Everyone loves the Toronto summers – after a long, trying winter, the hot sun is a godsend. The patios are finally open, the parks are filled with eager Frisbee players and picnicking families, and there seems to a street festival somewhere at all times. Yes, nothing beats a Toronto summer. But there is a trade-off, as there always must be: with the wonderful summer sun come storms. Heavy storms.
Rain storms are so common to the GTA in the summer that you pretty much set your watch to them – or at least you could, if there occurrence was at all predictable. The bane of many homeowners’ summer, these rain storms can cause costly damage, and be a harm to families who are caught unprepared.
To prepare you for the onslaught of storms ahead, here are a few ways that you as a homeowner can protect yourself and your family.
Waterproofing
One of the more destructive effects of a rainstorm is its ability to sneak water into your home, causing basement flooding. Basements often house some of the most expensive appliances in a home (the washer/dryer and furnace, to name a couple) and precious family memorabilia, which cannot be replaced. That’s not to mention the countless homes with basement suites.
To be proactive about the Toronto storm season, consider installing both interior and exterior waterproofing. For exterior waterproofing, consult with a plumber about installing weeping tiles and membrane. Your Toronto drain cleaning snaking and repair experts are often also highly capable in waterproofing, so before you take this on as a DIY project (it’s very difficult,) consult with them. As for interior waterproofing, the same weeping tiles and membranes apply, though it will need to be linked to your sump well.
Backwater Valve Installation
Perhaps the nastiest by-product of a rainstorm is sewage backup. The city sewage system, backed up with water, forces wastewater into your private pipes, which can rise all the way to your home drains, releasing noxious and harmful gases. That’s not to mention the horrendous smell, something akin to spoiled eggs.
For this reason, it’s wise for homeowners to install a backwater valve, essentially a one-way valve that allows water out, but closes when wastewater tries to sneak its way back in. The City of Toronto, thankfully, has a subsidy program for backwater valve installation. Follow this link to find out if you qualify.
Staying Safe
Finally, a Toronto rainstorm can be cause for personal concern. You may experience power outages, electrical or plumbing emergencies, or lightning endangerment. As the experts recommend, if you hear thunder roaring, go indoors. Avoid electronic equipment, as it can carry a lightning charge, as well as concrete. Also, for the same reason, avoid any standing water.
Before the thunderstorms strike, you can be proactive in protecting your house. All you can do when the storm is raging, however, is try to stay safe – and maybe look up the number for a 24/7 plumber, just in case things go sideways. Stay safe out there, Toronto!
