
How to Spot (& Fix) Common Plumbing Problems in Your Home
Plumbing problems usually don’t start with a big splash. They begin in small ways — a tap that won’t stop
When your sewer line fails, traditional open-dig replacement means weeks of disturbance across your yard, driveway, and landscaping. Trenchless sewer replacement—also called no-dig sewer repair, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), or trenchless pipe rehabilitation—uses just two small access pits to install a seamless new pipe inside the old one. At McDowell Drain & Waterproofing, we’re leaders in Basement Waterproofing Service in Thorold, preserving properties from Port Robinson to St. Johns Chapel while delivering durable, cost-effective solutions.
● Minimal Excavation & No-Dig Technology: On streets like Front Street, Ormond Street, and along the Welland Canal, there’s little room for long trenches. Our no-dig pipe repair only needs two 2'×2' pits, keeping your lawn, gardens, and driveway intact. Check out our clogged drain services in Thorold for added protection.
● High Water Table & Canal Proximity: Thorold’s proximity to the Welland Canal and surrounding wetlands means a high groundwater table. A cured-in-place pipe liner withstands hydrostatic pressure better than patch repairs or spot fixes.
● Rapid Turnaround: Most trenchless sewer replacements Thorold complete in 6–8 hours, compared to days or weeks for open-dig methods—ideal for busy families and local businesses.
● Tree-Root Intrusion Solution : Fewer trucks, less soil removal, and minimal restoration translate to lower carbon footprint and reduced labor costs—often 30–60% less than traditional methods.
● Preserve Historic & Community Character: In Old Town Thorold, where heritage homes and community gardens abound, trenchless methods protect stone walkways and decorative landscaping from damage.
We begin with a high-definition sewer camera inspection in Thorold to locate damage—root intrusion, cracks, or corrosion—and measure the run’s exact length.
Two compact pits are dug at the start and end of the damaged section, preserving your yard and underground utilities.
An epoxy-saturated, fiberglass-reinforced liner is inverted into the host pipe using air or water pressure. Heated water or steam cures the liner into a seamless new pipe.
A follow-up drain camera inspection confirms a perfect seal. We backfill the pits and restore concrete or landscaping—often the same day.
With more than 45 years in the industry, we bring unmatched expertise, hands-on knowledge, and proven reliability to every job.
We use advanced cured-in-place pipe systems for jointless, leak-proof repairs.
We’ve successfully completed over 3,500 drainage and waterproofing projects across the region—earning the trust of homeowners and businesses alike.
Rapid deployment for critical sewer failures, any time, day or night.
Fixed quotes after inspection, plus a satisfaction guarantee on all trenchless work.
Outcome: No further backups, flow fully restored, and repair costs 50% lower than a traditional dig-and-replace.
Only two small pits—no trenches through lawns, driveways, or patios.
Most trenchless installs finish within one business day.
Seamless liners last 50+ years, resisting corrosion and root invasion.
Reduced soil removal and restoration costs by up to 60%.
Heritage properties and neighborhood aesthetics remain intact.
Services Offered
In Thorold, trenchless repairs often qualify for expedited permits under municipal codes, since minimal excavation reduces road closures and public disruption. McDowell Drain & Waterproofing handles all permit applications with the City of Thorold’s Building Department, ensuring your project meets safety standards and by-laws—saving you time and frustration.
Posted on Mark SwanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a sewer backup and pipe failure (the pipe is exposed in the basement, so we had sewage all over our basement). I called McDowell Drain Services based on other reviews, and he had sewerline camera equipment. Stuart McDowell, the owner, was at our house the next day to do a temporary fix on the pipe. The pipe had to be replaced, including a section of pipe outside of the house. He showed me the camera view from inside the pipe that confirmed the extent of the outside repair/replacement, to about 1.5m from the face of the building. His team came on the agreed-upon day and time. The team worked very hard and did an excellent job, including cleanup, all in a day, thus limiting downtime for our use of the sewer. I recommend McDowell Drain Services based on our experience.Posted on Antal AbelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stuart and his team are the best. They are the only plumbers in all of Niagara to offer trenchless drain replacement saving me thousands on digging up my front lawn. He has also installed a sump pump system in my basement as well as a full bathroom rough-in and waste pump. The work was done professionally and in a timely manner. Stuart is quick to respond to my queries and takes pride in his work. There is no question- Stuart is the first guy I call if I ever have a plumbing issue, big or small!Posted on Chris MansurTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. McDowell Drain & Waterproofing is my go-to company for any drainage issues. I wouldn’t call anyone else. This is now the second time I’ve used their services and both times the service was exceptional. Stuart is one of the nicest and most honest, knowledgeable, and reliable professionals I’ve ever dealt with. Both times that I had flooding issues, he was quick to respond, gave very reasonable quotes, finished on time, and provided services that exceeded my expectations. He also ensured I was happy with the service at the end. I’ve even had other contractors on unrelated issues tell me how good the quality of work is with the water mitigation system that he installed. 5/5 stars!Posted on Adina AslamTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stuart was so helpful form the start. He not only gave me an accurate quote over the phone, but also followed through and charged me the exact amount that was quoted initially while other companies would charge a service fee to even come out and look at the issue. He provided same day service. He spent several hours in fixing the kitchen drain and cleaning it out, but charged a very low amount for his labour. He sent me photos of the issue, kept calling me throughout the process to explain the steps he was taking to fix it and then cleaned up before he left. It was a really tough mess stuck in the pipes that would’ve cost me twice to get it cleaned by someone else. I appreciate the honesty and excellent customer service he provided me with throughout the process. I can’t say enough good things about him. I will for sure be calling Stuart for any of the future plumbing needs. Thankyou for resolving this issue promptly and doing it so professionallyPosted on Ryan SicilianoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a sewage issue and Stuart quickly answered the call and cleared the pipes. He then quickly located the problem. He assured me that he would soon have a crew out to resolve the issue. He told me I could call him if anything came up before workers arrived. Contacted me on which was a Sunday and said a crew would be out Monday morning which they were! Where the sewer needed to be replaced was below my porch into the basement. The crew Alek and Igor dug by hand. This was even more laborious job due to the thick clay in our area. The job was completed and work site cleaned up impeccably. I am thankful to Stuart for his immediate attention and honest assessment! Also for the great crew he provided. They were professional, respectful and cheerful through the duration of the grueling and unpleasant work they have to deal with. Thank you so much!! Update...Called Stuart as having sewer smell in basement. He came over immediately and found the issue. There was no cap on a drain from a previous installation that he hadn't done. Stuart went out to Home Depot purchased a drain cover, returned and replaced it! His immediate responses and kindness go above and beyond! I am so very grateful! Gaye SicilianoPosted on Lynn HarrisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. RESPONSIVE. KNOWLEDGEABLE. AFFORDABLE. AMAZING. I chose McDowell Drain and Waterproofing based on reviews, and I am happy to say I had the same great experience as many others! Stuart is a true pro - responded to our request right away, and came out the next day. He explained everything and showed images of the issue, and within the week his crew was working on our drain repair. His crew was amazing and went above and beyond our expectations. Highly recommended!Posted on Prabh SandeepTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend this waterproofing team in Niagara! They installed a sump pump and did exterior waterproofing using top-quality materials. Stu and his crew were knowledgeable, kind, and did an amazing job at a fair price. Thank you for saving our home!Posted on Prabhjot KaurTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best waterproofing contractors in the niagara region. They installed sump pump in my house in niagara and also did exterior waterproofing, they used high quality products and team was very compassionate and knowledgeable. They are expert at what they do, thank you stu for amazing work you did, you really saved us at a very reasonable price.Posted on Orma BleeksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stuart and his crew highly efficient, explained the process, dealt with complications at no extra cost and my lawn looks better than it did before. Also the least expensive quote. A true professional who takes pride in his work.Posted on Bones380Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stuart went above and beyond for me. It was a delight to work with an honest contractor for a change. He and his team were tidy, punctual and fast! As a bonus, he gave me the best quote! Highly, highly recommend McDowell Drain & Waterproofing.

Plumbing problems usually don’t start with a big splash. They begin in small ways — a tap that won’t stop

Sometimes your bathtub just decides it won’t drain. No warning, no reason… it just sits there with water like it

Properly functioning drains are barely noticed when they are functioning correctly. But when something goes wrong it can be disorganizing

A clogged kitchen sink is one of those annoying little moments that ruin your mood for no reason. You’re trying

Picture this: there’s a small damp patch in your basement. Maybe it smells a bit musty, or you notice a

Backwater valves don’t get much attention until a disaster strikes. Most people only hear about them after a sewer backup
Typical pricing ranges from $1,100–$1,600 per linear foot, depending on pipe diameter and run length. A detailed quote follows the initial video inspection.
Most residential jobs complete in 6–8 hours, including prep, lining, curing, and site restoration.
No—only two small access pits are required. We backfill and restore turf or concrete the same day.
Yes—CIPP works on clay, cast-iron, PVC, concrete, and terra-cotta, creating a new pipe within the old.