Sewer backup
Wastewater or stormwater may move backward through connected plumbing during surcharge conditions.
- Understand connected fixtures
- Review backwater-valve purpose
- Confirm permits and maintenance
Homeowners and residential properties
Understand flood risk before choosing a product, programme or contractor.
RSM provides plain-language education for homes, condominiums, rental properties and multi-residential buildings—connecting flood pathways, protective systems, maintenance, municipal resources and recovery.
- Risk first
- Maintenance matters
- Approval is local
Start with the source of water
Different flood pathways require different responses.
Overland and surface water
Rainwater may enter through doors, windows, low points, garages or foundation openings.
- Observe lot drainage
- Protect vulnerable openings
- Review barriers and grading
Groundwater and foundation drainage
Water may collect around or beneath the foundation and enter through drainage or building-envelope pathways.
- Review sump systems
- Understand foundation drainage
- Check discharge and backup power
System or maintenance failure
A pump, alarm, valve, drain, power source or discharge route may not perform as expected.
- Test and inspect
- Keep access clear
- Maintain records
Property-level protection
Use layers that match the identified risk.
Backwater valves, sump pumps, battery backup, alarms, barriers, downspout changes and drainage improvements perform different functions. No single measure makes a home flood-proof.
A useful homeowner plan explains why a measure is being considered, what it does not address, how it is maintained and what official requirements apply.
Funding and recovery
Prevention rebates and disaster assistance are not the same.
Municipal rebates may support eligible preventive work before or after defined conditions. Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians is activated only for specified areas after qualifying natural events and has separate applicant, insurance, damage and deadline rules.
Use official sources before signing a contract, assuming eligibility or relying on an advertised maximum.
Build a homeowner plan
Move from concern to an informed next step.
RSM provides education and resource navigation, not a guarantee of risk elimination or programme approval.
Frequently asked questions
Clarify the homeowner journey.
Where should a homeowner begin?
Begin by identifying how water may enter or affect the property: sewer backup, overland flow, groundwater, drainage, plumbing failure or another pathway.
Will a backwater valve prevent every basement flood?
No. A backwater valve addresses certain backflow risks and does not solve every form of flooding.
Are municipal rebates guaranteed?
No. Programmes vary and municipal or regional authorities determine eligibility and approval.
What should I do after flood damage?
Prioritize safety, contact your insurer, document damage and expenses, follow official local instructions and check whether provincial assistance has been activated for your area.
Next steps
Take an informed next step
Use education and official programme information before choosing a product or provider.