No one wants their house to flood but basement flooding can happen in your home during severe thunderstorms. This is caused when sewers become overloaded due to too much water from downspouts, weeping tiles, foundation drains or sump pumps connected to sanitary sewers.
What to do if your basement floods
If your basement floods, please call 3-1-1. Operators will help forward your concern to the appropriate specialists and make sure someone follows with you, as needed.
Staying safe from electric shock
View the Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA) instructions and safety tips on how to avoid dangerous and potentially fatal electric shocks when flood water contacts electrical systems. The ESA outlines:
- What to do if flooding has occurred
- What to do if you have been evacuated ahead of flooding
- What to do when returning home after a flood
Learn how to find the right licensed contractor when hiring someone to do electrical work.
Flood prevention tips
The Government of Canada provides 10 tips to make your home flood-ready and other online resources that help prevent flooding in your home.
Halton Region's Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program
Halton Region's Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program offers financial support for residents who make necessary improvements to prevent stormwater from entering the wastewater system and reduce the risk of flooding from sewer backup. The program makes it easier and more affordable for residents to make improvements.
Available subsidies include:
- Backwater valve installation
- Downspout disconnection
- Sewer lateral (pipe) lining and repair
- Weeping tile disconnection and sump pump installation
You may also qualify for financial assistance from Halton Region if your basement flood is the result of a sanitary sewer backup and Regional staff determine that:
- A blockage occurred on the municipal side of the wastewater system (as opposed to your private home side) or the backup; or
- The wastewater backup was the result of a sewer surcharge