Is Your Home Prepared? Proactive Steps Against Water Damage

Water damage is the leading cause of home insurance claims in Canada, yet many homeowners overlook the risks until it’s too late. Even if you’ve never experienced flooding or live in an elevated area, you aren’t necessarily in the clear. At The Standard Insurance, we believe it’s crucial for you to understand what your insurance covers – and doesn’t – to avoid unexpected issues.

Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover sudden or accidental water damage within your home, such as a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or overflow from plumbing fixtures. However, these policies typically exclude damage caused by external sources, such as sewer backups or overland flooding. 

Understanding Types of Water Damage:

1. Internal Water Damage: This includes incidents like burst pipes, leaking appliances, or internal plumbing malfunctions. In most cases, this coverage is already included in your home insurance policy. 
2. Sewer Back-Up: Sewer back-up happens when water flows back into your home through drains, pipes, septic systems, or eavestroughs – usually due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt overwhelming municipal sewer systems. Talk to your broker to make sure this coverage is added to your home insurance policy.
3. Overland Flooding: This involves flooding caused by excessive rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or overflowing bodies of water, submerging normally dry land. Most policies usually exclude overland flooding, but our team at The Standard Insurance can provide you with options to add this coverage. 

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Home:

• Manage Snow and Ice: Keep snow cleared away from your home’s foundation to avoid meltwater seeping into your basement. 
• Regularly Maintain Gutters: Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to ensure effective drainage. 
• Inspect  Your Roof: Check frequently for damaged or missing shingles and flashing to prevent leaks. 
• Maintain a Home Inventory: Create a Home Inventory Checklist to simplify the claims process in case of water damage. Store valuable items on higher floors when possible. 
• Seal Foundation Cracks: Regularly inspect and seal any foundation cracks from inside your home. 
• Clear Storm Drains: Make sure storm grates remain clear to prevent water buildup around your property. 
• Install a Sump Pump: Choose a correctly sized sump pump with battery backup and an alarm to safeguard your basement from flooding. 
• Redirect Downspouts: Adjust your downspouts to direct water at least two metres away from your home’s foundation and the foundations of any of your next door neighbours. 
• Consider a Backwater Valve: Installing a mainline backwater valve helps prevent sewer water from backing into your home. 
• Use Rain Barrels: Collect rainwater to reduce moisture buildup around your foundation.
• Prepare for Extended Absences: If you’re away for more than a day, shut off your home’s main water supply and arrange regular checks from a trusted individual.

Taking these steps can significantly minimize your risk of costly water damage. For personalized advice and to ensure your insurance coverage meets your unique needs, contact one of our expert advisors at The Standard Insurance today!