Basement flooding may happen during severe rainstorms. Sewers can become overloaded due to excessive water from downspouts, weeping tiles, foundation drains or sump pumps connected to sanitary sewers.
If you experience a flood in your basement or have concerns about drainage, debris or damaged trees in their neighbourhood, call 311. Calling 311 will assist you with accurate tracking of your concern and follow-up calls.
Halton Region Subsidies and Grants
Halton Region offers a one-time basement flood prevention subsidy to assist Halton residents who have a history of basement floods caused by a backup or surcharge of the sanitary sewer system. The subsidy is also available to residents who have not experienced flooding, but would like to correct improper storm water connections and install a backwater valve.
Residents with basement floods due to a sanitary sewer back-up may also qualify for financial assistance ($1,000) from Halton Region. For more information, call 311 or visit www.halton.ca/flood.
Flooding caused by overland flow (storm water) should be directed to the City of Burlington.
Important Information from Ontario's Electrical Safety Authority
There is a heightened risk of electric shock, serious injury and even death when water makes contact with electrical systems. If flooding has occurred:
- Do not enter your basement if you know or suspect water has risen above the level of electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, and your furnace or is near your electrical panel. Electricity can move through water or wet flooring and cause a severe electrical shock.
- If the flood water has risen above outlets, baseboard heaters or your furnace, is covering power cords, or is near the electrical panel, contact your local electric utility immediately and arrange for them to disconnect power to your home.
- Watch for downed power lines in flood-affected areas. If you see one, stay back 11 metres (the length of a school bus) and call 911 and your local electric utility.
- If your electrical system has been affected, your local utility provider may not be able to restore power to your property until damage has been assessed and necessary repairs have been made.
- Ontario's Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) strongly recommends that you hire a licensed electrical contractor to evaluate your home's electrical system to determine if it is safe to restore power to your home.