rain barrel to divert rainwater from the sewer system and help reduce the risk of sewer overflows.
- Know what to do if your basement floods. Safety first: entering a wet basement can be dangerous. Don’t go in unless you’re sure it’s safe, or until a qualified professional tells you it is.
Don’t wait for the next heavy rain. Explore all 18 Flood Facts and learn how to reduce your risk of basement flooding at UtilitiesKingston.com/FloodFacts.
Contact Us
City of Kingston
City Hall
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
contactus@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-0000
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
