Water damage can strike when you least expect it — whether from plumbing failures, roof leaks, or severe weather. It’s one of the leading causes of property insurance claims in Canada, often costing thousands in repairs and downtime.
According to the Insurance Business of Canada (IBC), severe weather caused over $3.1 billion in insured losses nationwide in 2023, much of it from flooding and water infiltration. By 2024, weather-related insurance claims reached $8.5 billion – the highest on record. Understanding the most common sources of water damage and how to prevent them is key to protecting your property and avoiding costly surprises.
Stay ahead of seasonal risks
Seasonal changes like spring thaw and summer storms can increase water damage risk. Here are a few simple steps to prepare:
- Clear eavestroughs and downspouts of winter debris.
- Check sump pump operation before snowmelt begins.
- Remove excess snow from roofs to prevent ice dams and leaks.
With the basis covered, let’s look at five major sources of water damage, and how to keep them under control.
1) Sewer backup
When heavy rain overwhelms storm or sanitary sewers, contaminated water can flow backward into your property. This kind of damage can be costly and hazardous to clean up.
Prevention checklist:
- Install a backwater valve on your main sanitary line; many municipalities subsidize this device.
- Have the valve inspected annually by a licensed plumber.
- Disconnect downspouts (where permitted) to reduce strain on storm sewers.
- Keep catch basins, street drains, and nearby gutters free of debris to help water flow freely.
Extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent. The Canadian Climate Institute projects that storms once expected every 20 years could occur every 5 years by mid-century, and 24-hour extreme precipitation could increase by 12 per cent.
2) Groundwater infiltration
When soil becomes oversaturated, water can seep into basements through foundation cracks, window wells, or joints in the concrete slab.
Prevention tips:
- Ensure you have a sump pit, pump, and discharge line that moves water away from your foundation.
- Add a battery backup or generator for outages.
- Regrade soil to slope away from the building and extend downspouts.
- Consider smart water sensors in low points for early alerts.
3) Roof leaks and ice dams
Roof deterioration, clogged gutters, or snow accumulation can all allow water to find its way in.
Prevention tips:
- Inspect and clear roof drains and scuppers seasonally.
- For larger facilities, consider infrared thermography or electronic leak detection.
For sloped roofs, schedule annual shingle inspections and ice-dam prevention measures.
4) Water heaters
Aging pipes, failed seals, or leaky appliances are among the most common and most preventable sources of water damage.
Prevention tips:
- Traditional tank heaters typically last 8–12 years; plan for replacement if your water heater is over 10 years, even if it’s still working.
- Use a drip pan with a drain and consider an automatic shut-off valve or sensor.
Perform annual maintenance to extend life.
5) Sink and fixture overflows
Sometimes, water damage results from simple oversight like running tap or blocked drain left unattended.
Prevention tips:
- Conduct closing walkthroughs to confirm taps off and drains flowing.
- Install spot leak sensors under sinks and behind appliances.
Label and test shut-off valves so staff can act quickly if an overflow occurs.
Smarter ways to prevent water damage
New technology makes it easier than ever to stay protected:
- Whole-property leak detection systems can identify abnormal water flow and automatically shut off the main valve.
- Advanced platforms monitor pressure, temperature, and humidity to spot potential issues early.
- Thermal imaging helps detect hidden roof moisture before leaks develop.
These tools are now affordable for both businesses and homeowners, offering another layer of protection beyond maintenance alone.
Protect your property with insurance
Even with the best prevention, unexpected events can still occur. Even well-maintained properties can experience sudden failures or extreme events. Insurance can help in such circumstances. Contact your broker to find out how Northbridge Insurance can help protect your business. To learn more about managing risk for your business, check out our Risk Services page.