Floods

Flooding

Major floods can occur during the rapid melting of snow in spring or during persistent heavy rains, which can cause water channels to overflow or the soil to become oversaturated and unable to absorb more water. In such cases, it is important to take all necessary precautions.

What to do during a major flood:

• Listen to the radio for safety measures, the most affected areas, whether local roads are safe to drive, and, in difficult situations, if local emergency teams order you to evacuate
• Keep your emergency kit and a safety plan within reach
• Avoid crossing flooded areas, as fast-moving water could sweep you away
• Avoid driving your vehicle into floodwaters or underpasses, as deeper waters could stall or prevent your car from moving

Backwater Valve

The backwater valve prevents sewage from flowing back into your pipes in the event of a sewer system overload or flooding. This can prevent significant property damage and reduce the risk of contamination. Any drain line that could be affected by a sewer backup should be protected. 

Remember to maintain it regularly. Periodic cleaning is recommended to ensure the valve is not obstructed by debris. Test its operation and replace worn parts if necessary.

French Drain

A French drain (or dispersal drain) is an underground drainage system designed to remove excess water, protect a house’s foundation, and prevent moisture problems. It consists of a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that captures and diverts water away from risk areas.

The French drain should not be connected to the main sewer. Water from the drain should be directed to a holding pit equipped with a backwater valve and a return line to the ground.

Sump Pump

A sump pump is used to remove water that collects in a basement or crawl space sump pit. When properly installed and maintained, it helps reduce the risk of water infiltration, flooding, and water damage.

To help ensure your sump pump operates properly:

• clean the sump pit regularly to prevent debris buildup and blockages;
• test the pump periodically to confirm that it is working properly;
• inspect the discharge pipe and connections for leaks, blockages, or signs of deterioration;
• consider installing a battery backup so the pump can continue operating during a power outage.

Gutters

• Gutters should be disconnected from the main sewer and/or French drains.
• Water from gutters should not be directed directly to the City’s main sewer lines.
• Ensure that downspouts extend at least two meters from your house. If not, you can purchase an extension kit at your local hardware store.
• Clean them regularly
• Check for accumulated debris
• Check for ice buildup in the winter months

Window Wells

For below-ground windows, a window well should serve as a barrier to surface water. The window well should reach down to the French drain backfill but cannot be directly connected to the French drain and/or main sewer. A bed of stones will ensure water drainage at the window’s base.

Trees

Regularly maintain the trees on your property. Cut dead or fragile branches that could fall on the house.

Landscaping

Designing your landscape to combat flooding is an effective solution to protect your property while enhancing its aesthetics. Here is a guide to designing a flood-resilient landscape:

1. Analyze the Terrain

• Identify risk areas:
  • Note low areas or points where water tends to stagnate.
  • Identify natural flows or slopes that direct water towards your house.
• Check the soil type:
  • Clay soils retain water, while sandy soils drain better.
• Consult local regulations:
  • Some areas require permits to modify drainage.

2. Create Water Retention Areas

• Rain gardens:
  • Design shallow depressions filled with moisture-tolerant plants.
  • Rain gardens allow water to slowly infiltrate the soil.
• Vegetated swale:
  • Install gently sloped ditches lined with gravel and plants to channel and filter water.
• Ponds or retention basins:
  • Build reservoirs to collect and store excess water. This can also add aesthetic value.

3. Improve Soil Management

• Aerate compacted soils:
  • Use techniques like mechanical aeration to improve drainage.
• Add mulch and organic materials:
  • This increases the soil's ability to absorb water.
• Redirect slopes:
  • Shape your terrain so that water moves away from sensitive structures.

4. Integrate Permeable Surfaces

• Replace impermeable surfaces:
  • Use permeable materials like grid pavers, stabilized gravel, or porous tiles for driveways and patios.
• Create flow paths:
  • Install drains or channels to guide water to retention areas.

5. Plant Smartly

• Use suitable plants:
  • Choose species that can tolerate moisture, such as sedges, rushes, marsh irises, or ferns.
• Stabilize slopes:
  • Plant shrubs or grasses with deep roots to prevent erosion.
• Create buffer hedges:
  • Dense vegetation around low or sensitive areas slows runoff.

6. Install Drainage Systems

• French drains:
  • Bury drains to capture and divert excess water.
• Underground reservoirs:
  • Install cisterns to store collected rainwater.
• Efficient gutter systems:
  • Direct roof water to permeable areas or reservoirs.

7. Use Natural Barriers

• Vegetated berms:
  • Build small embankments covered with plants to slow water.
• Berms:
  • Create mounds to redirect water or protect specific areas.
• Stone or wood barriers:
  • Arrange low walls or natural dikes to block water.

8. Adopt Sustainable Solutions

• Water collection and reuse:
  • Install rainwater collection barrels to reduce excessive runoff.
• Promote local infiltration:
  • Design areas where water can directly penetrate the soil instead of running off.
• Prioritize biodiversity:
  • Diverse ecosystems absorb water better and enhance resilience.

Example of a Landscaping Plan

• Around the house:
  • Install French drains and permeable pavers.
  • Add berms to divert water.
• Central area:
  • Create a rain garden with suitable plants.
  • Plant shrubs to limit erosion.
• Property boundaries:
  • Build a dense hedge to slow water.
  • Integrate a vegetated swale to drain water to a basin.

By combining these techniques, you can transform your property into a weather-resilient space.