Flooding and Insurance - a closer look at your coverage.
10-Feb-2011 With spring right around the corner now is a good time to take a closer look at your home insurance coverage and what steps you can take to reduce the chance of overland flooding and give yourself peace of mind.
Overland flooding, also known as river flooding, is not covered by insurance and is always a concern after a wet winter particularly in this part of the country. However river flooding alone is unlikely to cause your home or property damage on it's own and there are steps you can take that may keep you and your house safe this spring.
One of these ways is to install a backwater valve and a sump pit drainage system. A functioning backwater valve closes when sewage backs up from the main sewer and prevents it from backing up through drains or toilets while a sump pit system drains water collected from your weeping tiles. The Manitoba Government is showing a keen interest in aiding homeowners in this manner as Premier Greg Salinger is in consultation with Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz to offer subsidies to homeowners that install a backwater valve and sump pump this year. Homeowners may qualify for 60% of the cost of a back water valve, up to $1,000, and 60% for a sump pump up to $2,000. A permit must be obtained when installing and a licensed plumbing contractor is also required for the subsidy.
If you have already taken these steps to a safer home, ensure you are checking and maintaining your backwater valve and sump pit drainage system regularly. Clear them of any debris and make sure they are working properly. Improve drainage around your house, build up the ground around your home and extend downspouts to allow water to flow away from your basement walls. Also remember to include sewer backup in your home insurance coverage. You cannot add sewer backup mid-term so ask for it when taking out a new term or completing a renewal.
Finally remember to clean your eavestroughs regularly. If you are going to do this yourself make sure you have a secured way to access the roof and check the roof is safe to walk on. You will also need to call the City of Winnipeg regarding the Lot Grading By-law to ensure that any planned drainage improvements do not affect neighbours or grading near the property line, including sump pit drainage.
While we can never be guaranteed that our homes won't be affected by overland flooding, taking these actions may limit or prevent flood damage to your home both this year and beyond.
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