🚨 What to Do If Your Basement Floods in Cambridge

💦 A Flooded Basement? Don’t Panic—Act Fast

Basement flooding is a nightmare for any homeowner—and unfortunately, it’s all too common in Cambridge. Whether it’s from a heavy rainstorm, spring thaw, or a plumbing failure, fast action can mean the difference between a quick cleanup and thousands in water damage.



This guide walks you through what to do if your basement floods, what causes it, and how Reliant Plumbing can help protect your home from future floods.

⏱️ Step 1: Stay Safe

If your basement is flooding:

• Don’t enter if water is above your ankles—there may be electrical risks.
• Turn off power to the basement only if it’s safe to do so.
• Avoid contact with standing water—it could be contaminated.
• Wear rubber boots and gloves if you must go in.

If you're unsure, call a professional immediately—safety first.

🧰 Step 2: Identify the Source

Common sources of flooding in Cambridge include:

• 🌧 Heavy rain overwhelming storm drains or poor grading
• ❄️ Melting snow and frozen ground blocking drainage
• 💧 Sump pump failure or power outage
• 🛁 Sewer backup through floor drains or toilets
• 🚿 Burst pipe or leaking water heater

🔍 If water is clear and warm, it might be from a burst pipe.

If it’s dirty or smells foul, it could be a sewer backup—a serious health hazard.

🧹 Step 3: Start Water Removal

As soon as it's safe:

• Use a wet/dry shop vac or submersible pump to remove standing water.
• Remove damaged furniture, carpet, and boxes to reduce mold risk.
• Open windows, use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the space.
• Take photos of all damage for insurance claims.

🧠 Pro tip: Don’t use regular household vacuums—they can cause electric shock.

☣️ Step 4: Sanitize and Prevent Mold

Mold begins forming within 24–48 hours of a flood. To prevent health hazards:

• Disinfect surfaces with a bleach solution or antimicrobial cleaner
• Dispose of soaked drywall, insulation, and carpeting
• Use moisture meters to check inside walls and behind trim

If you’re not sure how deep the damage goes, Reliant Plumbing can help inspect and repair safely.

🧱 Step 5: Call a Local Pro

Once the water is out, you need to address the cause—or the next storm could bring it all back.

That’s where Reliant Plumbing comes in.

🔍 Why Cambridge Homes Are Prone to Basement Flooding

Certain areas of Cambridge—especially Galt and parts of Hespeler—are more prone to flooding because of:

• Older stormwater systems
• High water tables
• Aging sump pumps or no backup system
• Shifting clay soil and poor drainage

And with extreme weather events becoming more common, even “safe” basements are at risk.

🛠️ How Reliant Plumbing Helps You Stay Dry

We don’t just clean up—we help prevent future floods.

Our Basement Flood Protection Services:

✅ Sump Pump Installation & Replacement
We install high-performance sump pumps with battery backups to protect during power outages.

✅ Backwater Valve Installation
Stops sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rains.

✅ French Drains & Drain Tile Systems
Improves exterior drainage and directs water away from your home’s foundation.

✅ Leak Repair & Waterproofing Referrals

We handle pipe leaks and refer you to trusted waterproofing partners when needed.

🧑‍🔧 Real Example: Spring Flooding in Preston

A homeowner in Preston had repeated basement floods each spring. We diagnosed a failing sump pump and improper grading outside.

We installed a new pump with battery backup and recommended exterior grading improvements. No more floods—even after this year’s thaw and heavy rains.

💰 Will Insurance Cover Basement Flooding?

In many cases, yes—but it depends:

• 💧 Sewer backup coverage is often an add-on (check your policy)
• 💧 Damage from poor maintenance (e.g. failing sump pump) may not be covered
• 📸 Take detailed photos and call your insurer ASAP

We’ll work with your adjuster and provide any documentation needed for claims.

✅ Final Thoughts

If your basement floods, acting fast is key—but preventing the next flood is even more important.

Whether you need emergency service or want to protect your home from future damage, Reliant Plumbing is here to help. We’re local, licensed, and ready when you need us.



📍 Serving Galt • Hespeler • Preston • Cambridge • Kitchener • Waterloo
📞 519-778-3828
🌐 www.reliantplumbing.ca