Think about walking out of your house for work or leaving for the weekend and coming back to a water leak you did not anticipate. The washing machine hose could be leaking, there might be a plumbing connection problem or a water supply line could be leaking while no one is at home.
For homeowners, condo owners, property managers and business owners, these scenarios can easily turn into a frustrating experience. There is the possibility that water damage can occur in floors, walls, furniture, machines and other areas within the property. Leaks in multiunit property can spread and affect neighbouring properties as well.
That is why being prepared in advance is important. WCC Flood Guard™ provides flood protection services aimed at reducing water damage caused by certain types of plumbing leaks. Flood prevention products suitable for use in Toronto and Ontario can be part of an overall water management plan.
What Is WCC Flood Guard™?
WCC Flood Guard™ is one of the flood and leak protection products offered by WCC Water Conservation Company Ltd. This product family is meant to help property owners cope with the risks related to uncontrolled water leaks.
Depending on the type of the system and how it is installed, it can detect water leak and automatically turn off the water supply so that further water leakage is prevented.
Such type of protection may be especially effective when used close to appliances and plumbing connections at the risk of uncontrolled water leakage.
Flood protection devices should be chosen based on their purpose, plumbing design, and manufacturer’s guidelines. It is necessary to know what specific type of leakage a device can detect, what water supply is controlled by the device and what type of leaks the device is designed for.
More information about the available WCC flood and leak protection devices can be found here.
Why Is Flood Protection Important in Toronto and Ontario?
Water leaks can happen anytime throughout the year. In addition, when you are living in Toronto or other places in Ontario, there will be cases where you should take into account rainstorms, snow melts, drainage problems and sewage backup in order to protect yourself from flooding.
It is important to know the source of flooding because different causes call for different preventive measures. For instance, an invention which is used for regulating water coming from an appliance supply line will not help in preventing groundwater and sewage from flooding your basement.
As per the information provided by the City of Toronto, flooding of basements is caused by heavy rainfalls, melting snow, drainage problems, leaking from the foundation, sump pump failure and sewage backup. One can view all the necessary information about prevention of basement flooding from the City.
The first step for a property owner is to identify the cause of water damage.
How Can a Flood Guard Help Protect Your Property?
Often, the usefulness of a flood protection apparatus comes down to one crucial question: What if a water leak begins without anyone knowing about it?
1. Assist in Preventing Water Loss From Certain Leaks
An automatic water shut-off valve that works with the detection system may turn off the water flow once it detects a leak. This way, a certain amount of water will be saved from leaking, depending on the type and installation of the device.
This is particularly helpful for devices that have a constant supply of water.
2. Increase Flood Protection Near Washers and Other Appliances
Washing machines and dishwashers depend on water-supplying hoses and pipes. With time, the hoses and pipes can wear out, become loose, or simply fail to work properly.
Installation of a flood protection device can provide extra security in such cases. Users need to make sure that the flood protection apparatus works well with the specific appliance and plumbing system used.
3. Help with Condominium and Multi-Unit Building Maintenance
When it comes to leaks from any units, in condominiums and apartments, the issue could affect other places within the building too. Prevention around water-related equipment can be helpful for the property manager to avoid further damages from the risks.
It should be noted that flood guards will not serve as a substitute for regular checks, proper plumbing care, and flood prevention strategy overall. They could be considered just one element of a full package.
4. Additional Assurance when Applied Properly
Having in mind that a proper device is installed and maintained properly will provide additional assurance. But at the same time, it is important to understand that there will be no product that can protect against all sources of floods.
Where Would It Be Wise to Install Flood Protection Devices?
Some of the common areas where assessment is needed include:
Washing machines: Connections and hoses of the washing machine to the water supply lines can be prone to leakage.
Dishwashers: Supply lines and connections may require suitable leak protection.
Other equipment or appliances: Some equipment or appliances may need suitable automatic shutoff devices.
Residential multi-family properties: Assessing each unit as well as the shared equipment can help in identifying the best protection measure for the equipment.
All devices cannot be suitable for all applications. Check the product specifications before making the purchase to ensure that the system is suitable for your property.
Flood Guard vs. General Basement Flood Protection
Flood protection systems cannot be generalized. Understanding the difference between the appliance leak protection and basement flood protection can help you identify the suitable equipment.
Appliance leak protection system: This is a suitable solution for some kinds of leaks that arise from water supply lines, appliances or plumbing connections, depending on the type of product.
Backwater valves: These can help prevent sewage from flowing into the property through the connected drainage pipes.
Sump pump: Helps drain out the water accumulated in a sump pit.
Improvements in drainage and foundations: Assist in dealing with surface water problems and minimize the chances of water leaking in through the walls of the foundation, windows or any other vulnerable point.
It would be incorrect to assume that a flood guard replaces a sump pump, a backwater valve or other means of flood protection for buildings. The choice depends on the source of the problem.
For more details, please refer to the flood prevention information provided by the City of Toronto.
Choosing Flood Protection System for Your Ontario Property
There are some questions one needs to ask before opting for a flood guard or leak detection system.
What is it that needs protection? Different appliances require different protection, for example, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a mechanical room and a basement drainage system.
How does it work? It is important to know how it senses a leak, whether it stops the flow of water automatically and its limitations.
Is it compatible with the existing plumbing system? Check out the necessary connections and installation requirements.
Who will install and maintain it? Follow the manufacturer’s instructions concerning installation and maintenance.
Are there any other steps that should be taken? The appliance might solve one problem, but it does not mean that it will prevent water leakage in case of heavy rainfalls or other causes of water leakage.
By analyzing all these questions, you will be able to make a reasonable choice instead of choosing an appliance that will not meet your needs.
WCC Water Conservation Company Ltd.: Flood Prevention and Protection Services in Toronto and Ontario
Flood prevention and protection of the property require analyzing the possible sources of water problems and choosing the right preventive measures.
The company WCC Water Conservation Company Ltd. offers flood protection and flood prevention, as well as water savings and water leakage control services for commercial and residential properties.
Whether you are responsible for flood prevention and protection of a condominium in Toronto, Ontario or have a need for flood prevention in other commercial building, the company will offer you some solutions.
Learn more about flood protection services provided by WCC Water Conservation Company Ltd. and get information on water leakage control services and water audits and inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Flood Guards
What are the purposes of a flood guard?
A flood guard is an item that is meant to reduce the risks of water damage from various leaks and water incidents. The exact use of the flood guard will depend on the design of the item itself.
Can a flood guard protect a basement from flooding?
No, it cannot. Leaking appliances protection will work to keep the leaking water from an appropriate supply line under control, but flooding may occur from rains, groundwater and drain issues.
Can a flood guard help with a washing machine?
Yes, it can. However, you should check the product’s specifications and installation instructions whether your appliance is suitable for it.
Do flood protection devices need maintenance?
Yes. Inspect, test and maintain devices in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. Malfunctioning or poorly installed devices may fail to provide needed protection against flooding.
Where to purchase flood protection devices in Toronto and Ontario?
WCC Water Conservation Company Ltd. provides flood protection products and water management solutions. Learn about available products and services on the official site of WCC.
Be Proactive in Protecting Against Floods
Leakage may cause much more damage than expected due to the ongoing flow of water. Appropriate flood protection devices and regular maintenance can be helpful in mitigating some risks associated with water.
For houses, condos and commercial buildings in Toronto and Ontario, the first step is to identify the sources of leakage and select a protection solution according to particular needs.
Learn about flood protection devices offered by WCC – Flood Guard™ and other solutions from WCC Water Conservation Company Ltd.
Get more information at wccltd.com