Whether it was one bad storm or a slow, recurring leak, find the cause before you spend on repairs. Connect with qualified Toronto professionals for your project.
Reno Rise is an independent enquiry and matching service, not a contractor.
Photo: pppsdavid on Pexels. Stock photo, illustrative only. It is not a Reno Rise project.
How Reno Rise Works
Reno Rise helps Toronto homeowners plan basement renovations and legal secondary suites and connect with independent local renovation professionals.
1
Tell us about the project
Share your goals, your basement and your timeline using the enquiry form.
2
Reno Rise reviews the information
We look at what you have shared to understand the scope and what still needs to be confirmed.
3
We find the right contractor
Reno Rise matches your project with the contractor best suited to the work, and they take it from there.
What to expect
Why Basements Flood and What Fixes It
Water arrives from above, from around the house, or from the sewer. Treating the wrong cause wastes money.
Surface water
Downspouts that discharge next to the house, soil that slopes toward it and clogged gutters push water at the foundation.
Groundwater
High groundwater and failed weeping tile push water up through the floor and joints after heavy rain or snowmelt.
Sewer backup
During severe storms, sewers can back up into a basement. A backwater valve is one protection.
Repair options
Drainage fixes, crack repair, a sump system, interior drainage or exterior waterproofing, depending on the cause.
Prevention
Downspout extensions, grading, a sump pump with battery backup and a backwater valve reduce the risk.
Before finishing
Confirm the fix works before drywall goes up, and before you settle on a basement floor finish.
If Your Basement Is Flooding Right Now
Reno Rise is an enquiry and matching service, not an emergency responder. If water is coming in now:
Stay out of standing water if it could be near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel. Call your utility or a licensed electrician if you are unsure.
Call your insurer early and ask what they need, and take photos and video of the damage.
Call a plumber or a water-damage restoration company for emergency help.
Once the water is out, come back for the diagnosis: find the cause before you repair.
Toronto Flood-Protection Help
Toronto runs a subsidy program for flood protection measures such as a backwater valve, a sump pump and battery backup. Here is what the City publishes.
Eligible owners of one- to four-unit homes in Toronto can apply, and downspouts must be disconnected from the sewer.
The City lists subsidies of up to 80% of eligible cost for work such as a home plumbing assessment (up to $500), backwater valves (up to $1,600 per device, maximum two), sump pump installation (up to $2,250), sump pump battery backup (up to $300) and foundation drain severance and capping (up to $400).
The program maximum is listed as up to $6,650 per property as of May 1, 2026, and subsidies are first-come, first-served.
Contractors must hold a valid Toronto business licence (a plumbing, drain or building renovator licence qualifies), and backwater valves need a building permit and a City inspection before the valve is enclosed.
Applications are due within two years of installation for work completed on or after November 12, 2025 (one year for earlier work).
A downspout, grading or drainage fix typically takes a day or two. A sump pump or crack repair typically takes one to two days. Excavation-based repairs, such as exterior waterproofing after a flood, typically take one to two weeks.
A backwater valve adds a scheduled drain permit and City inspection before it can be enclosed.
Insurance claims and adjuster visits, where they apply, can run alongside the repair but are a separate timeline.
Structural repairs uncovered once water damage is assessed can extend the original scope.
Weather affects exterior repair work more than interior fixes.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
After a flood, the pressure to fix things fast leads to some avoidable mistakes:
Repairing or finishing before the actual cause of the flooding has been confirmed.
Not documenting the damage for insurance before repairs start.
Choosing the fastest available contractor over one who explains the cause first.
Skipping prevention measures (grading, a backup sump pump, a backwater valve) that would reduce the risk next time.
Assuming a single fix (like a new sump pump) addresses every possible source of water.
Permits and approvals
Toronto Building says installing a sump pump does not require a permit, but a backwater valve needs a drain permit and City inspection. Repairs that involve excavation, new drains or structural changes can need approval too. Confirm your exact scope with the City.
Questions to ask a professional
What do you believe caused this, and how did you confirm it?
Is there a lower-cost fix I should try first, such as downspouts or grading?
What is warranted, and what would void it?
How will you test that the repair worked?
If you are planning a renovation, resolve moisture first: read the guide on waterproofing before renovating.
Where
Toronto First, Across the GTA
Reno Rise is focused on Toronto homes. Enquiries from elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area are welcome too.
“Saved my a$!. Butt lot outstanding service, affordable, and not to mention very quick to get ‘er done!!! They offer all sorts of services, mine was plumbing and they truly saved the day. My heroes. 10/10 would recommend.”
KBKaylyn BeattyHomeowner
“Amazing work and an outstanding crew. Very professional, energetic, and a pleasure to work with from start to finish. They communicate openly throughout the entire project, show up reliably, and get the job done right.”
RJReliance JanitorialCommercial client
Inspiration · Stock photography
Photos for Reference
Stock photos from Pexels, shown for reference only. They are not Reno Rise projects.
Photo: pppsdavid on PexelsPhoto: D Goug on PexelsPhoto: alexasfotos on Pexels
Frequently asked questions
Why does my basement flood after heavy rain?
Common causes are downspouts and grading that direct water at the foundation, blocked or failed weeping tile, wall cracks, window wells that fill up and, in some cases, sewer backup.
What should I do first if my basement is flooding?
Prioritize safety around electricity, call your insurer, document the damage and call emergency help. Then have the cause diagnosed before repairs.
Does home insurance cover basement flooding?
Coverage varies by policy and by the cause of the water. Ask your insurer directly what your policy covers before you assume.
What is a backwater valve and do I need one?
A backwater valve closes to stop sewage flowing back into the house during a sewer backup. Whether you need one depends on your home; Toronto requires a drain permit to install one.
Does Reno Rise offer an emergency basement flooding service?
No. Reno Rise is not an emergency service. For active flooding, contact your insurer and an emergency plumber or restoration company, then come back to plan the repair.
Last reviewed September 2026. General planning information; confirm requirements for your property with Toronto Building and qualified professionals.
Basement assessment
Request a Basement Assessment
Tell us about your basement and your goals. Reno Rise reviews the details and matches your project with the contractor best suited to the work.
