On this page:

• Backwater Valve
• Flood Alarms
• Roofs: Cool
• Roofs: Green
• Sump Pumps
• Toilets
• Window Well Covers

Backwater Valve

Every home with a basement is at risk of flooding, even if it has not happened before. Water in your basement is most likely to occur during a heavy rainfall, or when snow and ice is melting, but you can take steps to help reduce or prevent it from happening.

A backwater valve, also called a backflow valve, is a device used to prevent outbound water in a home’s drain pipes from re-entering, or “backflowing”—into your home. The valve has a flap that allows water to leave but closes to prevent water and/or sewage from entering.

Backwater valves are designed to close the sewer line during periods of extreme rain to prevent water from entering your home. When the valve is closed you should not use any plumbing fixtures (i.e. toilets, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines) because water will not drain and will back up into your home.

What to Look For

The Insurance Bureau of Canada recommends residents not install the plug-type valves, as they allow sewer backup pressure to build beneath your basement floor, which may cause structural damage to your home.

Things to Consider

• Hire a licensed plumber to install your mainline backwater valve.
• Check and clean your backwater valve once a year, preferably in the early spring before the snow melts.
• Take other measures around your home to prevent basement flooding, including installing a sump pump.
• Let your home insurer know if you install a backwater valve, as it reduces your home’s risk of flooding.
• Before you start your project, apply to see if you’re eligible for the Better Homes Kingston Program.
• Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
• Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$500 to $2,000 including installation.

Flood Alarms

Every home with a basement is at risk of flooding, even if it has not happened before. Water in your basement is most likely to occur during a heavy rainfall, or when snow and ice is melting, but you can take steps to help reduce or prevent it from happening.

Early detection of water leakage can help you quickly determine the cause and source of the leak and address it before flooding occurs.

Flood alarms, also known as, flood detectors, water alarms or water detectors are electronic devices that detect the presence of water and set off an alarm when its sensors are triggered. Flood alarms come in different shapes and sizes and with a wide range of features. New models have WiFi capabilities with smart home integration.

Categories of flood alarms

• spot detectors, have sensors that require moisture or water to come in contact with the device for the alarm to activate
• area detectors, use sensor wires with long cables  and/or multiple sensors, to detect floods over larger areas.

What to look for

• An alarm with batteries that will work even if the power is affected during extreme weather. Remember to check  your units annually, to make sure the batteries are functional.
• Alarms with WiFi connectivity that will send alerts via text or email.

Things to consider

• Alarms can be placed near appliances that can leak (e.g. dishwasher, washer, etc.)
• Take other measures around your home to prevent basement flooding, including installing a sump pump, a backflow valve and disconnecting your downspouts.
• Work with a plumber to install an automatic mainline water shutoff valve to block the flow of water into your home.
• Before you start your project, apply to see if you’re eligible for the Better Homes Kingston Program.
• Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
• Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$25 to $150

Roofs: Cool

Cool roofs reflect the sun’s rays and reduce heat build-up through a light coloured or highly reflective roofing product such as a coating, new membrane or shingle.

Most roofs in Canada are dark in colour and absorb heat from the sun’s rays transferring it into the rooms below. Because cool roofs are better at reflecting the sun’s energy, less heat is transferred inside your home. As a result,  you may not have to use your air conditioner as much, saving you energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cool roofs also increase the life expectancy of your roof, because they reflect the heat and UV rays that damage and age roof materials.

Dark-coloured roofs in high-density areas also contribute to the urban heat island effect – significantly warmer temperatures in urban areas compared to rural areas. As a result of climate change, Kingston is expected to see dramatic increases in the number of extremely hot days due to continued global warming. Installing a cool roof is one way to help to offset this.

There are cool roof options for all types of roofs, including steep slope (pitched roofs), low slope (flat roofs).. Roofing products are tested for their reflectivity and given a Solar Reflective Index (SRI) value between 0-100. The higher the number, the more reflective it is.

If you want to convert an existing roof into a cool roof, you have the following options:

• Retrofit your existing roof – apply a coating that is waterproof and has reflective properties
• Replace your existing roof – install a new cool roof using a reflective roof product.

What to Look For

• Low slope or flat roof – look for cool roof products with a SRI value of 78 or greater. Options include single-ply membranes, stone white calcite gravel, fluid applied membranes or a coating of white reflective paint.
• Steep slope or pitched roof – look for cool roof products with a SRI value of 25 or greater. Options include asphalt shingles, metal, tile, shake, among others.
• Products with a thermal emittance or emissivity of greater than or equal to 0.9
• Products that are asbestos and mercury-free and emit zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone-depleting substances.
• You can search for cool roof products using the Cool Roof Rating Council’s directory.

Things to Consider

• Switch to a cool roof when your roof needs replacement, as converting a standard roof that is in good condition to a cool roof isn’t cost-effective.
• If your roof is not ready to be fully replaced, consider applying a cool roof coating.
• Like all roofs, the condition of your cool roof must be assessed each year and cleaned (if required) to maintain its high reflectivity.

Roofs: Green

Green roofs are living roofs. They support the growth of vegetation and consist of a waterproofing membrane, drainage layer, organic growing medium (soil), and vegetation.

Green roofs capture stormwater, improve air quality and create habitats for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Green roofs also help insulate your home in the summer and help reduce the overall temperature in Kingston.

What to Look For

Green roof systems are generally classified as extensive, semi-intensive or intensive. Your budget, vision and the structural capacity of your building will determine which type of green roof you select.

• Contact several Green Roof Professionals to provide advice and a quote.
• Avoid damage to your roof and home by making sure plants with known invasive root systems are not installed.

Things to Consider

• Flat surface roofs are more suitable for installing a green roof, but with some extra planning, they can be installed on sloped roofs.
• Make sure your home is structurally capable of adding a green roof. Work with a structural engineer or a Green Roof Professional to determine if a structural Evaluation is required.
• Green roofs require care and maintenance, just like landscaping around your home. At a minimum, you should allocate time for weeding in the spring and fall, and water during any prolonged dry periods.

Sump Pumps

Every home with a basement is at risk of flooding, even if it has not happened before. Water in your basement is most likely to occur during a heavy rainfall, or when snow and ice is melting, but you can take steps to help reduce or prevent it from happening.

A sump pump is a small pump that is installed at the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace that prevents flooding.

The sump is the low space that collects liquids, while the sump pump detects water in the sump and moves it away from your home through a network of pipes that is dug into the floor of the basement.

Groundwater can easily rise through the cracks in your foundation during long periods of rain. If there is a possibility that flooding can occur in your basement or crawl space, a sump pump will collect all of this water and redirect it away from your home.

There are two types of primary sump pumps available: submersible and pedestal pumps. Submersible pumps have the motor placed underwater in your sump basin, while pedestal pumps are positioned with the pump motor out of the water, above your sump basin.

It is recommended that Kingston residents consider a submersible sump pump as they are the quietest, most powerful and effective sump pump. They also allow for an airtight lid that will stop debris from falling into the pit and prevent moisture and odorous air from being released into your home.

What to Look For

• Choose a sump pump made of cast-iron instead of plastic as the heat generated will cause the plastic to deteriorate over time. Make sure both the outer and middle housing is cast-iron as well.
• Consider a battery backup pump, in case of a power outage.

Things to Consider

• If your house is located in or near a flood zone, you should have a sump pump professionally installed and take other measures to prevent basement flooding.
• Regularly maintain your sump pump, as this will increase its lifespan and help it perform more efficiently.
• Submersible sump pumps are quieter and more effective, but the motor in a pedestal sump pump’s will last longer because it is not submerged. However, you cannot muffle the noise of the pedestal sump pump and it may get in the way of things in your basement.
• Before you start your project, apply to see if you’re eligible for the Better Homes Kingston Program.
• Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
• Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$700 to $5,000, including installation.

Learn more about guarding and preparing against flooding

Toilets

Toilets account for 30 per cent of your home’s water usage. High-efficiency toilets, also called eco-efficient or low-flow toilets, remove waste through water velocity rather than volume.
Options include:

• High-efficiency toilets, which use 4.8 litres of water per flush or less.
• Dual-flush toilets which have two settings, one for light flushes and one for heavy flushes.

What to Look For

• Compare toilet flush ratings. The lower the rating the less water it uses per flush.
• Consider a pressure-assist toilet if using minimal water is a priority. These toilets have a separate tank that holds water under pressure and releases it with great velocity when you flush.

Things to Consider

• If your home has a dual flush toilet, use the low-volume flush mode as much as possible. Experiment to see how much waste the low flush can handle.
• Cheaper toilets don’t have a powerful flush and the working parts tend to be of lower quality.
• Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
• Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$150 to $3,000

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Window Well Covers

Toilets account for 30 per cent of your home’s water usage. High-efficiency toilets, also called eco-efficient or low-flow toilets, remove waste through water velocity rather than volume.
Options include:

• High-efficiency toilets, which use 4.8 litres of water per flush or less.
• Dual-flush toilets which have two settings, one for light flushes and one for heavy flushes.

What to Look For

• Compare toilet flush ratings. The lower the rating the less water it uses per flush.
• Consider a pressure-assist toilet if using minimal water is a priority. These toilets have a separate tank that holds water under pressure and releases it with great velocity when you flush.

Things to Consider

• If your home has a dual flush toilet, use the low-volume flush mode as much as possible. Experiment to see how much waste the low flush can handle.
• Cheaper toilets don’t have a powerful flush and the working parts tend to be of lower quality.
• Get a home evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
• Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$150 to $3,000

Source: Natural Resources Canada