CONTACT US
Fill out our contact form
For immediate service, please use our live chat or call us at (613) 224-0041.
Ottawa and its surrounding areas are no stranger to the challenges posed by spring flooding. As the snow melts, the Rideau River and Ottawa River take on the melted water and often overflow. Leaving many unhappy homeowners to clean up their wet basements, throw out destroyed items and deal with structural issues caused by the flood. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies to protect your home against spring flooding and outline the City of Ottawa’s flooding rebates and programs.
Here are our expert tips on preventing flooding in Ottawa:
Use Sandbags: Sandbags or flood barriers can be used as a temporary measure to prepare for a particularly heavy rainfall or major flooding event. The City of Ottawa will often provide sandbags to those who need them free of charge. – See the City of Ottawa website for more details on flooding prevention.
Since Ottawa (as well as surrounding regions such as Nepean, Barrhaven, Kanata, Orleans, Gloucester, and Vanier) are prone to flooding we suggest that every homeowner have at least a backwater valve installed, as well as a sump pump if the home is in a high-risk flooding area. Luckily, the City of Ottawa has several rebates available to help homeowners afford these flooding protection products (more on this below).
Below we summarize the difference between a sump pump and a backwater valve for more details check out our post: Why you should install a backwater valve in Ottawa.
Backwater Valve:
Purpose: A backwater valve is installed in the main sewer line below your home to prevent sewage and flood water from backing up into your home. If you don’t have a backwater valve or it isn’t working correctly you run the risk of sewage or flood water entering your home through floor drains in the basement or through sinks, bathtubs, toilets and other fixtures.
When to Consider: In areas prone to flooding, heavy rainfall, or sewage system backups such as Ottawa and surrounding regions.
Sump Pump:
Purpose: A sump pump is designed to remove excess water that accumulates in a sump pit, usually found in basements or crawl spaces. It helps prevent flooding by pumping the water away from the foundation and discharging it safely outside.
When to Consider: If your home has a history of basement flooding or is located in an area prone to flooding. Check out the Flood Plain Map of Ottawa to see if your home is in a high-risk area.
While sump pumps and backwater valves serve different purposes, they can both be valuable in protecting your home from water damage and flooding. To find out which protective plumbing systems are best suited for your home it’s best to consult a protective plumbing expert.
What many homeowners in the Ottawa region may not be aware of is that the city has three programs designed to help homeowners with flooding and sewage backup issues: the Residential Protective Plumbing Program, the Preventative Maintenance Program and the Residential Compassionate Grant.
The Residential Protective Plumbing Program (RPPP) can cover anywhere from 50% to 100% of the expenses associated with the installation of a new protective plumbing device such as a backwater valve and/or a sump pump. This rebate does not cover any repairs, maintenance and replacement of a current protective plumbing device, however, is a great option for Ottawa homes that lack this infrastructure. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the City of Ottawa website.
The Preventative Maintenance Program applies to Ottawa properties that have experienced a sewer backup caused by trees owned by the City of Ottawa or structural defects on the City-owned portion of the sewer. The City of Ottawa offers a sewer maintenance service annually to these impacted properties to ensure the proper function of the sewer and help prevent sewer backups. – Learn more
The Residential Compassionate Grant is designed to assist homeowners who have recurring issues with sewage backup in their homes. Ottawa homeowners who have been affected by flooding three or more times in the past 15 years could be eligible for a grant of up to $1,000. – Learn more
Still worried about flooding? Don’t panic! Give us a call and our plumbing experts will be happy to help you create a plan to safeguard your home against flooding. Count on Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling, your Ottawa plumbing experts!
For immediate service, please use our live chat or call us at (613) 224-0041.
Since 1933, Francis Plumbing Heating and Cooling has been Ottawa’s trusted provider of HVAC and Plumbing services including installations, repairs & maintenance for furnaces, air-conditioners, heat pumps, boilers and water heaters. We offer after hours emergency HVAC repair services at no extra cost in Ottawa and surrounding areas including Barrhaven, Orléans, Vanier, Nepean, Kanata, and Stittsville. Contact us for all your HVAC and Plumbing needs!
894 Boyd Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K2A 2E3
Copyright Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling