Protect Your Basement With Downspout Extensions
The importance of downspout extensions can not be overstated. The following illustrations show how storm water can infiltrate the foundation of your home if your downspout extensions are not in place, and how stormwater has the potential to damage your building foundation, enter your basement and cause your sump pump to run more often (if your property has a sump pump).
If your home has weeping tile, you do want to prevent water from getting to the weeping tile as the water may enter other parts of the foundation if the weeping tile gets overloaded or plugged with silt/debris. Some older homes may have weeping tile tied into the sanitary sewer system, this can be costly for wastewater treatment of storm water.
The Town of Coalhurst Utility Bylaw #319-06 states that extensions must be installed on downspouts to a minimum of 2 meters (6 feet). Protect your home and the town sanitary sewer system by insuring that your downspouts carry water away from your foundation.
For more information on drainage and flood prevention, see “The Handbook for Reducing Basement Flooding” in the Utilities and Services section on the Town of Coalhurst web site at www.coalhurst.ca or contact the Town of Coalhurst at 403-381-3033.
