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Basement Flooding Protection in Toronto: Sump Pumps & Backwater Valves

Stop sewer water and groundwater from flooding your basement. Licensed Toronto plumbers install backwater valves and sump pumps, and help you with what the City's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy asks for.

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Backwater valvesSump pumpsCity subsidy helpFlat upfront quote

Why Toronto basements flood

There are two ways water gets into a Toronto basement during a storm. Sewer water can be pushed back up the pipe from the street and out through a floor drain, toilet or shower. Groundwater can also build up around the foundation and seep in through the walls and floor.

A backwater valve stops the first. A sump pump handles the second. Many older Toronto homes need both, especially where the foundation drains or downspouts are still connected to the sewer.

We look at how your home drains, tell you which protection it actually needs, and install it to code.

Plumber connecting a hose to a water pump

Basement flooding protection services in Toronto

Prevention, repair and the paperwork details, for houses, semis and rental properties.

Backwater valve installation

A normally open backwater valve is installed in the main sewer line in the basement floor. It closes automatically when sewer water flows the wrong way, and opens again when the sewer clears.

Sump pump installation

A sump pit and pump collect water from the foundation drains and pump it outside, away from the house. Sized for your basement and installed with a proper discharge line.

Sump pump repair and replacement

Pumps that will not start, run constantly, or cannot keep up. Stuck float switches, failed check valves and burned-out motors are the usual causes.

Battery backup sump pumps

Storms that fill the sump pit often knock out the power too. A battery backup pump keeps working when the main pump cannot.

Foundation drain disconnection

In many older homes the foundation drains are connected to the sanitary sewer. Severing and capping that connection, with a sump pump in its place, is part of the City's program.

Backwater valve maintenance

A valve needs to be checked and cleaned so it closes when it has to. We inspect, clean and test existing valves.

The City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy

The City of Toronto offers a Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy to eligible homeowners toward installing a backwater valve, a sump pump, and severing and capping the foundation drain connection. The City sets the amounts and rules, so check its page for what applies to your home today.

In general, the program expects a building permit for the work, a licensed plumber or contractor, itemized invoices and proof of payment, and an application sent within the City's deadline after the work is done. We pull the permit, provide the itemized invoice, and give you what you need to apply.

Older Toronto neighbourhoods with combined sewers, like the Beaches, Leslieville, the Danforth, East York and the west end, see the most storm backups. If your basement has flooded before, a camera inspection of the sewer line is a good first step, and our sewer repair page explains what we look for.

Signs your basement needs protection

  • Your basement has flooded before during a heavy rain
  • Water has come up through a floor drain, toilet or shower in the basement
  • Neighbours on your street have had sewer backups
  • Damp walls or water seeping in at the floor after rain or a thaw
  • A sump pump that runs constantly, or never runs at all
  • You are finishing the basement and want to protect it first

Insurers often ask whether a home has a backwater valve, and some offer better terms when it does. Ask your insurer what they require.

How a backwater valve or sump pump install works

  1. 1

    Assess the house

    We look at the main drain, floor drains, foundation drains and downspouts, and camera the sewer line where needed.

  2. 2

    Flat quote first

    You get a fixed price for exactly what your home needs before any work starts.

  3. 3

    Permit

    We apply for the building permit the work requires.

  4. 4

    Install

    We cut the basement floor, install the valve or sump pit and pump, and connect it to code.

  5. 5

    Inspection

    The work is inspected under the permit, then the floor is closed up.

  6. 6

    Paperwork and care

    You get an itemized invoice for the subsidy application, and we show you how to check and maintain the valve or pump.

What affects the cost

Every home is quoted on site after we see how it drains. You approve a flat price before work begins. The main factors are:

  • A backwater valve, a sump pump, or both
  • Where the main line runs, and how much basement floor has to be opened
  • Whether the foundation drains need to be disconnected from the sewer
  • Finished floors or walls that have to be worked around
  • Adding a battery backup pump

The City's subsidy can offset part of the cost for eligible homes. There are no dispatch fees or overtime charges. See how our diagnostic and flat pricing works.

Basement jobs in Toronto, in our customers' words

Recent Google reviews of Plumber On Dial of Toronto for basement, sump pump and floor drain work.

“Showed up during a rainstorm to check our sump pump. Float switch was stuck. Fixed it on the spot.”
Faygo · Google review
“Had water coming up through the basement floor drain. They cleared the line.”
Parsa A. · Google review
“Did the rough in for a basement bathroom including an ejector pump. Knew what they were doing and were easy to work with.”
Masih A. · Google review
“Called on a Sunday about a leak in the basement. Someone came out that afternoon and the price was fair for a weekend.”
Kyle C. · Google review

Read every review on Plumber On Dial of Toronto on Google.

Basement flooding protection across Toronto

We install backwater valves and sump pumps throughout the city, including:

  • The Beaches
  • Leslieville
  • Riverdale
  • The Danforth
  • East York
  • Leaside
  • Rosedale
  • Cabbagetown
  • The Annex
  • Seaton Village
  • Little Italy
  • Trinity Bellwoods
  • Dufferin Grove
  • Roncesvalles
  • Parkdale
  • High Park
  • Forest Hill
  • Summerhill
  • Davisville
  • Yonge and Eglinton
  • North Toronto
  • Lawrence Park
  • Corktown
  • Regent Park
  • Church-Wellesley
  • Kensington Market

Backwater valve and sump pump questions

What is a backwater valve?

A backwater valve is a valve installed in your home's main sewer line. Normally it stays open so wastewater flows out to the street. When the City sewer backs up during a storm, a flap closes and stops sewer water from flowing back into your basement.

Where is a backwater valve located?

It is installed in the main sewer line, usually in the basement floor near the front wall where the sewer leaves the house. You can recognize it by an access cover set in the floor, often round or rectangular, that lets you open and clean the valve.

How do I know if I have a backwater valve?

Look in the basement floor near where the main drain leaves the house for an access cover over the valve. If you cannot find one, or are not sure what you are looking at, we can check during a visit.

Does the City of Toronto pay for a backwater valve?

The City's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy pays part of the cost for eligible homeowners, for a backwater valve, a sump pump and disconnecting the foundation drain. The City sets the amounts and rules, which are on its subsidy page.

Do I need a permit to install a backwater valve in Toronto?

Yes, installing a backwater valve needs a building permit, and the subsidy program expects one. We apply for the permit as part of the job.

Do I need a backwater valve, a sump pump, or both?

A backwater valve stops sewer water coming back in through your drains. A sump pump removes groundwater from around the foundation. Homes whose foundation drains connect to the sewer usually need both, so the foundation water has somewhere to go when the valve closes.

How often should a sump pump be tested?

At least every spring and before the fall storms. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and check the pump switches on and empties it, and make sure the discharge line outside is clear. Our sump pump maintenance guide walks through it.

How much does it cost to install a backwater valve in Toronto?

It depends on where the main line runs, how much floor has to be opened, and whether a sump pump or drain disconnection is needed too. We quote a flat price after seeing the house. The City's subsidy can offset part of it for eligible homes. Our pricing page explains how the diagnostic works.

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