Ontario Basement WaterproofingOntario

Basement waterproofing costs — guidance, not a quote

Basement waterproofing is priced after an on-site inspection of where the water comes from, the walls and access. These factors move the cost up or down.

Mini dumper and excavator on a residential excavation site
Photo: Annie Spratt, Unsplash, Unsplash License

What drives the cost

  • Source of the water: surface runoff, rising groundwater, a leaking crack or a sewer backup each need a different fix.
  • Interior system (drain tile and sump) versus exterior excavation and membrane.
  • Basement size: the length of wall and footing that needs drainage.
  • Wall type: poured concrete, concrete block, brick or fieldstone.
  • Number and type of cracks, and whether any show structural movement.
  • Access: finished basements, decks, driveways and landscaping next to the foundation.
  • Permits and any backwater valve work required by your municipality.

Grants and programs

Many Ontario municipalities, including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London and Windsor, offer subsidies for backwater valves, sump pumps or downspout disconnection; check your city before work starts.

Why there is no price list here

Two basements that look similar can have very different water sources, wall types and access, so any fixed price would be guesswork. Official building and flood guidance is linked below.

Sources

  1. Ontario Building Code
  2. City of Toronto — Basement flooding
  3. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation