One of the most dreaded scenarios for any homeowner is walking into a flooded basement. While fire might be the more feared household disaster, water can be just as destructive—especially when it catches you off guard.
Common Causes of Basement Flooding in Toronto
Owning a home in Toronto means dealing with all kinds of extreme weather. From torrential rain and heavy snow to freezing temperatures and sudden thaws, this city’s climate keeps homeowners on their toes.
Basement flooding in Toronto can happen for several reasons, including:
- Poorly sealed foundation walls
- Downspouts that discharge water too close to the house
- Improper grading that slopes toward the home
- Low-lying property or high water table
- Clogged eavestroughs overflowing near the foundation
- Blocked storm drains on your street
If you suspect any of these issues around your home, the professionals at GJ MacRae can help assess the risk and offer solutions to protect your property.
How to Prevent Basement Flooding
Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cleanup. Some preventative measures you can take on yourself, while others should be left to the experts.
Outside Your Home
Here are steps you can take outdoors to prevent water from entering your basement:
- Seal cracks in foundation walls, floors, windows, and window wells
- Keep eavestroughs and downspouts free from debris
- Disconnect downspouts from the sewer system where possible
- Ensure downspouts are properly directing water away from your foundation
- Grade your property so that the ground slopes away from your home
- Add greenery—plants and shrubs absorb excess water
- Use porous paving materials that allow rainwater to soak into the ground
- Replace or repair broken weeping tile systems
- Keep roadside grates clear of leaves and debris
- Maintain shallow ditches between properties to ensure water can flow
Simple weekly tasks like clearing gutters can go a long way in preventing flooding!
Inside Your Home
Flood prevention continues inside the house. Here’s what you can do:
Know Your Plumbing
Many homeowners don’t realize they are responsible for the plumbing from the property line inward. Key components to understand include:
- Sewer/Sanitary Service Pipe: Connects your home’s plumbing to the city’s main sewer line
- Storm Sewer Pipe: Channels rainwater away from your property
- Backwater Valve & Sump Pump: Devices that keep water from backing up into your home—especially vital during storms or power outages
- Weeping Tiles: Installed around the foundation to direct water away; crucial to check for proper condition and connectivity
Maintain Your Plumbing System
Proactive maintenance can save you from major headaches. Be sure to:
- Repair cracks or blockages in pipes
- Avoid flushing non-degradable items like floss or Q-tips
- Never pour grease, oils, or coffee grounds down the drain
- Regularly inspect and maintain your sump pump and backwater valve
When to Call the Experts
If water is already making its way into your basement, it’s time to call in professionals. Identifying the source quickly can prevent further damage.
Here are a few specialized solutions GJ MacRae offers:
Foundation Waterproofing
As homes age, foundation walls can develop small cracks. Over time, these become gateways for moisture. Professional waterproofing seals these vulnerabilities and protects your home long-term.
French Drains
If water frequently pools in your yard, it could build up underground and create hydrostatic pressure against your foundation. A French Drain system with a dry well can redirect this water away from your home.
Sump Pump Installation
A sump pump is your basement’s best friend—especially in flood-prone areas. Ensure yours is installed and maintained by professionals to avoid operational failures during emergencies.
Why Choose GJ MacRae Foundation Repair?
Since the 1970s, GJ MacRae has been a trusted name in foundation repair and waterproofing across the Greater Toronto Area. With over 10,000 successful projects, here’s why homeowners continue to rely on us:
1. Complete Waterproofing and Foundation Experts
From drainage to underpinning, GJ MacRae covers all the bases with unmatched precision.
2. Hand Excavation Specialists
We handle even the tightest spaces using meticulous hand excavation, preserving the integrity of your property.
3. Family-Owned and Operated
Proudly the only family-run waterproofing company in the GTA. Our legacy is built on trust and results.
4. Decades of Expertise
Our team doesn’t just “do the job”—we live and breathe foundation repair. Call us for expert advice any time.
5. Proven Longevity
With nearly five decades in the business, we’ve built a reputation on knowledge, passion, and results.
6. The Longest Warranty in the Industry
Our work is backed by the oldest and most trusted warranty in the business.
Don’t let a flooded basement catch you off guard. Whether you’ve noticed signs of moisture or want to proactively protect your home, GJ MacRae Foundation Repair is here to help.
Call us today and let our team of professionals put your basement flooding worries to rest—for good.
