How to Protect Your Home from Spring Flooding

You’ve heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” but did you know those same showers can also bring flooding and costly water damage? In 2024, the Insurance Bureau of Canada estimated that severe weather, including flooding, caused more than $8.5 billion in insured damage. Flooding causes destruction in nearly every region across Canada, and things are only projected to worsen. According to the Canadian Climate Institute, Canadians will experience more frequent and intense flooding as climate change worsens. 

With spring right around the corner, melting snow and heavy seasonal rainfall increase the risk of water-related damage to your home. Save yourself the headache of costly repairs by taking steps to protect your home from flooding. This guide will walk you through essential flood prevention tips, from maintaining proper drainage to reinforcing your home’s foundation, as well as breaking down different flood insurance policies. These strategies will help you protect your property before, during, and after the spring thaw.

The risk of spring flooding

Did you know that flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in Canada, with a yearly average of $800 million CAD in insured losses over the past decade? This has resulted in a greater availability of flood coverage for Canadians. Seasonal changes bring shifts in temperature and precipitation, often causing large amounts of water to accumulate faster than the ground can absorb or drainage systems can handle, increasing the likelihood of flooding. This is especially true during spring, when multiple environmental factors can contribute to increased water flow. Here are some of the most common causes of spring flooding:

• Melting snow: As temperatures rise, accumulated snow melts, releasing large amounts of water that can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flooding.
   
• Frozen or compacted soil: In early spring, frozen or compacted ground prevents water from soaking in, causing excess runoff.
   
• Heavy rainfall: Intense or prolonged rainfall can saturate the ground, preventing water from being absorbed and increasing surface runoff.
   
• Poor drainage systems: Blocked or inadequate storm drains, ditches, and sewer systems prevent proper water flow, leading to localized flooding.
   
• Rising river and stream levels: When excess water from rain or snowmelt exceeds a river or stream’s capacity, it spills over its banks and floods surrounding areas.

While it’s good to know the causes of spring flooding, it’s even better to take action to prevent your home from being affected. Since seasonal changes and heavy water flow can’t be controlled, there are steps you can take as a homeowner to reduce the risk of damage. From improving drainage to reinforcing your home’s foundation, preparing in advance can help protect your property as flood season approaches. 

Proactive measures to prevent flood damage

Flooding can cause serious and expensive damage, but there are steps you can take to lower the risk. Simple home maintenance, smart upgrades, and small adjustments to your property can make a big difference in keeping water out and protecting your home. On top of that, some of these measures may even help reduce your flood or overall home insurance premiums. Here’s what you can do now to prevent flooding and water damage to your home:

• Keep your gutters and drains clear: Clogged gutters can send rainwater spilling over the edges and pooling around your home’s foundation. Regularly cleaning your gutters helps downspouts to direct water away from your house, preventing water damage before it starts.
   
• Install a sump pump and backwater valve: A sump pump removes excess water from your basement, while a backwater valve helps prevent sewage from backing up into your home during heavy storms. Many insurance providers offer discounts for these upgrades since they reduce the likelihood of a flooded house.
   
• Adjust your landscaping to divert water: The way your yard is graded plays a big role in flood prevention. Sloping soil away from your foundation, planting water-absorbing vegetation, and using permeable materials for driveways and walkways can help direct excess water away from your home.
   
• Seal cracks and waterproof your basement: Leaks are often traced to the foundation of a house from cracks. Even the smallest cracks in your foundation or basement walls can let water seep in. Sealing them and applying a waterproof coating can help prevent costly water damage. 
   
• Elevate appliances and electrical systems: If you live in a flood-prone area, raising major appliances, electrical panels, and heating systems off the ground can help minimize damage if water enters your home. Some insurers recognize this as a preventative measure when calculating flood insurance rates.
   
• Use smart water sensors for early detection: A slow leak can turn into a big problem if it goes unnoticed. Installing smart water sensors can alert you to leaks early, giving you time to act before the damage worsens.

Taking these proactive steps now can help you avoid the stress and costs that come with a flooded house. With the right preparation, you can protect your home, reduce potential damage, and even lower your home and flood insurance costs in the long run.

Preparing for an emergency flood

Preventing a flood in your home is always the goal, but sometimes, water finds its way in no matter how prepared you are. This is especially true during extreme weather events like heavy rainstorms or hurricanes, where flooding can be sudden and unavoidable. Having an emergency plan in place can help keep you and your family safe when time is limited. 

Follow these key steps to prepare:

1. Assemble an emergency flood kit: Include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and emergency contact numbers (as recommended by the Canadian Red Cross).
    
2. Protect important documents: Store IDs, insurance papers, and essential records in waterproof containers.
    
3. Plan an evacuation route: Make sure all family members know where to go and how to get there safely.
    
4. Secure your home: Move valuables to higher ground and learn how to shut off utilities if necessary.

Be sure to download our What to do in an Emergency Flood guide for a complete checklist of supplies, evacuation tips, and expert advice. 

What to do after a flood

Spring flooding can leave homeowners overwhelmed, but taking the right steps early can help minimize water damage and make the recovery process smoother. If you’re dealing with a flooded house, follow these immediate actions:

1. Wait for clearance: Do not go back to your home until local authorities confirm it’s safe. Floodwaters can weaken structures and hide hazards.
    
2. Assess the damage: Once inside, document everything. Take photos and videos of all water damage for insurance purposes before cleaning up.
    
3. Contact your insurance provider: Report the flood as soon as possible. Provide your insurer with documentation to start the claims process quickly.
    
4. Prevent further damage: If safe to do so, remove excess water, ventilate the area, and salvage important belongings to prevent mold growth.
    
5. Check for electrical and gas hazards: If water has reached outlets or appliances, avoid turning anything on until a professional inspects it.
    
6. Disinfect and clean: Floodwater can carry bacteria and contaminants. Use protective gear and disinfect surfaces thoroughly to restore your home.

Recovering from a flooded house is difficult, but having the right flood insurance can make all the difference in getting you back on your feet. 

The role of insurance in flood protection

Not all water damage is covered the same way under home insurance policies, and many homeowners only realize this after dealing with a flooded house. Standard home insurance policies often exclude flood-related damage, making flood insurance an essential for homeowners in high-risk areas. 

Flood insurance is designed to cover damage caused by overflowing bodies of water, heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and storm surges. This differs from general water damage coverage, which typically applies to issues like burst pipes or appliance leaks. Without the right policy, homeowners could be left covering thousands of dollars in repairs on their own.

It’s important to know the difference between water damage and flooding when it comes to filing an insurance claim:

• Water damage claims – Covers sudden and accidental water-related issues, such as a burst pipe, an overflowing washing machine, or a leaking roof caused by a storm.
   
• Flooding claims – Applies to damage caused by rising external water, such as heavy rain, river overflows, or coastal storm surges. Flood-related claims typically require separate flood insurance coverage.

If you’re unsure whether your policy includes flood insurance, it’s important to review your coverage and ask the following questions:

✔ Does my current policy cover flood-related damage?
✔ What additional coverage options are available for flooding?
✔ Are there specific exclusions I should be aware of?
✔ What steps can I take to reduce my insurance premiums?

Making sure your policy aligns with your needs can save you from unexpected financial burdens. Chat with a Surex representative today to explore the best home insurance companies in Canada and comprehensive flood insurance options.

Let’s get you covered. 

Flooding is unpredictable, but your coverage shouldn’t be. Whether you need flood insurance for added protection or want to review your existing water damage coverage, making informed decisions now can save you from financial stress later. 

Learn more about home insurance and different flood and water coverages or find the best insurance rates by starting a quote today.