Preventing damage at home

How do you prevent water damage?

• Backwater valve. It stops the sewer from backing up into the basement. Have one put on the main drain, then clean it at least once a year, ideally in early summer. Many municipalities require one.
• Water heater. After 10 years, it’s often near the end of its life. Consider replacing it before it leaks.
• Washer. Turn off the water valves after doing laundry.
• Leak detector. Put one near the water heater and the washer. An automatic shut-off valve can cut the water on its own.
• Gutters and lot. Clean the gutters before winter. The ground should slope water away from the house.
• Sump and drains. Maintain the pump and drains, and clear leaves that could block them.
• Outdoor taps. Drain them before winter, and insulate pipes exposed to the cold.

Going away for a few days?

How do you prevent a fire?

• Smoke alarm on every floor, basement included. Replace it by the date the manufacturer printed on the casing.
• Carbon monoxide alarm if you have an attached garage or an appliance that burns fuel, like a wood stove or a fireplace.
• Chimney. Have it inspected and swept once a year, before the heating season.
• Ashes. Let them cool outside, in a metal container with a lid, for at least 7 days before throwing them out.
• Cooking. Watch what’s cooking. For frying, use a thermostat-controlled fryer, never a regular pot.
• Heating. Keep curtains and furniture at least 10 cm from baseboard heaters and radiators.
• Electrical. Have a master electrician do the work. Use CSA- or ULC-approved appliances.

And in winter?

• Roof. Have snow and ice removed when a lot builds up, for example from 60 cm of snow or 5 cm of ice.
• Gutters. Check that snow and ice aren’t blocking them.

And if it happens anyway?

Sources: Quebec Ministère de la Sécurité publique (10 fire prevention tips), CAA-Québec, Desjardins Insurance.