Water-wise tips to protect your home against water damage this spring

(NC)—Unpredictable things can happen around the home, especially when it comes to the changes in seasons and water damage. Extreme weather conditions across Canada can threaten water systems, overload storm sewers and are also leading cause property damage.

Here are a few water-wise tips from RBC Insurance to help ensure your home is protected from water damage this spring:

• Install downspout disconnections, extensions and splash pads and always have water flow away from the home to avoid leakage into basements. This is especially important during this time of the year because the ground is still frozen and may not be able to absorb additional water from heavy rainfall.

• Speak with your municipality about current rain barrel programs. Rain barrels should be installed near downspouts to collect water from rainfalls, helping to avoid excessive water in taxed sewage systems. Rain barrels are also a great way to recycle water right back to your own garden.

• Talk to your insurer and a licensed plumber about installing a sewer backflow valve in your basement to help avoid sewage backing up into your home during heavy rainstorms.

• If you're planning a spring getaway, make sure you have someone check on your home regularly and specifically ask them to check for any water leakage in the basement or ceilings.

Launched in 2007, the RBC Blue Water Project is a 10-year global commitment of $50 million to help protect the world's most precious natural resource: fresh water. In 2013-2014, the RBC Blue Water Project will focus on supporting initiatives that help protect and preserve water in towns, cities and urbanized areas.

For more information, please visit www.rbc.com/bluewater

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