Protecting your home from costly water damage is as easy as 1, 2, well 2 pieces of equipment.
Sump Pumps
Do you have a sump pump in your home? Don’t know? See picture on how it works. Some homeowners have sump pumps in their basements but never think to check on them. Sometimes the motors on sump pumps can seize up or circuit breaker can be tripped or may not function due to power failure during storms. These problems will cause the sump pump to be non-effective and water may come into the basement causing major damage to your home and belongings. A homeowner should check on their sump pump at least every 4 months or sooner if in a high-risk season. This can be done by testing the system usually by lifting the float and ensuring it runs. Do consult your user manual to confirm on procedures. In addition to a sump pump that plugs into the wall would be to have a second battery back up pump that would activate even though the power is out.
Backwater Valves 
A back water valve is located in the ground attached to the main sewer line. The valve is supposed to prevent water from flowing up into a home from a municipal sewer through a floor drain. This typically happens when a rain storm overwhelms the municipal sewer system and water can flow back up towards the dwelling. When the valve is closed, protecting the dwelling from outside water, it will not allow water from your shower or washing machine to drain out into the sewer system so an alarm system is good to have. If a home has a back-water valve installed, it is best to be alarmed as this will tell the homeowners the valve has been activated. Again see picture on how these systems work together to help prevent damage to your home.
Eaves Troughs
One other item to address to prevent water damage in your home occurs outside your. Ensuring that your eaves troughs extend 4-6 feet (1.25- 2 meters) away from the home will help the rain water drain around your home instead of beside your home.
Image provided by http://basementfloodingprevention.ca/mobile/sumppump.php
Sue Perry
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