How to protect your home as melt begins in Sask.

As the snow begins to melt, SGI is advising people to take precautions to make sure it doesn’t leak into their basements.

Regina homeowner Lyle McIntyre is no stranger to water damage. While it was heavy rainfall which caused a sewer back up to flood his basement back in 2014, McIntyre said — no matter the season — it’s a hassle.

“If you would have been here that weekend, or the week after the flood, you would have seen all the dumpsters along here with people just dumping all their possessions, gutting their basements and starting their renovations,” he explained.

“My son’s bedroom’s in the basement and he wound up spending four months living on an air mattress in our living room. It’s those kinds of disruptions you just don’t want to go through.”

Following the flood, McIntyre installed a sump pump and a back water valve to push the water out, should it ever happen again.

Now, he’s encouraging others who live in older homes to make the investment to prevent a potential disaster.

“It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but when it happens, you’ll be glad you had it.”

According to Kurtis Reeder, SGI’s senior director of personal lines, an average water damage claim from a sewer backup is about $23,000.

Reeder said most newer homes come built with back water valves installed; however, older homes do not. Should homeowners purchase one, SGI Canada will provide them with a premium discount. Reeder recommends people tell their insurance broker if they’ve made that investment.

“It’ll save a lot of money in the long run, along with the disruption that it could cause you and your family if you were to have a sewer back up claim,” said Reeder.

As spring draws closer, the insurance company is also reminding residents to shovel snow away from their homes and clear the snow off their roofs.

Today we are providing tips on how homeowners can protect their property when #Snowmaggedon turns into #Meltapalooza. SGI CANADA's Kurtis Reeder is showing reporters how they can maintain sewer backwater valves. More info: https://t.co/ZhFiZJ9SXY pic.twitter.com/Lr4x64fh99

— SGI CANADA (@SGI_CANADA) March 13, 2018

On the outside of your home, using a roof rake to get the snow off your roof will go a long way to preventing build up that can lead to ice dams. pic.twitter.com/RDsRJSud5q

— SGI CANADA (@SGI_CANADA) March 13, 2018

Check your eavestroughs and gutters for signs of ice dams and remove debris that could slow the flow of water. Extend your downspouts away from your home by at least 2m. pic.twitter.com/9EXxfxQ2Ke

— SGI CANADA (@SGI_CANADA) March 13, 2018