590 MISSISSAGUA ST., NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON L0S 1J0.

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Leaky Basement Services in Niagara Region

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What Is Considered a “Leaky Basement” in the Niagara Region?

Dealing with a basement water leak repair  in the Niagara Region is stressful. Every heavy rain or snow melt can leave you worrying about water damage, mold, and costly repairs. That’s where McDowell Drain & Waterproofing comes in. With over 45 years of local experience, we know how to fix basement leaks the right way. Call us today at (905) 431-5612 and keep your basement dry for good. You can also explore our French drain installation and window well installation services for added protection.

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Common Causes of Basement Leaks in the Niagara Region

Basement leaks are a real headache for homeowners in the Niagara Region especially for the people in St. Catharines, Welland and Thorold etc, and it usually happen for pretty predictable reasons. When we get those heavy spring rains or snow melts, all that water has to go somewhere, and if your foundation has even small cracks, it’s coming into your basement. Poor grading around your house is another big culprit, if water pools near your foundation instead of flowing away, you’re asking for trouble. Your waterproofing might also be getting old and failing, or maybe your gutters are clogged and dumping water right where you don’t want it. Here are 8 major causes of basement leaks in the Niagara Region:
  • Foundation Cracks: Over time, your foundation settles and develops hairline cracks that grow bigger with freeze-thaw cycles. Even tiny cracks can let in surprising amounts of water during heavy rains.
  • Poor Drainage and Grading: If your yard slopes toward your house instead of away from it, you're basically funneling water straight to your foundation. This is one of the most common problems I see in older neighborhoods.
  • Failed Waterproofing: That black tar coating on your foundation walls doesn't last forever. After 15-20 years, it starts cracking and peeling, leaving your basement walls exposed to moisture.
  • Clogged or Damaged Gutters: When gutters overflow or downspouts dump water too close to your house, all that roof runoff ends up saturating the soil around your foundation.
  • High Water Table: The Niagara Region sits near the Great Lakes, so groundwater levels can rise seasonally. When the water table gets high enough, it can push water up through your basement floor.
  • Hydrostatic Pressure: After heavy rains, water-saturated soil pushes against your foundation walls like a giant sponge being squeezed. Eventually, something's got to give.
  • Plumbing Leaks: Sometimes it's not groundwater at all: a leaking pipe inside your foundation wall or under your basement floor can create persistent dampness that looks like a foundation leak.
  • Window Well Problems: Basement windows below grade can collect water if their wells aren't properly drained or sealed, sending water directly into your basement.
Relatable reading: Living in Niagara Region? Here Are 6 Signs You Need Basement Waterproofing in Your Niagara Home Now Don’t wait longer, Contact us now!
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How Does Niagara’s Climate and Geology Contribute to Basement Leaks?

The Niagara Region's weather and ground conditions make basement leaks almost inevitable. We get tons of rain and snow, plus our soil is mostly clay that holds water like a wet towel instead of draining it away. This means water just sits around your foundation for days. Then there's our crazy winter weather: it freezes and thaws constantly because we're stuck between two huge lakes. Every time water in those tiny foundation cracks freezes, it expands and makes the cracks bigger, creating perfect little doorways for water to sneak into your basement.

How Much Rain We Get:

It's Getting Worse:

Freeze-Thaw Problem:

Sources:

  • Niagara Region Climate Project Official
  • Climate Atlas of Canada (government climate projections)

Canadian government data proves Niagara gets way more rain than most places, it’s going to get even wetter, and our winters constantly freeze and unfreeze, which is terrible news for basements.

What Are the Waterproofing Solutions Offered by McDowell?

When you're dealing with a wet basement in the Niagara area, we've been fixing these problems for over 45 years at McDowell Drain & Waterproofing. We know every basement leak is different, especially with our crazy weather, so we've got several ways to keep your basement dry.

What We Do Inside Your Basement:

  • Interior Drainage Systems: Sometimes we can’t dig up your whole yard, so we work from inside instead. We install a drainage system along your basement walls starting around $70 to $150 per linear foot. Basically, we create a little channel that catches water before it floods your floor and sends it to a pump that kicks it outside. Even when we get those nasty storms, your basement stays dry.
  • Waterproof Paint and Barriers: If you’ve just got some dampness or small leaks, we can paint your walls with special waterproof stuff and put up barriers that stop moisture from getting through. It’s perfect for those basements that just feel damp all the time but aren’t actually flooding.
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french drain installation mcdowell drain waterproofing in niagara falls

Our Drainage Work:

  • Fixing Your Weeping Tiles: Those pipes around your foundation (weeping tiles or French drains) get clogged up all the time in our clay soil. We’ll check if we can clean them out and fix them, or if they’re too far gone, we’ll put in new ones that can handle all the rain we get around here. On average, $500 – $8,800 is the average cost to install exterior French drain and $4,000 – $17,000 average cost of interior or basement waterproofing 
  • Sump Pumps: We install pumps in your basement that automatically turn on when water starts building up. They’re lifesavers during spring melt or those summer downpours when you’re not even home to notice the problem. It may cost you around $600–$3,400. 

How We Figure Out What's Wrong:

  • Camera Inspections: We stick a tiny camera down your drains to see exactly what’s going on. No more guessing: we can show you exactly where the problem is and fix just that part instead of tearing up your whole yard.
  • Emergency Help: Basements flood at the worst times, so we’re available 24/7. Middle of the night, weekend, holiday: doesn’t matter. When your basement starts flooding, we’ll come help.

Must read: How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost (2025)?

You can also check our cost calculator to plan your drainage project and manage your finances better.

french drain system mcdowell drain waterproofing in niagara falls

Local Subsidy Programs for Basement Drainage and Leak Prevention

Basement Waterproofing Assistance in Niagara Region

If you’re a homeowner in the Niagara Region, there are a few programs that can help cover the cost of waterproofing and flood prevention. Here are the main ones:

  • Weeping Tile Removal Assistance (WRAP): In Niagara Falls, you can get up to $4,000 back for disconnecting weeping tiles from the sanitary sewer (covers labour, materials, permits, and taxes).
  • Backwater Valve Subsidy: Many cities offer up to $1,200 toward installing a backwater valve, which helps stop sewage from backing up into your basement.
  • General Waterproofing Subsidies: In some municipalities, you could qualify for up to $3,400for waterproofing work.
  • Niagara Renovates Program: Designed for low- and modest-income households needing essential repairs. Currently, applications are closed for 2025 but expected to reopen in 2026 (depending on budget approval).

Important to Know

  • Each city (Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, etc.) has different programs and rules.
  • Professional installation and proper permits are usually required.
  • Some programs have income restrictions or need pre-approval and inspections.


Check out our rebates page for more details.

Need help to get an estimate? try our cost calculator

Can a Homeowner Attempt DIY Measures for a Leaky Basement Before Calling a Professional?

Yes, homeowners can definitely try some simple fixes first before calling us. Most basement leaks start with basic drainage problems you can handle yourself, like cleaning gutters, fixing downspouts, and making sure water flows away from your house. But if you've got big cracks, water coming up through the floor, or the problem keeps coming back, that's when you need professional help.

  • Clean and extend gutters: Remove all debris and make sure downspouts carry water at least 6 feet away from your house
  • Fix your yard grading: Add soil around your foundation so water slopes away, aiming for 6 inches of drop over 10 feet.
  • Seal hairline cracks: Use concrete crack filler on small foundation cracks when the area is completely dry.
  • Clear window wells: Remove leaves and debris, check that covers fit tight, and make sure bottom drains actually work.
  • Run a dehumidifier: Control basement moisture levels, especially during humid summer months.
  • Check your plumbing: Look for obvious leaks in pipes, water heater, or washing machine connections.
  • Fix basement ventilation: Make sure your dryer vents outside, not into the basement where it adds moisture
  • Apply waterproof paint: Use basement waterproofing paint on interior walls for minor dampness issues.
  • Install plastic sheeting: Put up vapor barriers on problem walls to stop moisture from seeping through.
  • Keep basement windows closed: During humid weather, don't let moist air into your cool basement where it condenses.

Why Hire a Professional Basement Waterproofing Company Like Mcdowell Drain & Waterproofing?

Hire a professional because DIY basement waterproofing often fails and makes problems worse. Professionals have the right equipment, understand Niagara's clay soil and drainage issues, can properly install weeping tiles and sump pumps, and give you warranties on their work. Most importantly, they can spot serious foundation problems that homeowners miss. Trying to save money with DIY fixes usually costs more when you have to call professionals anyway to fix both the original problem and your mistakes.

45+ years fixing leaks

We've been fixing Niagara basements since before your house was probably built

We know Niagara's specific problems:

Clay soil, high water tables, and freeze-thaw cycles don't surprise us

Google Guaranteed company

Google backs our work, so you know we're legit and reliable

24/7 emergency service

Basements flood at 2am on weekends: we'll still come help

Locally trusted and owned

We live here too and understand what Niagara homeowners deal with

Complete diagnostics first

We use cameras to see exactly what's wrong before we start digging

Full-service solutions

From simple drain cleaning to complete waterproofing systems under one roof

Cover the entire region

Niagara-on-the-Lake to Welland to Fort Erie: we service everywhere

  • Case Studies
We had a leaky basement for a long time and every heavy rain made us nervous. We finally called McDowell and they really came through. The team was friendly, explained what needed to be done, and got to work right away. They fixed the drainage and sealed the walls, and since then our basement has been completely dry. No more stress when it rains. The price was fair, and the work was solid. We’re so glad we went with them.
– Sarah & David M.Welland, ON

Check out more such reviews here. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How serious is a leaky basement?

A leaky basement is serious because it can damage your foundation, ruin belongings, and lead to mold and health issues if left untreated.
Check for cracks in walls or floors, water stains, damp spots, or leaks near windows and foundations after rain.
Heavy rain puts pressure on the soil around your home, and if drainage or waterproofing is weak, water seeps through cracks or gaps.
Use proper waterproofing from the start, install drainage systems, seal walls, and grade the ground away from the foundation.
A well-done waterproofing system can last 20–25 years or more, especially with good maintenance.