Basement Flooding

If you have a basement, it is always at risk of flooding from surface water, storm water, groundwater, or sewage backup. While the risk from day to day is quite low, it still exists, especially during a heavy rainstorm or rapid snowmelts.

The best way to reduce the risk of flooding is to understand the causes of basement flooding and to take steps to protect your investment.

Is your basement flooding or your sewer backing up right now?

Be safe! Entering a wet basement could be hazardous. Visit our What do I do if my basement floods? page for a list of suggestions.

Report the flooding or backup to your insurance company.

Also report the flood or backup to the Town of Essex - 519-776-7336 (during office hours and after hours).

What do I need to know about basement flooding?

• What are the causes of basement flooding?
• How can I best protect my home?
• Essex Centre Basement Flooding Study (September 8, 2015)
• Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program Information and Application
• Downspout Disconnection Program

Where can I learn more about basement flooding and sewer backup?

• Handbook for Reducing Basement Flooding (©Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, 2009)
• Avoiding Basement Flooding (©Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 1996-2012)
• How to Reduce the Risk of Basement Flooding (YouTube video from the Insurance Bureau of Canada)
• Site Grading and Drainage to Achieve High-Performance Basements (©National Research Council of Canada, 2008)