Essential water damage resources for Canadian homeowners

As a Canadian homeowner, water damage is probably on your radar, but if it's not, here's why it should be: There are many ways unwanted water can find its way into your living spaces, including through cracked foundations, backed-up sewers, burst pipes, and blocked gutters and eavestroughs.

And with climate change causing more extreme weather, such as heavy rainstorms, homes across Canada are taking more hits from water damage than ever before. In fact, water-related damage made up most of the record-breaking $3.4 billion in insured losses caused by extreme weather events in 2022-not a small number, and a sharp warning that homes need to be better prepared. 

No matter how well-built your home is, there's always a risk that water will find a way of getting in. And water damage can hit from the outside or the inside, so knowing where the risks are is one of the first steps you can take toward protecting your home. Whether it's weather-related or not, when it comes to causes of water problems in a home, common culprits include:

• Leaky pipes
• Sewer backups
• Damaged roof
• Cracks in foundation
• Faulty appliances
• Older water heaters ^†

Water damage likes to play the long game: It can keep on going long after you've cleaned up the visible mess. This long-term impact can show up weeks (or even months) later, and when it does, it's often a more expensive fix than the original problem. Here's what to watch out for after your surfaces are dry.

There's a common misconception that only older homes are susceptible to mold, but the reality is, mold isn't discriminating and new homes can be just as vulnerable to mold. So, it's important to monitor for mold no matter how old your house is.

And while your walls, ceilings, or floors might be dry to the touch, if there's any lingering moisture left behind after a cleanup, you've got the perfect growth environment for mold.

The impact: Left alone, mold can damage anything porous, like drywall and subfloors, and leave your rooms smelling damp and stale. And it's more than just a health hazard -mold damage is often an exclusion in home insurance policies, making it essential to address the situation quickly to prevent the issue from growing into a larger, more expensive problem. 

What to watch out for: You may not be able to see mold right away. Listen to your nose—stale, musty smells are often one of the first signs of mold. Other things to check for include walls that appear warped or are soft to the touch, areas that feel humid or damp, stains that keep coming back after cleaning, and black, fuzzy, slimy, or powdery spots or patches.

When water gets into framing, subfloors, and support beams, any moisture that remains after you've fixed the initial problem can cause damage that might not show up until months or even years later.

The impact:  Support beams and joists can rot or warp, subfloors start to sag, and drywall that's softened and crumbling might break down entirely. And if the foundation has absorbed enough water, it can crack or settle unevenly, leading to cracks in walls, shifting door or window frames, or uneven flooring throughout your home.

What to watch out for: By the time the damage becomes noticeable, you may be looking at extensive structural repairs. So it's important to check for early warning signs that remain after cleanup, such as soft or saggy areas, bowed or uneven walls or ceilings, baseboards pulling away from walls, and doors that suddenly stick or won't close properly.

The sale of your home is often when water damage might catch up with you. Buyers may notice lingering signs of a cleanup that wasn't done right the first time—and home inspectors are trained to spot the damage caused by past water issues. So, even if everything looks fine on the surface, once the water damage questions start, buyers tend to assume the worst. The result? Drawn-out negotiations, lower offers, or maybe even deals that fall through entirely. 

The days immediately following an unwanted water event are the ones that matter most. Prompt, thorough water cleanup and remediation helps stop water damage in its tracks—but if you rush the job or wait too long to get started, you risk leaving moisture behind or standing water becoming contaminated, which is when bigger problems start.

But before you start drying or tearing anything out, make sure you take a minute to evaluate the situation. If you're dealing with contaminated water from a sewer backup or the source of the water is unknown (an overland flood, for example), or if there are electrical or structural safety concerns, call a qualified professional immediately.

For smaller, clean-water situations, you may be able to manage the initial cleanup yourself, but make sure the affected areas are safe first and always use suitable protective equipment, such as disposable gloves, N95 masks, rubber boots, and safety goggles.

If you've assessed that the situation is safe to handle yourself, here's what you can do to help prevent mold, rot, and costly repair bills later: 

• Start cleanup immediately
• Dry and ventilate affected areas thoroughly
• Check behind walls and under floors
• Remove and replace materials that stay wet for more than 48 hours
• Don't rush to rebuild
• Check for signs of mold
• Get an inspection after any major leak or if water reached structural elements

Your home insurance can help you recover from a disastrous water event—but a standard home insurance policy might not go as far as you think when it comes to water damage. Most standard policies cover some sudden and accidental water damage (for example, a burst pipe) but for other types of water damage, you'll typically need to purchase optional add-ons for specific coverages, such as sewer backups or overland freshwater floods (for example, as a result of a heavy rainfall).

For TD Insurance home insurance customers, our Extended Water Damage Coverage add-on offers coverage for events like sewer backups, freshwater flooding after a rainstorm, and melting snow seeping into your foundation. And for additional water coverage, you can also check out our Above Ground Water Coverage add-on and our Ice Damming and Roof Drain Back-up Coverage add-on.

Read more about our water damage coverage options.

You want to have a thorough understanding of your coverage— before something happens. Now is a good time to read through your home insurance documents again, or talk to your insurer about what your policy covers, what it doesn't cover, and whether you need to update your coverage with an optional add-on.

Are you a TD Insurance home insurance customer? Make sure to  set up your My Insurance account and download the TD Insurance app, so you can easily review or update your existing home insurance coverage online

No matter the season, water can find a way to get into your home, whether it's from a burst pipe, a blocked drain, or a leak in your roof. And on top of everyday water risks, your home also has to deal with the added stress of extreme weather conditions, which have become more intense and frequent all across Canada. Events like freezing rain, heavy snow, and the freeze-thaw cycles that come with multiple spring thaws place additional stress on your home, wearing down older materials and exposing weak points that may not have been an issue before.

That's why it pays to stay on top of your home maintenance, such as regularly clearing your downspouts, checking for and sealing cracks in your foundation, and inspecting your roof and plumbing for signs of wear. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to help prevent or reduce the risk of leaks or floods.

Buying a home? Don't skip the inspection. A thorough inspection should check the home's roof, attic, basement, plumbing, and foundation, and flag problems like drainage issues, a worn roof, aged pipes, and signs of past leaks. 

Read more water damage prevention tips. And if you own a cottage or have a home that will be unoccupied for a period of time, check out our detailed guides on seasonal cottages and vacant or unoccupied homes. 

If you find yourself dealing with something that's more than a minor leak or a small spill, consider calling in a professional. Whether it's water that's been sitting in an area for more than a few hours or soaked drywall or insulation, an expert will have the tools and experience to assess the damage, properly remove water and moisture, and ensure everything is fully dried out.

It's especially important to bring in the pros if you see signs of mold (even if it's just a persistent, musty odour) or if you think water may have reached the framing, subfloor, or other structural parts of your home. Mold and structural issues aren't problems you want to deal with alone. A professional can do a proper inspection and recommend and carry out the needed fixes and repairs.

Water damage isn't always predictable, but knowing what to do can make a big difference. Explore our guides on how to deal with water damage, what's covered by insurance, and getting ready for extreme weather. Whether you're dealing with a leak now or just want to plan ahead, you'll get practical answers to help you take action.