Advocacy & community
Flooded Homes

Floods

flooding

Flooding in Ontario

Although most lakes and rivers flood from time to time, Ontarians are increasingly living in housing built on or adjacent to flood prone areas. Rising water can create havoc by flooding basements and properties, or flood can move quickly through a region and do damage along their path.  

Flood maps

Ontario’s flood map shows where there are active flood alerts, issues by municipalities, the province and conservation authorities. Understanding where your home is in relation to flood zones can guide proactive strategies to stay safe. It's also critical to know what to do before, during and after a flood impacts your property. 

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Additional resources

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Backwater valves

Add one to your sewer line to prevent water flowing back into your house 

Flood checklist

  • Reduce the risk of flooding by grading soil away from your foundation 
  • Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear of leaf litter and ensure they drain 2 metres away from the foundation 
  • Put weather sealant around basement windows and ground flood doors 
  • Install a sump pump, a backwater valve or preventer, and weeping tiles in your basement 
  • Ensure everyone knows how to turn off utilities
  • Do not attempt to turn off your home’s electricity if the water is rising, as this could result in a fatal shock
  • If a flood is imminent, place sandbags around doors and windows
  • Avoid using well water during a flood, as it may become contaminated 
  • If evacuating, follows the official emergency detour routes

Get a professional to check your plumbing

Your plumbing system plays an integral role in flood prevention, so upkeep is essential.

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Backwater valves

A backwater valve prevents sewage from flowing back into your home. If sewage begins to move towards your basement, the valve will close, preventing sewer backup. Some municipalities offer rebates for installing backwater valves. 

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Weeping tile

Weeping tile is a pipe-shaped drain that runs along the bottom of a home’s foundation. Older homes may not have these, so consider having them installed. They can become clogged or collapse. Installing a cleanout port can make future maintenance easier. 

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Sump Pump

Sump pumps move water from under your basement to the outside. A sump pump is essential if your home has a high water table or isn’t connected to sewer laterals. It is a key safeguard in high-risk areas. 

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Sewer laterals

Sewer laterals are pipes that connect your home’s plumbing system to the city’s sewer system. They can become clogged with fats, oils, and grease, leading to a sewer backup. A plumber can use a camera to inspect your laterals and, if necessary, access the cleanout port to unclog them.

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