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CAAR Affiliate Member Gary Albert has provided us with a number of tips on home safety and improvement from the insurer’s point of view. As we have space, we will be including his and other affiliate tips in this newsletter to give our members good advice and perspective from the affiliate side of the table.

Reduce sewer and drain losses in your basement
Each year, sewer and drain backups cause millions of dollars in damage to homeowners. Prevention is the best solution to avoid the out-of-pocket expenses and inconvenience of a major clean-up.  Here are a few ways to avoid sewer and drainage back-up:

Make sure your drainage system is working properly.

• Gutter downspouts should extend at least 10 feet awar from the foundation of the hosue so water is carried away from the basement walls.
• Clear the gutters at least twice a year to prevent them from overflowing.
• Your yard should be graded to slope away from the house so surface water is drained away.
• If your gutters connect to storm sewers, keep the drain lines clear.

Anti-backflow devices reduce the chance of basement flooding. Several types of devices with manual and automatic operations are available:

• Check-valve devices allow water and sewage to flow away from the drain, preventing water and sewage from backing up into the drain.
• Gate-valve devices operate like a gate, closing and shutting off the water flow.

Sump pump systems assist in keeping out unwanted water. There are several types of pumps, including single pump and dual-level systems. A battery generator can be used to power the pump in case of a power failure. Remember to test your system monthly. It’s also important to make sure your sump pump outlet is not connected to your home’s main plumbing system.

Sometimes water still gets in. Items stored in basement areas should be on shelves or kept off the floor. The furniture should be on casters or shims and arranged away from the floor drains. 

Consult with a building code official or professional plumber for more steps you can take to reduce the chance of water damage to your home. Speak with your insurance professional about appropriate coverage in your homeowner’s policy.