Basement Flood Reduction - Vancouver, BC

The Vancouver Real Estate Board notes that many residents and businesses in the Lower Mainland are located in a floodplain - close to or beside local rivers, creeks, or coastlines.

They suggest you can reduce the chances of flood damage by:

1. Reading material about flood reduction supplied by the local municipality.
2. Walking around the home after heavy rainfall to see where water is pooling. If water flows toward the home, the owner should get professional advice about directing water away from the home.
3. Cleaning gutters and downspouts.
4. Making sure the home’s drain tiles work. The basement will flood if tiles are old or plugged and need replacing.
5. Flood proofing the basement or ground floor, which involves sealing the foundation.
6. Installing backflow valves on basement floor drains, washing machine drains, toilets and sink drains.7. Locating the storm sewer on the road. It will look like a large grate and is designed to carry storm related water runoff. If it’s plugged with leaves, the owner should phone the local municipal public works department and they will clean it.
8. Buying a sump pump and testing it so it’s ready to be used if needed during heavy rain storms.
9. Contacting the municipality to find out where sand and bags are available should a flood occur.

In Canada, flood insurance isn’t available to home owners. Other water damage may be covered by homeowner policies, including sewer backup and burst pipes, but not for overland flooding.

While a flood can happen anywhere it rains, home buyers should assess flood risks in the area where they plan to buy. Home buyers can:

1. Review floodplain maps for specific areas (Region 2 - Lower Mainland)
2. Talk to the local municipality about the risk and the history of flooding in the area.