As climate change takes effect, summers are becoming warmer, and winters are becoming colder. The more powerful storms and the cooler winters are having an impact on our properties.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), the average Canadian homeowner can expect to pay $43,000 in repairs because of basement flooding. While your flood insurance coverage can help recover much of that cost, conventional flood insurance plans will not help at all, according to Blair Feltmate, head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo.
Aside from the financial loss, the mental stress of dealing with a flooded basement can be significant. Your family may suffer the loss of irreplaceable items stored in the basement or temporarily lose a living space. If you have converted your basement into an apartment, your tenant’s quality of life will be affected, and you may lose rental income.
That’s why it’s vital for you to be proactive and partner with the wet basement specialists at NTL Contracting for your protection. At NTL Contracting, we’ve been in the excavation, demolition, and waterproofing business for over two decades.
Our top-rated restoration services have earned us awards from TrustedPros.ca and many positive reviews from our satisfied customers.
Drawing on our experience and expertise, we recommend homeowners take remedial action to keep their basements safe.
Install a Sump Pump:
We highly recommend that you install a sump pump in Toronto to protect your basement. A sump pump is a sophisticated device that pumps water away from your home and keeps your basement safe. As the climate changes and rainfall grows heavier, a sump pump can remove water from your sewers and reduce the risk of flooding.
Now is an excellent time for homeowners to get a sump pump as the city offers single-family, duplex and triplex residential homes a subsidy of up to $3,400 per property to install flood protection devices like the sump pump.
Some conditions do apply. For example, if you need to disconnect the downspouts from your property’s eavestrough system, this is not eligible for a subsidy. However, installation of a backwater valve and the sump pump is covered, while the dismissal and capping of a home’s storm sewer or external weeping tile are also covered.
For more guidance on the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, please check the City of Toronto website.
Let’s look at some more facts about sump pumps:
- A sump is a pit, often carved under the surface near your basement
- The sump holds the device known as the sump pump
- The pump features complex valves that detect rising water levels
- When the water pressure gets too high, the sump pump activates
- The sump pump quickly pumps the excess water out of your basement through a line and into a drainage site
- Usually, the drainage site is a pond, lake, or a dry well, depending on local regulations
- The location of the drainage site is carefully selected to prevent water from returning
There are several different kinds of sump pumps. The quietest type are submersible sump pumps that can sit underwater in the sump. While they’re quiet, they may have lower lifespans because they get worn by the wetness. They’re the best option if you have a regular and significant issue with flooding.
You also have pedestal sump pumps with motors lying on pedestals on top to power the pump, and sump pumps powered by water pressure that don’t require batteries. Of course, sump pumps backed up by batteries are best for areas that often lose power during storms.
The right kind of sump pump depends on your situation and preferences. It’s best to contact us directly for more information. You can find us at 99 Milvan Dr. in North York. You can also call us on 416-278-4022 or 647-298-6754 or send us an email at sales@ntlcontracting.com.
Alternatively, please send us a message through the contact page on our website with your details and your questions. Aside from a sump pump, we can shield your assets by installing a backwater valve or capping your storm sewer or external weeping tile connection.
As mentioned earlier, the city offers a sizable subsidy for such services, so it’s vital to act now. Please note that we possess City of Toronto licenses that make homeowners like yourselves eligible for these grants.
Other Benefits of a Sump Pump:
Aside from shielding your basement from flooding, a sump pump improves plumbing, prevents the risk of expensive and stressful sewage backups, and helps maintain the integrity of your house’s foundation. In addition, it keeps moisture at bay, which can seriously disrupt your quality of life.
Look for Signs of a Faulty Sump Pump:
If you already have a sump pump, then ensure that it’s in optimal condition. Remember, a faulty sump pump can result in flooding or cause moisture in your basement and must be fixed. Here are some signs of moisture you should watch out for:
- There are signs of mould and mildew in the basement
- Your walls are colder than they should be
- The basement windows have condensation
- The tiles in the basement kitchen and bathroom are getting loose
- Paint and wallpaper look damaged
- Efflorescence is visible on masonry surfaces
Sump pumps can develop faults due to lifespan issues or faulty installation. The most obvious sign of a defective sump pump is unusually loud noises during operation or irregular operation. Sump pumps that are older than a decade may also develop defects. Likewise, a sump pump that runs all the time because it’s too small for its task will ultimately die due to overload. That’s why it’s essential to install the right sump pump for your needs.
Our professional basement waterproofing services are an excellent option because we’re fully insured and licensed. We offer the most advanced solutions and stand by our work. In fact, we guarantee a transferable 25-year warranty on our services.
So, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to take advantage of our services and secure your basement’s future.
We offer many other vital services and are on call 24 hours a day in case of emergencies. We are ready to help.
