Rainproofing Checklist for Homeowners

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Follow these ten easy steps to keep your home and basement dry during heavy rainfall:

1. Grab an umbrella and go outside during a heavy rain to see how and where the water flows from the eaves, downspouts, and paved surfaces.
2. Make sure the ground around the foundation slopes away. Re-grade all areas (paved or landscaped) to ensure water flows away.
3. Clean eavestroughs in the fall after leaves have fallen and again in June after seeds and flowers have dropped.
4. Consider a permeable option when driveways, parking lots or other paved areas need resurfacing.
5. Redirect downspouts and rain barrel overflows onto a permeable surface (lawn, garden or infiltration feature) at least 2.4m (8’) away and down slope from the foundation.
6. Clear storm drains on your street regularly, especially before heavy storms and during spring melt.
7. Schedule an inspection by a licensed plumber to determine if you have sewer backflow prevention – if not, have it installed. At the same time ask the plumber to use a CCTV camera to check sewer laterals for blockage from tree roots and/or fats and other solids that go down the drain.
8. When renovating basement areas, choose flooring and wall finish options that are not absorbent, like ceramic tiles (avoid carpet, drywall and paperboard), and use area rugs that can be removed for drying and cleaning.
9. Choose basement furniture that is elevated on legs to avoid absorbing water during flooding or infiltration.
10. Keep all stored goods and electrical devices elevated on shelves off the basement floor.

If you have redirected downspouts and improved grading and are still experiencing infiltration, have a sump hole and pump installed to drain water from foundation weeping tile. Maintain it regularly and replace when necessary. During rain events, check periodically that the sump pump is operating properly (when you are away, arrange for a friend or neighbor to do this for you). If you are at high risk of infiltration, do not finish your basement for living. Remove absorbent items (furniture, carpet, boxes) to a dry location upstairs. 

Check out our related resource, 10 Steps to Rainproofing Commercial & Institutional Properties.

Want to Learn More About Our Green Infrastructure Initiatives?

These resources were developed as part of our award-winning RAIN Community Solutions program, a collaborative initiative led by Green Communities Canada and our member organizations from 2010 to 2021/2022. The program aimed to advance green stormwater infrastructure (also known as low impact development), restore the urban water cycle, and reduce runoff pollution. RAIN received national recognition, including the 2015 Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence and the 2014 Council of the Federation Excellence in Water Stewardship Award.

Now a legacy program, RAIN has been integrated into our broader green infrastructure work through  Living Cities Canada, where our commitment to advancing sustainable, community-led stormwater solutions continues. Visit our Green Infrastructure webpage to learn more.