Overview
When this elegant Niagara-on-the-Lake home began exhibiting persistent dampness—particularly along its foundation walls—the homeowners faced not only unsightly moisture stains and musty odours but also the risk of long-term structural damage and compromised indoor air quality. With more than 45 years of proven expertise and 3,500+ successful projects under our belt, McDowell Drain & Waterproofing was called in to diagnose the core issue: surface water from heavy rains was pooling against the foundation, overwhelming the existing perimeter drains and seeping into the interior.
Project Background & Client Concerns
Sitting on a gentle slope toward the historic town’s downtown core, the property’s grading and hardscape directed stormwater directly toward the basement walls. The homeowners reported:
- Visible water pooling on the paved courtyard adjacent to the foundation.
- Recurring damp spots on lower-level drywall and trim.
- Intermittent flooding in the utility room after prolonged rainfall.
Beyond cosmetic damage, trapped water increased hydrostatic pressure against the concrete footing—accelerating micro-crack formation—and threatened the home’s structural integrity. The clients needed a comprehensive, long-lasting solution that would both intercept surface runoff and carry it safely away from the home.
Technical Assessment & Tailored Catch Basin Solution
After a thorough site inspection and grade analysis, our team confirmed that re-grading alone would be insufficient due to the home’s existing landscaping features. Instead, we designed a targeted storm-management system centered around a high-capacity catch basin and a new storm sewer connection.
- Strategic Excavation & Basin Placement
- Excavated a 3′ × 3′ pit at the lowest point of the courtyard, just inches from the foundation wall, to install a robust catch basin fitted with a self-locking grate and high-flow inlet.
- Adopted trenchless digging methods near delicate plantings and the home’s exterior trim, ensuring no damage to historic siding or ornamental gardens.
- High-Capacity Storm Sewer Installation
- Connected the catch basin via 6″ SDR35 PVC piping to a new storm sewer line sloping at 1% grade away from the foundation, guaranteeing efficient gravity drainage.
- Extended the sewer line underground to tie directly into the municipal stormwater main located 50 ft down the lot—eliminating all potential standing water zones on the property
- Foundation Wall Protection
- Backfilled around the catch basin and pipe trench with clean washed stone, reducing soil compaction and encouraging rapid infiltration.
- Installed a non-woven geotextile wrap around the basin and pipe to filter fine soils, preventing clogging while preserving peak hydraulic capacity.
- Surface Restoration & Final Grading
- Re-leveled and re-compacted the courtyard pavers using high-strength polymeric joint sand, seamlessly blending with the home’s aesthetic.
- Fine-tuned the surrounding grade to ensure all surface run-off flows toward the new basin inlet, safeguarding against any future pooling.
By integrating a purpose-built catch basin with a dedicated storm sewer outfall, McDowell’s solution intercepts and redirects surface water before it can impart harmful pressure on the foundation—providing a definitive safeguard against dampness and water ingress.
Overcoming Project Challenges
Historic properties frequently demand extra care, and this site posed its own set of hurdles:
- Limited Working Space: The courtyard’s tight footprint required precise excavation to avoid undermining the adjacent stone patio. Our crew utilized compact machinery and laser-guided trenching to maintain exact cut lines.
- Municipal Tie-In Coordination: Securing permits and scheduling a tie-in to the town’s stormwater main demanded close collaboration with Niagara-on-the-Lake’s public works department. McDowell’s seasoned project managers handled all inspections and approvals, keeping the project on-time and code-compliant.
- Surface Matching: After installing heavy drainage infrastructure, restoring the courtyard’s seamless interlock pattern was critical. We sourced matching paver units and used a polymeric joint filler to replicate the original installation to factory specifications.
Through detailed planning, licensed workmanship, and our trademark attention to craftsmanship, we navigated every regulatory and logistical challenge—delivering a turnkey solution that outperforms the original site conditions.
Results & Lasting Customer Confidence
Once the new catch basin and storm sewer were operational, McDowell conducted controlled water-flow tests—simulating torrential rainfall at over 2 inches per hour. The outcome was conclusive:
- Zero water accumulation adjacent to the foundation.
- Immediate discharge of runoff through the new line into the municipal storm main.
- Dry, crack-free basement walls even after repeated stress testing.
Within days, the homeowners reported a fully restored, moisture-free environment. The utility room stayed bone-dry, and interior finishes remained pristine—eliminating expensive mold remediation or drywall repairs.
“McDowell’s solution was nothing short of transformative. From the meticulous basin installation to the flawless courtyard restoration, they restored both our home’s safety and its beauty. Their 45-year legacy of excellence speaks volumes—true professionals from start to finish.”
Why Choose McDowell Drain & Waterproofing?
- Deep Expertise: Four and a half decades specializing in drainage engineering, catch basin systems, sump pumps, and exterior waterproofing.
- Proven Authority: Over 3,500 projects completed throughout the Niagara Region, backed by Google Guaranteed and stellar client testimonials.
- Comprehensive Service: End-to-end project management, from municipal permitting to final site cleanup—plus 24/7 emergency support for unexpected issues.
- Unwavering Trustworthiness: Fully licensed, insured, and committed to transparent, fixed-price quotes—so clients know exactly what to expect with no hidden fees.
By leveraging decades of hands-on experience and cutting-edge drainage technologies, McDowell ensures that every home—heritage or modern—is protected against water threats that could compromise its structure and indoor environment.
Secure Your Home from Water Damage Today
Don’t let pooling water undermine your foundation or your peace of mind. Contact McDowell Drain & Waterproofing for a free consultation and discover why homeowners across Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond trust us to keep their basements bone-dry and their properties safe—rain or shine.
