homeowners' flood prevention guide

7/31/2019 Homeowners' Flood Prevention Guide

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The Hmewners Guidet Fld Preventin

HOW TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS and MAINTAIN YOUR HOMES DRAINAGE SYSTEMS


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The Homeowners Guide to Flood Prevention is part o Flood Proo, the City o Edmontons Drainage Services FloodPrevention Program. It was developed as a direct response to the ooding o 4,000 Edmonton homes in July o 2004.For more inormation on the program, log on to www.edmonton.ca/oodprevention

Part o the Flood Proo program includes a ree service called the Home Flood Prevention Checkup. A drainage specialistcan help you identiy drainage problems and solutions right at your home. See Chapter 7 or more details.

2012 The City o Edmonton. Copyright o this publication, whether in print or electronic orm, is held by thepublisher. No person may reproduce copies o this publication or any purpose other than personal use without the

written consent o the publisher.

Tble Cntents

Intrductin .....................................1

Chapter 1:Understnding Dringe ................. 2

Home Drainage System

Municipal Drainage System

Chapter 2:Why Hmes Fld ............................7

Five Quick, Inexpensive Ways

To Get You Started

Chapter 3:Evestrughs nd Dwnsputs ..... 11

Chapter 4:Imprving Lt Grding .................. 14

Homemade Slope Gauge

Product Focus: Window Well

Be Kind to Your Neighbours

Chapter 5:

Bckwter Vlves, Weeping Tile

nd Sump Pumps ...........................19

Backwater Valves

Backwater Valve Subsidy Program

Weeping Tile

Permits

Sump Pumps

Chapter 6:Mintining Yur Hme

Dringe System ........................... 27

Outside

- Eavestroughs and Downspouts

- Splash Pads and Extensions

- Lot GradingInside

- Foundation Walls

- Sump Pump

- Backwater Valve

- Plumbing Fixtures

- Fats, Oils and Grease

Chapter 7:Resurces Tht Cn Help ............... 30

City o Edmonton

- Drainage Services Inormation

and Assistance

- Flood Prevention

Home Check-up

- Drainage and Sewer

Trouble Line

- Drainage Services Lot Grading

Plumbers and Landscapers

Do-it-yoursel Resources

Alberta Health Services

Chapter 8:

Glssry Terms .......................... 33


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Intrductin 1

Intrductin

Every year, millions o litres o water ow into the municipal

drainage system rom residential rootops and indoor plumbing.

Most people dont think about how the water is collected, or where

it goes. Its a dierent matter though when a torrential storm comes,

the drainage system alters or there is water in the basement.

Water damage rom ooding costs time, money and inconvenience.Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk.

Prevention and maintenance are the keys. Looking at your home now

and fxing any problem areas beore the next major rainstorm can save

you a lot o grie.

The Homeowners Guide to Flood Prevention contains inormation

that can help you identiy problem areas and properly upgrade, repair

or maintain your homes drainage system. This booklet is flled with

practical drainage tips and projects that you can do yoursel.

Details o various projects, relative costs and degrees o difculty are

provided throughout. Even i you preer to hire a proessional, this

booklet oers knowledge and insights that may help you make a more

inormed choice. It is recommended that you obtain three quotes and

ask or reerences, particularly i you are unamiliar with the companyor individual.

Defnitions o words or phrases highlighted in bold can be ound in

the Glossary o Terms in Chapter 8.


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The Hmewners Guide t Fld Preventin2

Chapter 1

Understnding Dringe

Hme Dringe System

In any City, private and public drainage systems work together to

channel and move sanitary andstormwater saely away rom homes

and neighbourhood streets. The private system is the responsibility o

residential and commercial property owners. The public system is owned

and operated by the municipality, in this case the City o Edmonton.

Various servicing scenarios exist in the City and each property has unique

connection requirements based on the available drainage system in

the area.

The SanitarySewer Main deals with all water disposed o inside the

home. Water rom showers, toilets, sinks, dishwashers, clothes washers

and oor drains is channelled to a pipe under your basement oor. Thispipe is connected to a larger sanitary sewer pipe located under the street

or the back lane.

The Storm Sewer Main deals with roo and surace water that comes

rom rainall or snowmelt. Sloped lawns and driveways direct water

rom the roo and the ground to the street or the back lane, where

catch basins are located. The catch basins are connected to large

undergroundstormwater pipes (See Figure 2 and 3).

Water that seeps through the ground is collected by weeping tile located

at the bottom o your homes oundation. Weeping tile is either connected

to a sump pump, which sends excess water up to the surace, or to a

sewer pipe under your basement oor (See Figure 2 and 3).

Some properties in Edmonton have a separate storm service. In these

homes, roodownspouts are connected to a stand pipe. This pipe goes

into the ground and sends the water to a larger stormwater pipe located

under the street or the back lane (See Figure 2).

The ollowing three fgures show common service connections at

dierent stages in the Citys development.


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Chpter 1: Understnding Dringe 3

Note: Homes built in this era may have weeping tile connection to the

sanitary service and to a Combined Sewer Main. Downspouts may have

been connected to a homes Sanitary Service pipe. However, this type o

connection has not been allowed in the City o Edmonton since 1988.

Contact Drainage Services at 780-496-5444 or email

[email protected] or connection requirements.

Figure 1: Typical service connection prior to 1960 Cmbined Sewer Min

CombinedSewer Manhole

Sanitary Service

InternalPlumbingStac

Combined Sewer Main

Catch Basin


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Note: Some properties in this era did not have storm services constructed to

the property line and roo water may spill to the surace.

Contact Drainage Services at 780-496-5444 or email

[email protected] or connection requirements.

Figure 2: Typical Service Connection Between 1960 1988

Separate Storm Sewer Main and Separate Sanitary Sewer Main

StormManhole

Catchbasin

SanitaryManhole

InternalPlumbingStac

DownspoutConnectionto Standpipe

StormStandpipe

Weeping TileGravity Connectionto Sanitary Service

StormService

StormSewerMain

SanitarySewerMain

Sanitary

Service


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Stormwater Management Lae

Dry pond

Outall

Municipl Dringe System

The sanitary sewer main collectssewage and grey water and sends

it to either the EPCOR Gold Bar

Wastewater Treatment Plant or the

Alberta Capital Region Wastewater

Treatment Plant or processing.

At the plants, the solid waste is

removed and the water is cleanedbeore being released into the North

Saskatchewan River.

The stormwater system collects

rainwater and snowmelt and channels

it via pipes or overland routes to dry

ponds, stormwater managementlakes, creeks, ravines, or directly into

the North Saskatchewan River. Since

about 1980, stormwater management

lakes to service new Edmonton

neighbourhoods

have been mandatory.

A combined sewer main exists in

Edmonton neighbourhoods built

beore the 1960s. The combined

sewer main collects sanitary and

stormwater in the same pipe and

sends it to the EPCOR Gold Bar

Wastewater Treatment Plant or

processing.


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Chpter 2: Why Hmes Fld 7

Chapter 2

Why Hmes Fld

Edmonton gets about 345

millimetres (14 inches) o rain

each year. Most o this comes

in the orm o thundershowers

or summer storms, any one o

which can drop a large amount

o water in a concentrated

area in a short period o time.

When a major rainstorm hits,

the huge volume o water

that occurs can overwhelm

drainage systems and cause

ooding. Snow poses a similar

threat in the spring i there is a

rapid snowmelt.

During a rainstorm, the pressure on your home drainage and the

municipal drainage systems increases dramatically. The condition

and capacity o these systems are equally important in managing wet

weather. Blocked or broken pipes, poorlot grading, excess hail andother actors can restrict the ow o water substantially increasing the

risk o ooding.

In Edmonton, the municipal stormwater drainage system design

standard is one in fve years. This means the system can handle any

typical rainstorm but could have its capacity exceeded, on average,

once every fve years. This is based on historical weather patterns.The municipal sanitary system design is based on sewage ows, plus

an allowance or water that gets into the system during wet weather.


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When the volume o stormwater exceeds the municipal systems

capacity, surace pooling occurs. Some o this excess water alsofnds its way into the sanitary system. This creates added pressure

on sanitary pipes, including those exiting rom homes. Since 1988,

City o Edmonton bylaws have required that each new home have a

backwater valve to protect against sewer backup.

Lot grading must have a positive slope o 10 to 15 cm (4 6 inches)

to a minimum o 1.5 to 2 metres(5 6 eet) away rom the

homes oundation. Also note

that grading near a common

property line must not impact

adjacent lots. Also, downspout

extensions orsplash pads,

window wells (where required)

and weeping tile connected

to a sump pit (in some cases)

are recommended.

Oten, homes that ood are

missing one or more o these

components or the components

are ound to be in poor working

order. The location o a home

can also make a dierence. For

example, homes built in low

lying areas or next to lakes have

a greater ood risk, as surace

and groundwater will naturally

drain to these areas. Other oodrisk actors include lot elevation,

style o home, servicing

elevation, surace conditions and water drainage rom neighbouring

properties.

Water near a oundation.


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Chpter 2: Why Hmes Fld 9

Homeowner behaviour during

a storm can also increase therisk o ooding. For example,

washing clothes, taking a

shower, running the dishwasher

and ushing your toilets adds

water to a system that may

already be overloaded. The

water may have nowhere togo but up your oor drain and

into your basement. This is

particularly true i you have

a backwater valve. The valve

is designed to close during

extreme conditions and keep

outside water rom getting in.When this happens, water rom

the inside also cant get out.

Many people orget to put

their downspout extensions

down beore it rains. A long

downspout extension is o no

value when its propped up

against the side o the house.

I you have a sump pump,

double check to see that it is

plugged in and the breaker is

on during a storm. More than

one homeowner has searched

or the cause o a oodedbasement only to discover the

sump pump lacked the power

to perorm.

Flushing a toilet during a stormcan increase food ris

Downspout and grading problem.


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Five Quick, Inexpensive Wys T Get Yu Strted

An assessment o your home drainage system may have pointedout a number o defciencies. So where do you start? Here are some

quick, inexpensive actions you can take that will make a dierence in

reducing your ood risk.

1 Plug the leaks. A ladder, silicone, and time are all you need to sealholes or cracks in youreavestroughs, downspouts, downspout

extensions, sidewalks, patio and driveway.

2 Repair or replace downspout extensions. This might be a mattero simply putting down the extension thats already there or putting

back the splash pad. Purchasing and installing extensions or splash

pads is inexpensive but very important in getting water away rom

oundation walls. Do not direct the downspout extensions towards a

neighbouring property.

3 Clean your eavestroughs and downspouts. The downspoutextensions have little value i leaves and other debris are preventing

water rom getting down the downspout. A gloved hand (or garden

spade), ladder and garden hose are what you need to get the job done.

4 Backfll under steps and decks.This is oten the weak spot in lotgrading. Dirt and some shovel work is all it takes to fll the depression

and get the ground sloping downhill away rom the house again.

5 Top up sunken areas around the oundation.Ground around yourbasement settles over time. Raising that up with some dirt and shovel

work will re-establish a positive slope (grade) again at little or no cost.

Consulting with adjacent property owners is very important when

re-grading between homes.


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Chpter 3: Evestrughs nd Dwnsputs 11

Chapter 3

Evestrughs nd Dwnsputs

On any property, the frst point o

deence in dealing eectively with

rapid snowmelt or a rainstorm is the

eavestroughs anddownspouts. Just 10

mm (0.4 inches) o rain on the roo o

an average sized bungalow generates

1,200 litres o runo. Catching water

rom the roo and directing it away

rom the walls o the house are critical

actors in keeping your basement dry. Eavestroughs, also known as

rain gutters, are located directly below the rooine o your home.

Eavestroughs catch roo runo and channel it to downspouts that are

normally located at the bottom corners o the roo.

The standard residential eavestrough

or downspout is our or fve inches

wide. They are made o plastic

or aluminium but plastic is more

commonly used, as it is sturdier and

easier to work with. They come in onestandard length but can be easily cut

to the desired size. Elbows, end caps,

Ts and straight connectors are all pre-

cast so any roo size or shape can be accommodated.

Eavestroughs and downspouts should be cleaned regularly o leaves

and debris so water ow is not blocked. Special hard mesh screenscan be purchased to sit on top o eavestroughs to prevent leaves and

large objects rom entering. You can test the eectiveness o your

eavestroughs by pouring water at the end urthest away rom the

downspout. I water leaks out or pools at any point you need to clean,

repair or replace it.


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Eavestroughs should direct water

on a gentle slope down towards thedownspout. Use a level inside the

eavestrough to check that the downhill

grade is consistent rom one end o

the eavestrough to the downspout.

Sometimes a sagging eavestroughcan

be repositioned to prevent pooling and

re-establish the grade. I this is notpossible, replace it.

Eavestrough leaks typically occur

at joints. Fortunately, they can be

repaired quickly and easily with

silicone. Silicone comes in a tube and

is usually clear or white. Once dry, it

is water resistant and stands up well to

extreme temperatures. When repairing

a leak, do it rom the inside o the

eavestrough. Make sure the surace

is clean and dry beore applying

the silicone.

The eavestrough should be replaced i the leak is rom a large holeor crack. When replacing an eavestrough or downspout, make sure to

seal all connector joints and end caps with silicone.

Downspouts are hollow pipes that

take water rom the eavestrough and

channel it to the ground. Ideally, the

downspout should end in an elbowand extension that directs the water

1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 6 eet) away rom

the house and towards the street or

back lane. The extension should be at

a 30 degree or more angle in relation


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Chpter 3: Evestrughs nd Dwnsputs 13

to the ground. In Edmonton, it must end at least 15 centimetres (six

inches) inside your property line. Make sure the water is not directedonto your neighbours property. You can be fned up to $1,000 or

discharging onto another property under provisions o the Surace

Drainage Bylaw.

Proessionals use downspout material or extensions. This is preerred

because they are durable and very eective in channelling water

away quickly. Leave the extension down all o the time or put itdown whenever rain is orecast. An alternative to hard downspout

material is a sot plastic extension. This type o extension rolls out

when it rains and can be purchased at home improvement stores. Any

extension should be checked regularly or leaks and to ensure that it is

unctioning properly.

Some side yards are too narrow to

allow or a long downspout extension.

In these cases, splash pads should be

used. Standard splash pads are two eet

long, are made o concrete or plastic,

and slope away rom the wall at 10%

slope. The downspout ends within a

ew inches o the splash pad, which in

turn directs the water away rom theoundation o the house.

Downspout extensions orsplash

pads should never be removed.

They protect you rom a number

o potential problems. Water along

the basement walls o your housecan seep through tiny cracks and

cause a damp, clammy basement.

Let unchecked, this can eventually

damage the oundation o your house.

Correct

Incorrect


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Water that seeps down your basement walls and into yourweeping

tile can overload the sanitary sewer system, causing a sewer backup.It may create extra work or your sump pump, i you have one, and

could cause pump ailure under severe conditions.

An Exception to the Rule: In many older Edmonton homes,

roo downspouts are directly connected to an underground

separate Storm Service pipe. In these cases, disconnecting aroo downspout rom the pipe may not have much impact in

reducing a ood risk. In act, it may increase the risk i the lot

is not properly graded to drain water away rom the home, or it

can create drainage issues or complaints rom a neighbour. Some

newer properties that have a Storm Service available must have

the downspouts connected. For servicing inormation or your

property please call the Water and Sewer Servicing section oDrainage Services at 780-496-5444.

Chapter 4

Imprving Lt Grding

Properlot grading is one o the mostimportant things you can do to prevent

water rom getting into your home.

Since 1989, the City o Edmonton has

had a bylaw that requires all homes

in neighbourhoods to be graded

in accordance to an approvedlot

grading plan.

Lot grading starts at your basement

wall. Good eavestroughs, downspouts

and extensions help make your

outdoor drainage system better, but it


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Chpter 4: Imprving Lt Grding 15

cant make up or poorlot grading. Walk around your home and ensure

there is a minimum slope rom the wall. This includes under stairs,steps and decks. The dirt or sod should slope down rom the wall at a

continuous angle or at least 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 6 eet). I the surace

is decorative rock, bark or another porous material that lets water

through easily, take the measurement rom where the dirt begins.

The soil at your basement wall should be at least 15 centimetres

(6 inches) higher than the ground 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 6 eet). Use aslope gauge (see box) to see i the

angle o the slope is adequate.

Place the long end o your slope

gauge against the basement wall

and the shorter end on the ground.The horizontal board should

be level. I it is not, add soil at

the basement wall until level

is achieved.

Once it is level, fll in the space

underneath the slope gauge all theway to the end. Use this as a guide

or backflling all the way around

your home. Pack down the soil with a shovel or your oot. Check

every 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 6 eet) with your slope gauge to make sure

the angle is still right.

Hmemde Slpe Guge

Its easy to make a slope

gauge. Cut a 2x4 into one

fve oot length and one

six inch length. Place the

shorter piece vertically on

end. Place the longer piece

horizontally on top. Nail

or screw the end o the

horizontal piece onto the

end o the shorter piece. Tie

or place a level on top o the

horizontal piece and you are

ready to go!

6


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Its important to backfll underneath your stairs, steps and decks as

well. Use the same angle as around the rest o the house, even i the

bottom stair or step is less than fve eet rom the basement wall.

Remember: Ground settles over time, particularly near

basement walls. You should check your grade every year and add

soil where necessary.


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Chpter 4: Imprving Lt Grding 17

Window wells should be used

where the bottom o a basementwindow is at or near ground level.

They not only allow or proper

grading but they also prevent

dirt rom rotting window sills. A

window well is a U-shaped ribbed,

light metal product that can be

purchased in most hardware stores.They come in various widths and

heights so measure your window

beore purchase.

The outer edges o the window well

should surround the window and

be tight against the basement wall.

The bottom o the window well

should be at least a oot below the

bottom o the window sill. The area

inside the window well should be

cleared o dirt and backflled with

loose gravel or rock. This should

be done rom the bottom o the

well to three to six inches below

the bottom o the window sill. This

will allow water to easily drain and flter down to the oundation

weeping tile. The dirt or sod on the outside o the window sill should

be graded like the remainder o the house.

In some cases, houses may have existing window wells that dontdrain properly. In extreme cases, a pipe may have to be inserted

that runs directly rom the bottom o your window well towards

your weeping tile. Seek the advice o a proessional beore doing

such work.

Windw Wells

Variouswidthsand

heights. Measure your

basement window beore

purchase.

Galvanizedsteel

construction.

Easytoinstall.

Prduct Fcus


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Be Kind t Yur Neighburs

The sloping o your lot must ollowthe same rules as downspout

extensions (see Chapter 3). Water

should be directed to the back alley

or the street, and not into your

neighbours yard. This can be tricky

when the space between houses is

narrow. One solution is or you andyour neighbour to create slope down

towards a common property line. This

creates a swale that can then channel

water towards the alley or the street.

Your property may not allow or

this. For example, you may have aretaining wall or high ground at the

property line. In such cases, you can

create an internal swale. This means

having a slope rom the house and a slope rom the high ground meet

in the middle o the yard. This swale can then be directed to channel

water towards the alley or the street.


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Chpter 5: Bckwter Vlves, Weeping Tile nd Sump Pumps 19

In some cases, a neighbours

property may have the rightgrading but be lower than yours. A

retaining wall along the property

line is a good solution to this

problem. This can be done in

ront o an existing ence or other

eature you dont want disturbed.

The wall allows you to create aninternal swale that can saely

channel water away.

It is always best i neighbours can discuss and resolve lot grading

issues together. City o Edmonton Lot Grading Inspectors can

investigate complaints or concerns about surace water drainage.

They also will visit your home i you have any doubts about what to

do about lot grading.

Chapter 5

Bckwter Vlves, Weeping Tile nd Sump Pumps

Flood prevention devices like backwater valves andsump pumpscan be valuable home drainage assets but not everyone needs one.

Consider your entire home drainage system, what type o home you

have, where you live, method o servicing and your ooding history

beore rushing out to buy and install these devices.

MAIN STACk

BASEMENT FLOOR

BaCKWaTER VaLVE INSTaLLaTIoN

*Note: or conceptual purposes only. May vary with each home.

FLOOR DRAIN BACkWATER VALVE

FOUNDATION WALL

CLEAN-OUT

BASEMENT

FOOTING

SANITARY SERVICE

RetainingWall

Internaldrainageswale


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Bckwter VlveSubsidy Prgrm

Since 1991, the City o

Edmonton has oered a

backwater valve purchase

and installation subsidy

program. Homes that suer

sanitary sewer backup duringa storm event are eligible or

the program.

There is a maximum

allowable reimbursement

amount and an approval is

required beore installation.Contact Drainage Services

at 780-496-5454 or email

[email protected]

to fnd out more details about

the program.

Bckwter Vlves

A backwater valve sits inside ahomes branch or main sanitary

sewer line. Its job is to prevent

sewage rom returning up a

sanitary sewer line and entering

the basement. It is an eective

last line o deence and is

recommended or all homes thatare at risk o ooding.

There are two types o backwater

valves. Both work well, but it is

important to install the right one.

The sanitary service line entering

a home needs aventedbackwatervalve. Branch lines coming o the

main line need anon-ventedvalve.

You may need more than one valve

depending on your homes internal

plumbing. A qualifed plumber can

test your system and recommend

the correct installation.

During a storm, sanitary

wastewater trying to ow back into a home causes the backwater

valve to close its ap. This action prevents sewage rom re-entering

the home, but it also means water rom inside your home cant get out

until the valve reopens.

Remember: When the valve closes the sewer line, you should not

use the toilet, sink, shower, washer, dishwasher or anything else

that discharges wastewater. The wastewater will have nowhere to

go except up the oor drain and into your basement.


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Backwater valves need to be cleaned and maintained to work properly

(Chapter 6). Also, older backwater valves have metal aps (brass andcast iron). Cast iron appers can corrode over time which can cause

them to stick. Once this occurs, they should be replaced with a valve

that has a plastic ap.

Weeping Tile

Weeping tile is a perorated plastic

pipe that surrounds the oundation

o a home. It sits in a bed o gravel.

This allows excess groundwater to

seep into it. This water is channelled

to a sump pump, or the sanitary

sewer system, or the stormwater

sewer system, depending on the age

o the home.

For development prior to 1988,

weeping tile ows were directed

to the sanitary sewer main and

combined sewer main. As o 1988,

new development is required to

direct weeping tile to the oundationservice where available.

Installing or repairing weeping tile

is expensive but necessary in some cases. For example, weeping tile

that is collapsed or clogged by debris should be repaired to prevent

damage to the oundation and basement walls. You should seek

proessional advice rom a plumber or qualifed contractor beoremaking any decisions.

Permits

Adding drainage

components like a backwater

valve and weeping tile

requires a plumbing permit

rom the City o Edmonton.

Call 311 or all permits.


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Sump Pumps

Over 60,000 homes in theEdmonton region may need

their sump pumps replaced in

the next fve years. Yours may

be one o them.

The majority o homes built

since 1988 have a sumppump. A working pump

plays an important part in

ood prevention, channelling

groundwater out and away rom the home. I your home was built

ater 1988, you should be aware o the condition o your pump and

whether it needs replacing. A good quality pump should last around

10 years, depending on how oten it is working and the acidity anddirtiness o the water.

How can you fnd out whether you need a new pump? I you need to

replace it, what should you look or in a new pump?

Finding nd Testing Yur Sump Pump

Dierent manuacturers have

dierent recommendations

or testing and maintaining

your pump. Some recommend

running the pump every

two to three months, others

recommend a yearly test.

Follow any recommendationsprovided by the manuacturer.

The pump should be located

in a shallow pit orsump

at the lowest point in your basement. Once youve located the

DISCHARGE PIPE

ELECTRICAL SUPPLY

CHECk VALVE

SUMP LINER

WEEPING TILE

SUMP PUMPINSTaLLaTIoNaND DISCHaRGE

LINE CONNECTEDTO SUMP

SUMP PUMP

*Note: or conceptual purposes only. May vary with each home.


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pump, you can perorm a simple 3-step test to ensure the pump is

working properly:

1 Check to make sure power is running to the pump circuit.

2 Pour enough water into the sump pit or the pump to begin working.

3 Check the outside pipe to ensure that water is owing rom thedischarge line outside your home. In some cases, the pump may

seem to run but not pump water.

I you test the pump and it is not working properly:

Checkfordebrisblockingthesuctionintake.

Listenforstrangenoisescomingfromthemotor.

Checkforoilinthesumpwell(mayindicateafailedpumpseal).

Iftheactivatingswitchforthepumpworksonaoat,checkthat

the oat is not restricted.

Depending on the problems you encounter you may want to consider

getting your sump pump serviced or replaced.

Caution: Maintenance should be done by a qualifed technician.

other Fctrs

Freezing: I your pump is operating during reezing weather there is

a risk o reezing and line blockage. To prevent problems it is best to

disconnect outside hoses prior to winter.

Recycling: I water rom your

sump hose discharges too close

to your oundation, the water may

recycle and end up back in your

system, possibly endangering

your oundation.


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Wht t Lk r When Replcing Yur Sump Pump

There are some basic criteria or choosing a pump: size or capacity,pump type and horsepower. There are other actors specifc to your

home that may also inuence your choice o pump, such as the

volume o water your drainage system has to handle or the amount o

grit in the water. In the end, you have to balance your needs with how

much you want to pay. You can buy a cheaper pump but dont expect it

to perorm as long or as well. A higher quality pump is built rom top

quality components.

Horsepower (hp)

Minimum1/3hprecommended.

Size/Capacity/Perormance

Makesuretosizeyourpumpproperlytoensuregreatestefciency.

Getinformationonthepumpcapacity(theamountofwaterpumped in gallons per minute) and the height and distance the

water needs to travel (reerred to as head).

Toavoidclogging,thepumpshouldbeabletopassstonesofupto

10 millimetres through the pipes.

Pumpingheadshouldbeaminimumofapproximately10feet.

Dischargelineshouldbe11/4inchpipe.

Pump Type, Back-up Systems and Alarms

Commontypes:submersible,pedestalandwater-powered.

Submersibleismostcommon.

Pedestaltypemaybebetterinhighlycorrosiveareas.

Water-poweredpumpsarenotasefcientaselectric.

Itisagoodideatohaveaback-upsystem(waterpoweredorbattery)

or an alarm to warn you i your pump ails.

Back-upsystems:water-poweredorbattery.


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Quality

Pumps are tested against general standards and rated accordingly.Beore purchasing a pump, check whether the pump meets CSA

standards and displays a CSA Approved sticker.

Sump Pit Requirements

I your sump pit is incorrectly sized, it will aect the operation o the

pump. The pump is most efcient when it is working at its optimal

ow rate, based on the capacity o the pit. The Citys building code

sets out minimum requirements or sump pit size:

Pit depth: 750 mm

Pit area: 0.25 square meters (0.56 m diameter or circular sumps)

A sump pit cover is required, and should be child-proo.


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Purchsing Checklist

(use to compare models you are considering or purchase)

FeatureMinimumrequirement

Model: Model: Model:

Horsepower (hp) rated 1/3 hp

Pump capacity(gallons per minute)

specifc to eachhome

Pump head (sumplevel to pipe exitrom home)

approx. 10 to 12 t.

Solids handling allows stones upto 10 mm to pass

Discharge line size 1 1/4 inch pipe

Check valve recommended

Back-up system /alarm

recommended

Warranty generally 1-2 years

Approved byCanadian StandardsAssociation

recommended


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Chpter 6: Mintining Yur Hme Dringe System 27

Chapter 6

Mintining Yur Hme Dringe System

Regular maintenance o your home drainage system can oten be the

dierence between staying dry or being ooded. Once a year, it is a

good idea to evaluate the condition o your system inside and out. I

you fnd a problem, make fxing it a priority.

Remember: Most ooding on private property is caused by the

ailure o one or more home drainage components.

This chapter provides a maintenance checklist you should review each

year. I you are unsure o what to do, call a proessional.

outside

Eavestroughs and Downspouts

Clean leaves and debris rom

inside the eavestrough and

downspouts.

Tighten elbows and other

connections. Caulk and seal any leaks.

Repair or replace sagging, badly

dented or cracked sections.

Splash Pads and Extensions

Reconnect any loose pads or extensions.

Replace badly dented extensions.

Check sot plastic, roll out extensions or leaks and to determine i

they work properly.

Poor repair o an eavestrough


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Lot Grading

Check the slope rom thebasement wall.

Check or settling, particularly

under stairs and decks.

Raise any low spots.

Look or cracks or spaces

on driveways, sidewalks and

patios that are next to the oundation wall. Caulk or waterproowhere needed.

Inside

Foundation Walls

Check or moisture along the walls

and the oor.

Fill and seal any visible cracks.

Sump Pump

Check or power.

Test the pump by pouring water

into the pump well.

Check the outside pipe to confrm water is owing towards the

street or back lane.

Check and repair any leaks in the sump pump pipe. Disconnect sump pump discharge hose in winter conditions to

avoid reezing in the line.

Backwater Valve

Open the top and clean out any debris.

Check the apper. Make sure it is moving reely.

Plumbing Fixtures

Maintain proper water levels in traps in oor drains and toilets to

minimize odours.


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Chpter 6: Mintining Yur Hme Dringe System 29

Fts, oils, nd Grese - Stre it, dnt pur it.

Pouring ats, oils, and grease (FOG) down your drain can cause

signifcant problems in your home sewer system as the FOG

solidifes in your pipes and causes sewer back up. The result can

be property damage and considerable expense and

inconvenience to you and to the City.

Store your used ats and grease in a disposablecontainer. When it is ull, put it in the garbage.

Used cooking oil should be cooled and put into

a covered plastic bottle, labeled, and put out or

garbage collection. I you need to dispose o our

or more litres o used cooking oil, take it to an

Eco Station.


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Chapter 7

Resurces Tht Cn Help

There are a number o people and organizations that can help you

i you are concerned, or need help with your home drainage system.

TheCityofEdmonton

www.edmonton.ca/oodprevention

This website contains education and program support inormation

related to ood prevention. More details concerning the ollowing

services can be ound there.

DrainageServicesInformationandAssistance

780-496-5454

Call this number during ofce hours to get reerrals to questions youmay have about drainage concerns, inspections, or programs and

services oered by the Drainage Services Branch.

FloodPreventionHomeCheck-up

780-944-7777

The Home Flood Prevention Check-up isree and available to all

Edmonton residential homeowners, provided that the property hasnot recently received a Final Grade Approval (in the last fve years).

One call schedules a drainage specialist to come to your home or a

one-on-one drainage assessment. Using an evaluation checklist, the

specialist helps you identiy any defciencies inside and outside your

home, and provides recommendations on what to do to minimize your

risk o ooding.

The service operates rom spring to all weather permitting. Check-

ups can be scheduled weekdays and evenings.


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Chpter 7: Resurces Tht Cn Help 31

DrainageandSewerTroubleLine

311

This is a 24-hour emergency response service that you should call:

Ifyouareexperiencingadrainageproblemonyourproperty.

Ifyouseeadrainageproblemonthestreet.

Ifyougetanybasementoodingasaresultofarainstorm.

Ifyouconsistentlysmellsewerodourscomingfromacatchbasin

or manhole.

DrainageServicesLotGrading

780-496-5576

www.edmonton.ca/lotgrading

Call this number or all lot grading concerns. Ater normal business

hours this number will call orward to a voice mail system; provide

your contact inormation to receive a call back rom a grading

specialist to answer questions and provide grading advice. Basedon the situation, a lot grading inspector may visit your home to help

you deal with any unusual grading issues or to help you resolve a

grading problem.

DrainageServicesWaterandSewerServicing

780-496-5444

Call this number during ofce hours or inormation regarding waterand sewer service connection requirements in the City o Edmonton.

PlumbersandLandscapers

I you would like proessional help correcting a drainage problem,

look to proessional plumbers and landscapers or help. Lists o

plumbers or landscapers can be ound in the Yellow Pages or by

contacting the Better Business Bureau o Central and Northern

Alberta at 780-482-2341 or www.edmonton.bbb.org. The Better

Business Bureau can provide you with company reports 24 hours a

day. Regardless o whom you contact, its a good idea to get three

estimates and reerences beore choosing a contractor.


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Do-it-yourselfResources

I you plan on doing the work yoursel, you can get a lot o supportand inormation rom hardware, home improvement and plumbing

supply stores. Many o the sta are trade proessionals and are usually

more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise with you.

AlbertaHealthServices780-735-1800

www.albertahealthservices.ca

Leaky or ooded basements may become a health risk i clean-up is

not done quickly and correctly. This environmental health services

unit can provide inormation and advice in response to inquiries about

potential health risks.

Environmental Public Health Services

Note: There are two locations in Edmonton

HSBC Building

10055 106 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2Y2

Telephone: 780-735-1800 (Call or inspector availability)

Coronation Plaza14310 111 Avenue NW

Edmonton, Alberta T5M 3Z7

Telephone: 780-342-0122 (Call or inspector availability)


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Chpter 8: Glssry Terms 33

Chapter 8

Glssry Terms

Backwater valve

A backwater valve is located in a houses sanitary sewer line. The

valve closes under pressure, preventing sewage rom returning up the

line and back into the home.

Catch basin

A catch basin collects stormwater rom the street through an open

metal grate and channels it to an underground stormwater pipe. Below

street level is a trap where sand, gravel and other material is captured

or removal.

Combined sewer main

A combined sewer main collects both stormwater and wastewater in

the same pipe. Since about 1960, combined sewers are no longer built

in Edmonton.

Downspout

A downspout is a length o pipe that is connected to an eavestroughand runs vertically rom the roo to the ground.

Downspout extension

A downspout extension is a length o pipe that is connected to the

bottom o the downspout and runs at a downward angle away rom

a building.

Dry pond

A dry pond is a man-made depression created to capture surace

runo during major rains.


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Eavestrough

An eavestrough is attached directly below the rooine. It collectsstormwater rom the roo and channels it to a downspout.

Foundation service

An underground sewer pipe that connects a private oundation

drainage system (weeping tile) to a storm sewer main. This type o

service is designed to collect subsurace ows and groundwater only.

Grey water

Grey water is the relatively clean waste rom baths, sinks, washing

machines, and other kitchen appliances.

Internal swale

A swale designed to handle surace water entirely within a property.

Lot grading

Lot grading reers to the way in which the surace o a property is

sloped, particularly rom the walls o a building to the property line.

Lot grading plans

Lot grading plans are engineered drainage designs or neighbourhoodsspeciying design elevations, surace grades, lot types, swale locations

and other drainage related inormation required or lot grading.

These plans are approved by Drainage Services on behal o City

Council and enorced under provisions o the Surace Drainage Bylaw

No. 11501.

Rain gutter

A rain gutter is another name or eavestrough.


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Chpter 8: Glssry Terms 35

Sanitary service

An underground sewer pipe that connects a private sanitary drainagesystem to a sanitary sewer main. This type o service is designed to

collect sewage and wastewater.

Sanitary sewer main

A sanitary sewer main collects sewage and grey water rom homes

and businesses and directs it to a plant or treatment.

Slope

A slope is any inclined portion o ground or earth that directs water in

a specifc direction.

Splash pad

A splash pad is a concrete or plastic channel that can be attachedto the side o a building and sits at an angle under a downspout. It

channels stormwater rom the downspout away rom the building.

Storm service

An underground sewer pipe that connects a private stormwater

drainage system to a storm sewer main. This type o service is

designed to collect surace and subsurace ows resulting romrainwater and snow melt.

Storm sewer main

The storm sewer main collects rainwater and snowmelt and channels

it via pipes to creeks, ravines, dry ponds, stormwater lakes or the

North Saskatchewan River.

Stormwater

Stormwater means any surace runo that is the result o natural

precipitation.


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Stormwater management lake

A stormwater management lake is a body o water that is designatedto collect and contain stormwater rom a surrounding area. The lake

may be natural or man-made.

Sump

A basement sump is a pit in the ground under the basement oor that

collects excess groundwater rom weeping tile or surrounding soil.

Sump pump

A sump pump is a motorized mechanical device that keeps basements

dry by pumping excess water rom a sump to the surace.

Swale

A swale is a shallow, sloped channel in the ground that conveys waterin a specifc direction.

Weeping tile

Weeping tile is a perorated pipe that surrounds the oundation o a

home and collects excess groundwater. In some homes, this excess

water is released to a sump pump, which carries it to the surace.

Window well

A window well is a corrugated metal product that surrounds a

basement window at or below ground level. Installation allows or

proper lot grading around the basement window.


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37

Notes


40/40

Fr mre inrmtin n the Fld Prng prgrm

cll 780-496-5454 r emil [email protected].

The 24-hur Dringe nd Sewer Truble line cn be ccessed by clling 311.

www.edmntn.c/fdpreventin

Flooding caused by heavy precipitation, melting snow, or runo may pose

problems or all kinds o properties. Older and newer houses may be at risk

or ooding i proper precautions are not taken. The City encourages all

builders and homeowners to take preventive measures to avoid ooding. This

booklet contains inormation on:

Why homes ood

Protecting your home from ooding

Eavestroughs, downspouts and weeping tile

Pipes, sump pumps and backwater valves Improving lot grading

Maintaining your home drainage system

homeowners' flood prevention guide

Documents