Quick answer
Stay out of the water if it could reach outlets, cords or appliances. Once it is safe, stop more water coming in, take photos, and call your insurer. If water or sewage is coming up through floor drains or toilets, or a City storm drain or ditch near you is flooding, call the City of Surrey at 604-591-4152. Dry everything within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mould.
Heavy fall and winter rain is a normal part of life in Surrey and the rest of Metro Vancouver. Environment and Climate Change Canada reports that British Columbia and southeastern Alaska are hit by 30 to 40 atmospheric rivers each year on average, and most arrive in fall and winter. When the ground is soaked, water looks for any way into a basement.
Step 1: Stay safe around water and electricity
Safety: BC Hydro says: don't enter flooded basements that may have energized wires or appliances, and don't touch damp walls. BC Hydro also says to turn off the main power switch only if the building is dry. If you would have to stand in water to reach your electrical panel, stay out and call an electrician. If anyone is in danger, call 9-1-1.
- Do not plug in or use wet appliances, heaters or extension cords.
- BC Hydro warns that appliances or electrical systems damaged by flooding can be dangerous if they are used again before a licensed contractor inspects them.
- Wear rubber boots and gloves. Water that came from a sewer backup is dirty and can make you sick.
Step 2: Stop more water getting in
- Move valuables, electronics and papers to a higher floor.
- If water is coming up through a floor drain, toilet or shower, cut back water use in the home. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) advises reducing water use during and right after heavy rain.
- If sewage is backing up, the City of Surrey's flood preparedness page advises plugging basement sewer connections (toilets, sinks, showers) with a plug or other device.
- Outside, check that downspouts are attached and pointing away from the house.
Step 3: Find where the water is coming from
Where the water appears is a strong clue, for the repair and for your insurance claim.
| Where you see water | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Along the bottom of one wall, near a downspout | Roof water dumping at the foundation, or poor grading |
| Under or around a basement window | A window well filling with water |
| A line or crack in the concrete wall or floor | A foundation crack letting in groundwater |
| Around the sump pit | A failed or overwhelmed sump pump |
| Up through a floor drain, toilet or shower | Sewer or drain backup |
Downspouts and grading
The City of Surrey says that if your downpipes connect to a hole near the foundation, they likely feed your perimeter (foundation) drains, and too much roof water can overload them. The City suggests directing downpipes onto splash pads so rain soaks into the lawn. IBC recommends that downspouts extend at least six feet from the basement wall and drain away from your home and your neighbours. IBC also recommends grading the ground so water drains away from basement walls, and checking that patios, decks and driveways have not shifted to slope toward the house.
Window wells
Clear leaves out of window wells. IBC advises keeping water out of window wells. Flood shields or barriers can help basement windows that sit near ground level.
Perimeter drains
The City of Surrey notes most homes have perimeter drains just below the foundation. Leaves, silt, dirt and roots can block them. They need periodic flushing or cleaning, and older ones may need to be replaced.
Sump pump
If you have a sump pump, check that it has power and turns on when the water rises. IBC recommends a sump pump with a battery backup, because power often goes out during storms.
Sewer backup
The City of Surrey lists "large atmospheric rain events which can overburden the system" as one cause of sewer backups. Tree roots, grease and non-flushable items are others. IBC says a backwater valve can help, and recommends installing one as recommended by your municipality. Ask a licensed plumber which type suits you.
Who to call in Surrey
- City of Surrey water, sewer and storm drainage line: 604-591-4152. The City's Utilities Division describes this as its 24-hour line for water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage problems. Call if water is coming up through your drains, your sewer inspection chamber is overflowing, or several drains in your home stop working at once.
- Flooding of City property, such as streets, storm drains and ditches: the City's flooding page lists 604-591-4152 on weekdays and 604-591-4431 on weekends. You can also use the City's online Report a Problem tool.
- Your insurance company or broker, as soon as possible.
- A licensed electrician, if water reached outlets, wiring or the electrical panel.
When you report a sewer backup, Surrey crews check whether the blockage is in the City's pipe or in the pipe on your property. The City says it clears blockages on its side. Problems on the private side are the owner's responsibility, and the City cannot do work on private property. The City also says you must take steps to limit damage. If you believe the City is responsible, the Local Government Act requires the City Clerk to receive a Notice of Claim within two months of the date of loss. The City's Risk Management Division can be reached at 604-591-4529.
Before storm season, rake leaves off the City storm drain nearest your home. Surrey asks residents not to rake or blow leaves onto the road, because this can cause flooding. It can take City crews several hours to clear a blocked storm drain during a storm.
Home insurance: overland flood vs. sewer backup
In Canada, the source of the water decides what your policy covers. According to IBC:
- Sewer backup damage is typically not covered by a standard home policy. It is only covered if you bought optional sewer backup coverage.
- Overland flood coverage is also optional. It typically covers surface water from heavy rain or melting snow, and ground water or a rising water table that enters at ground level or seeps through windows, doors and walls. Many insurers offer it, based on risk, and it is often combined with sewer backup coverage.
- Sudden water damage from indoor plumbing or a broken appliance is typically covered by a standard policy.
IBC also says standard homeowner, condo and tenant policies cover extra living costs if your home becomes unliveable after an insured loss. Renters should call their own tenant insurer and tell their landlord right away.
To support a claim, IBC advises you to photograph the damage, list damaged items, keep receipts for clean-up and extra living costs, and report the claim with full details as soon as possible. Questions about insurance can go to IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-227-5422.
Clean up and prevent mould
HealthLinkBC says to clean and dry water-damaged carpets, underlay and building materials within 24 to 48 hours, or consider throwing them out.
- Wear boots, gloves, eye protection and a well-fitted N95 mask.
- Open windows and use heat to help drying, as HealthLinkBC suggests.
- Clean, disinfect and dry surfaces up to 60 cm above the waterline. HealthLinkBC says 40 mL of household bleach in 1 L of water disinfects and suppresses mould.
- Throw out flooded insulation, particleboard furniture, mattresses, bedding and stuffed toys.
- HealthLinkBC says you can clean a small mouldy area (less than one square metre) yourself. Larger areas may need a professional.
- Before cutting out drywall or insulation, HealthLinkBC advises assuming it contains asbestos until testing shows otherwise.
Safety: If a basement is deeply flooded, HealthLinkBC advises pumping out only about 20 percent of the water per day. Pumping too fast can cause the soaked soil outside to push in on the walls and damage the structure.
When to call a professional
- Electrician: water touched wiring, outlets, the panel or a furnace.
- Plumber: repeated backups, a failing sump pump, or a backwater valve.
- Drainage or foundation contractor: blocked perimeter drains, poor grading or wall cracks.
- Water damage restoration company: large areas of wet drywall, carpet or sewage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call in Surrey if my basement floods from the sewer?
Call the City of Surrey at 604-591-4152. Crews will check whether the blockage is on the City side or your side of the property line.
Does home insurance cover a basement leak after heavy rain?
It depends on the source. IBC says sewer backup and overland flood are optional coverages, not part of a standard policy. Call your insurer or broker to check.
Why does my basement leak only during heavy rain?
Common causes are downspouts dumping water at the foundation, poor grading, full window wells, blocked perimeter drains, or an overloaded sewer system.
How fast does mould grow after a leak?
HealthLinkBC advises cleaning and drying water-damaged materials within 24 to 48 hours, or considering throwing them out. Start drying as soon as it is safe.
Official sources
- Flooding Prevention Tips for Homeowners — City of Surrey
- Sanitary Sewer Issues — City of Surrey
- Utilities Division — City of Surrey
- Flood Preparedness — City of Surrey
- Water Damage and Flood Protection — Insurance Bureau of Canada
- Flooding and Insurance — Insurance Bureau of Canada
- Clean-up After a Flood (HealthLinkBC File #20) — HealthLinkBC
- Indoor Air Quality: Mould and Other Biological Contaminants — HealthLinkBC
- Earthquakes, Wildfires, and Floods — BC Hydro
- Canada's Changing Climate Report, Chapter 4 — Environment and Climate Change Canada
General information only, not professional advice. Rules and prices change, so check the official sources above before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.