WEATHERING CHANGE

The backwater valve is part of the plumbing system and is located in the basement. Its simple open-close flap does an important job: making sure the municipal sewage system doesn't back up into the drains. You'll need to clean it as part of your seasonal routine in order for it to work properly. Here's how:

• Remove the cover and unscrew the access plug (note: if you have a cast iron valve with a bolted cover, it's best to have a plumber do it).
• Make sure the flap opens and closes freely. Remove any debris and check the condition of the gasket.
• Replace the flap and make sure there's nothing preventing it from opening and closing.
• Screw the access plug back on tightly and replace the cover.

Tip from the pros
Did you know that a more efficient, maintenance-free sewer back-up protection system is now on the market? This pneumatic system features a smart valve consisting of a balloon that automatically inflates and blocks the sewer pipe in the event of a back-up. It requires an additional investment to install, but it could prevent significant water damage due to sewer back-up and give you peace of mind.

If you have installed a pump, it is recommended that you occasionally check to see if it is working properly:

• Make sure the pump is on.
• Clean the tank (of any debris or dirt) to allow water to properly drain.
• Test the pump by pouring water into the tank; the pump should turn on automatically.

Tip from the pros
Add a battery-run safety pump so that water can continue to be pumped out in the event of a power failure.

This essential fixture can cause serious water damage. The best way to avoid the worst is to replace it at the smallest sign of wear.

Tip from the pros
Consider installing a water leak detection system connected to a shut-off valve. Leak detectors installed close to the water heater that use water automatically closes the water intake valve when a leak is detected. Ask your plumber.

Water, snow and ice accumulation can make your roof more vulnerable. Take advantage of the warmer weather to check your roof and repair minor issues in order to prevent possible water damage.

• Check the roof sheathing and repair any areas that are damaged.
• Check the condition of the metal flashing (e.g., around the chimney).
• Check the condition of the skylights.
• Check the sealing joints around openings.
• If your roof is flat, make sure that nothing is blocking the drain and the strainer that protects it.
• Check the condition of the chimney (masonry, metal, anchoring, cap or crown). Make sure that nothing is blocked in the chimney such as a branch or bird's nest.
• Check the attic for leaks.
• If you have a flat roof with multiple layers (asphalt and gravel), make sure that the gravel is completely covering the asphalt layer.

Be careful! Roof maintenance can be dangerous. If necessary, seek the help of a professional.

During winter, the weight of the ice and snow may have weakened your gutters, and they may be blocked by various debris. This is why spring maintenance is important. Here's what to do:

• Remove leaves that have accumulated in the gutters.
• Check that the gutters are securely attached.
• Pour water into the gutters to ensure that there are no leaks and the water is escaping down the drainpipe.

Heavy rain can lead to water seepage. That's why you should check these potential weak spots in the spring:

• Inspect door and window joints to ensure they are watertight.
• If needed, redo the caulking and replace the weatherstripping.

Make sure that the slope of the ground around your home is steep enough to move excess water flowing over the land away from the foundation. This will prevent your basement from becoming flooded.

Tip from the pros
A gentle 15 cm slope over a distance of 1.8 m (or 6 in. over 6 ft.) from the house will be sufficient to keep water away from the foundation.

Now that they are accessible again, do the following:

• Ensure that there is at least 20 cm (8 in.) between the window and the ground. If this is not possible, then add a window well.
• Get rid of any debris from the window wells that could prevent water from properly draining away from them.
• Make sure that the sealing joints around the windows are in good condition.

The accumulation of leaves or other debris can prevent the drain from working well. What should you do?

• Clear the grate of the drain in front of the door of any debris (e.g., leaves, ice, snow) in order to allow water to escape.
• Also clean the drain underneath the grate so that the drain is not obstructed.
• Move the gutter drainpipes that empty onto the slope of the garage entryway to prevent the drain from becoming overloaded.

The backwater valve is part of the plumbing system and is located in the basement. Its simple open-close flap does an important job: making sure the municipal sewage system doesn't back up into the drains. You'll need to clean it as part of your seasonal routine in order for it to work properly. Here's how:

• Remove the cover and unscrew the access plug (note: if you have a cast iron valve with a bolted cover, it's best to have a plumber do it).
• Make sure the flap opens and closes freely. Remove any debris and check the condition of the gasket.
• Replace the flap and make sure there's nothing preventing it from opening and closing.
• Screw the access plug back on tightly and replace the cover.

Tip from the pros
Did you know that a more efficient, maintenance-free sewer backup protection system is now on the market? This pneumatic system features a smart valve consisting of a balloon that automatically inflates and blocks the sewer pipe in the event of a backup. It requires an additional investment to install, but it could prevent significant water damage due to sewer backup and give you peace of mind.

If you have installed a pump, it is recommended that you occasionally check to see if it is working properly:

• Make sure the pump is on.
• Clean the tank (of any debris or dirt) to allow water to properly drain.
• Test the pump by pouring water into the tank; the pump should turn on automatically.

Tip from the pros
Add a battery-run safety pump so that water can continue to be pumped out in the event of a power failure.

This essential fixture can cause serious water damage. The best way to avoid the worst is to replace it at the smallest sign of wear.

Tip from the pros
Consider installing a water leak detection system connected to a shut-off valve. Leak detectors installed close to the water heater that use water automatically closes the water intake valve when a leak is detected. Ask your plumber.

Water, snow and ice accumulation can make your roof more vulnerable this winter. How can you prevent it from becoming damaged?

• Check the roof sheathing and repair any areas that are damaged.
• Check the condition of the metal flashing (e.g., around the chimney).
• Check the condition of the skylights.
• Check the sealing joints around openings.
• If your roof is flat, make sure that nothing is blocking the drain and the strainer that protects it.
• Check the condition of the chimney (masonry, metal, anchoring, cap or crown). Make sure that nothing is blocked in the chimney such as a branch or bird's nest.
• Check the attic for leaks.
• If you have a flat roof with multiple layers (asphalt and gravel), make sure that the gravel is completely covering the asphalt layer.

Be careful! Roof maintenance can be dangerous. If necessary, seek the help of a professional.

In autumn, gutters are often full of dead leaves and other debris carried by the wind. It is important to unblock the gutters to avoid overflow. Here is how:

• Remove leaves that have accumulated in the gutters.
• Check that the gutters are securely attached.
• Pour water into the gutters to ensure that there are no leaks and the water is escaping down the drainpipe.

Precipitation is typically heavier in autumn and winter. Rain, snow and ice accumulation increases the risk of water seepage. What should you be checking for?

• Inspect door and window joints to ensure they are watertight.
• If needed, redo the caulking and replace the weatherstripping.

Before the temperature drops below zero, you must protect the outdoor faucet against freezing. If your house has an outdoor frost-proof faucet, you have simply to ensure that it is firmly closed and remove the watering hose. However, if you have a conventional-type faucet, it is important to drain it to keep it from bursting. Here is how:

• Close the shut-off valve inside the house.
• Open the outside faucet in order to drain any water.
• Close the faucet and cover it for protection.

Make sure that the slope of the ground around your home is steep enough to move excess water flowing over the land away from the foundation. This will prevent your basement from becoming flooded.

Tip from the pros
A gentle 15 cm slope over a distance of 1.8 m (or 6 in. over 6 ft.) from the house will be sufficient to keep water away from the foundation.

Before the first snow accumulates:

• Ensure that there is at least 20 cm (8 in.) between the window and the ground. If this is not possible, then add a window well.
• Get rid of any debris from the window wells that could prevent water from properly draining away from them.
• Make sure that the sealing joints around the windows are in good condition.

The accumulation of leaves or other debris can prevent the drain from working well. What should you do?

• Clear the grate of the drain in front of the door of any debris (e.g., leaves, ice, snow) in order to allow water to escape.
• Also clean the drain underneath the grate so that the drain is not obstructed.
• Move the gutter drainpipes that empty onto the slope of the garage entryway to prevent the drain from becoming overloaded.