West Hill basement checklist
- 1Sump pitpump, float, check valve and discharge location
- 2Weeping tilewhether it still drains into the sanitary sewer
- 3Backwater valvepresence and condition
- 4Floor draintrap seal and backups
- 5Downspoutsdisconnected and directed away from the foundation
01Valley country
The Highland Creek valley and its tributaries shape the land around West Hill. Homes near the slopes can have high water tables in spring, and sump pumps work hard after a thaw or a big April rain. A pump that has quietly been running for years can fail without notice.
Every April, dump a bucket in; if the float rises and the motor kicks on, you are done.
| Typical housing | 1950s and 1960s bungalows and two-storeys, newer infill |
|---|---|
| Main concern | Basement water in storms and spring thaw |
| Nearby | Highland Creek valley, Morningside Park, Kingston Road |
02Protecting from sewer backups
In older parts of West Hill, weeping tile may still connect to the sanitary sewer. Severing it, adding a sump pump and installing a backwater valve together give the best protection, and Toronto has subsidised this kind of work before; check current terms.
03Everyday work
Beyond the basement, the usual fixtures: running toilets, dripping taps and aging tanks.
04Kingston Road strip
Older houses along Kingston Road vary widely.