Stuart McDowell

CEO & Founder – McDowell Drain & Waterproofing

If you’ve lived in the Niagara Region long enough, chances are someone has told you: “You’ve got a basement leak? Just call Stuart.”

That’s not just a suggestion — that’s a reputation earned over 45 years of hard work, honest service, and thousands of jobs done right.

Stuart McDowell is the man behind McDowell Drain & Waterproofing, one of Niagara’s most trusted names in drainage and waterproofing services. He’s not a desk-bound boss — he’s a hands-on expert who has personally worked on over 3,500+ homes and buildings throughout St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Thorold, Welland, Fort Erie, Grimsby, and beyond.

45+ Years of Getting His Hands Dirty

Stuart didn’t start with a company — he started with a shovel, a truck, and a promise to never leave a job half done.

From his very first drain repair back in the 1970s, to today’s large-scale waterproofing systems, Stuart has done just about everything. He’s dug trenches by hand, replaced entire drainage systems, waterproofed basements during torrential downpours, and helped families clean up after severe floods.

 “You learn a lot when you’ve been under homes, in crawlspaces, and fixing problems others walk away from. That’s where experience comes from — not books, but boots on the ground.”

— Stuart McDowell

That kind of experience can’t be faked. It’s earned, one home at a time.

What Makes Stuart Different?

Stuart isn’t just a guy who knows pipes and pumps — he understands how homes breathe, shift, and survive the elements in the Niagara Region. He’s worked through every type of weather, soil, and foundation issue you can imagine.

Here’s what he specializes in:

 “I’ve worked on homes that were falling apart, and I’ve seen what water damage does when it’s ignored. Our goal is to protect people’s homes before it gets to that point.”

Every service is done with precision, care, and long-term protection in mind. No quick fixes. No “band-aid solutions.” Just solid, guaranteed work.

3,500+ Projects Later, The Standard Hasn’t Changed

Over the past four decades, Stuart has led his team through thousands of successful projects — homes, businesses, rentals, basements, driveways, cottages, and everything in between.

What hasn’t changed? His standard of care.

He still:

  • Personally trains every technician
  • Reviews projects himself
  • Ensures every job meets city code, safety rules, and common sense
  • Helps clients apply for rebates where possible
  • Makes sure the job is done clean, correct, and complete

 “Every home is someone’s investment, their safety net. If I’m trusted to protect it, I’ll treat it like it’s my own. That’s non-negotiable.”

Trusted by the Community, Respected by Professionals

Stuart’s name is well-known in Niagara — not just with homeowners, but with real estate agents, home inspectors, city workers, and even other contractors.

  • Realtors call him before listing homes
  • Inspectors recommend him for waterproofing issues
  • Contractors refer him when a job is too complex
  • Homeowners often call back years later — not with a complaint, but with gratitude
 

Why? Because he solves problems once — and they stay solved.

McDowell Drain & Waterproofing is:

  • Google Guaranteed
  • Fully Licensed and Insured
  • Rated highly across all review platforms
  • Active across all of Niagara, 7 days a week
  • Known for honest, clear pricing and reliable service
 

It’s Not Just About Pipes – It’s About People

What sets Stuart apart isn’t just his experience — it’s how he treats people.

You won’t get pushed into things you don’t need. You’ll get a clear explanation, a fair quote, and real options that make sense. Stuart’s team doesn’t disappear after the job — they stay in touch and stand by their work.

Whether it’s a small crack or a major flood, Stuart believes in helping people feel safe in their homes again.

Work With Stuart McDowell

If you want someone who cuts corners, rushes through jobs, or disappears after payment — keep scrolling.

But if you want a local expert with 45+ years of experience, 3,500+ happy projects, and a reputation built on trust, Stuart is your guy.

👉 Contact McDowell Drain & Waterproofing

👉 Read Stuart’s Advice on Our Blog

👉 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for local updates, tips


Check Out Our Reviews & Photos on Google

Want to see the kind of work we do? Hear what real Niagara homeowners have to say? Check out our verified Google listings:

🔗 Mcdowell Drain Services St Catharines
Serving St. Catharines, Thorold, Niagara Falls, and surrounding areas. Browse customer reviews, see project photos, and get directions to our local office.

🔗 McDowell Drain & Waterproofing – Niagara on the lake Location
Covering Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Welland, and Grimsby. See what homeowners in your neighbourhood are saying about our waterproofing and drain repair work.

We’re proud to be Google Guaranteed, highly rated, and trusted across the Niagara Region. Browse before-and-after photos, read testimonials, or leave us a review if we’ve worked on your home!