A wet basement can cause many problems, from damaging your foundation to creating mold and bad smells. McDowell Drain Services in St. Catharines fixes issues like wall cracks, leaks, and constant dampness using proven methods and strong materials, making sure your basement stays dry and your home stays safe.
McDowell offering a range of basement waterproofing services like Interior or Exterior waterproofing, Sump Pump Installation, Backwater Valve Setup & Drainage Solutions. We know how important it is to keep your basement dry and safe. Here in St. Catharines, the weather can be tough on homes, heavy spring rains, melting snow in winter, and soil that holds water can all lead to leaks or flooding. Whether you’re in Port Dalhousie, Grantham, Merritton, or Downtown St. Catharines, we understand what your basement is up against. That’s why we create a waterproofing plan just for you. We use a mix of interior, exterior, and preventative methods to stop water from getting in, protect your foundation, and keep your basement dry year-round.
Exterior waterproofing stops water before it even touches your basement walls. We dig around your foundation, apply waterproof membranes, install exterior drains, and make sure the ground slopes away from your home. This is the most complete way to keep water out, especially if leaks are caused by outside pressure from soil and rain.
A backwater valve is a device that allows water and waste to leave your home but prevents it from coming back in. During heavy rain, the city sewer can overflow and push dirty water toward your basement. A backwater valve blocks it before it enters. Installing one is an effective way to protect your home from sewer backups, and in St. Catharines, you may be eligible for a rebate to reduce the cost.
A sump pump is installed in a pit at the lowest part of your basement or crawl space. When water collects in the pit, the pump automatically removes it and sends it away from your home. This prevents flooding and water damage. We install new sump pumps, replace old ones, and can add battery backups so the pump keeps working even during a power outage.
A sewer camera inspection is a method of checking the inside of your pipes using a small waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable. The camera sends live video to a monitor so we can clearly see the condition of the pipe. This helps locate cracks, blockages, tree root intrusions, corrosion, or collapsed sections. By identifying the exact location and cause of the problem, repairs can be made with precision. This process reduces the need for unnecessary digging and lowers repair time and cost.
Trench-less sewer replacement is a modern technique for replacing damaged sewer lines without removing large sections of your yard or driveway. The process uses small entry points to insert a new pipe inside the existing one, creating a seamless and durable replacement. This method is less invasive than traditional excavation, preserves landscaping, and can be completed more quickly. It is an effective solution when the sewer line is cracked, broken, or deteriorated, and it restores proper flow while minimizing disruption to the property.
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With us, you can stop worrying every time it rains and enjoy the peace of mind that your home is protected. The St. Catharines Enhanced Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program can cover up to 90% of your waterproofing costs, with a maximum rebate of $5,000. This program helps pay for approved upgrades such as sump pump installation, backwater valve installation, weeping tile disconnection, and re-routing to a sump pump.
You may qualify if your home was built before 2012, including duplexes and triplexes. This is a valuable opportunity to protect your home from flooding while reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
For more details, check our rebatespage.
The best waterproofing for your home really depends on what kind of foundation you have, how bad the leaks are, how much you can spend, and how quickly you want it fixed. Some homes are fine with one method, but others need a mix to stay dry. An inspection is the best way to know if you need interior work, exterior work, or both together for the best protection.
We start by visiting your home and carefully checking your basement. This includes looking for signs of leaks, cracks, or drainage issues that may need solutions like interior waterproofing or exterior waterproofing.
Once we understand the problem, we explain it clearly and suggest the best repair method for your home, whether that is a sump pump installation, backwater valve, or foundation repair.
We prepare the work area to protect your home and gather all the necessary tools and materials.
We carry out the repair work, which could include sealing cracks, installing drains, adding a sump pump, or upgrading your waterproofing system.
After the work is done, we make sure your basement and yard are left clean and free of debris.
We test the repairs to ensure your basement stays dry and protected for years to come.
Waterproofing a basement from outside is generally the stronger option because it blocks water before it touches the foundation walls. This keeps the concrete from constant moisture contact and reduces risk of cracks over time. Outside work involves digging around the house, applying waterproof membrane, adding drainage board and gravel system so water flows away. Inside waterproofing is more of a water control method. It uses sump pumps, drainage channels and sealants to move water after it already seep in. It costs less and is faster but the walls still stay wet. Many experts suggest outside method, or sometimes both together.
According to Natural Resources Canada, Minor water leaks may sometimes be corrected from the interior; more serious problems should be corrected from the outside.” This means interior fixes can handle small moisture issues, but bigger waterproofing problems like ongoing leaks need exterior excavation, proper waterproof or damp proof coatings, and a drainage system to protect the foundation walls.
Yes, a sump pump helps keep your basement dry by pumping out water that collects in a pit. This water can come from heavy rain, melting snow, or small plumbing leaks. When the water reaches a certain level, the pump turns on by itself and pushes the water away from your house. This helps protect your basement walls, keeps things from getting damaged, and stops mold from growing. A sump pump works even better if you also have good drainage and outside waterproofing.
Keeping a basement dry isn’t just about fixing one leak. It’s about knowing the problem, solving it right, and making sure it doesn’t come back. That’s what we’ve been doing for homeowners in St. Catharines and the Niagara Region for a very long time. Here’s why people choose us.
We’ve been at this for decades and have seen almost every kind of basement problem.
Every basement is different, so we plan the work to fit your home, not just use the same idea for everyone.
Our work is checked and trusted, so you know we’re reliable.
Thousands of happy homeowners in the Niagara Region.
You even pass it to the next owner if you sell your house.
If it’s urgent, we come right away, day or night.
We only use stuff and methods that last.
We keep it honest with no surprise costs.
In St. Catharines, in places like Port Dalhousie, Merritton, Glenridge, Old Western Hill, Fitzgerald, Lakeport, and Secord Woods, many people have basement problems because of the wet weather, heavy soil, and older houses. After big rains or when snow melts, water can get in and make walls damp, floors wet, or sometimes flood the whole basement. Small cracks in walls or floors let water sneak in and get worse over time. Dampness can cause mold and mildew, which smell bad and ruin things stored there. Poor drainage, clogged gutters, or broken downspouts often make water gather near the house. In winter, when the ground freezes and thaws, it pushes on the walls and makes more cracks. Many homeowners fix these problems with waterproofing, sump pumps, and fixing the ground outside so water flows away instead of into the basement.
Other major causes of basement issues homeowners usually face:
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Don’t wait for water problems to get worse. Call us and we will check your basement, explain the problem in simple words, and give you a free quote with no pressure.
Call McDowell Drain Services at (905) 431-5612 or email us at sink2sewer@gmail.com to get started.
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A crack in your foundation can be either a small waterproofing issue… or the first warning sign of structural movement.
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USP |
Details |
|---|---|
| 45+ Years of Proven Industry Experience | McDowell Drain & Waterproofing has been protecting homes for over four decades—experience that cannot be replicated. |
| 20-Year Written Warranty on Waterproofing Systems | Long-term protection backed by a 20-year warranty, not short-term promises. |
| 3,500+ Successfully Completed Projects | Thousands of waterproofing and drainage projects completed across residential properties. |
| Niagara Region Specialists | Deep expertise in local soil conditions, water tables, and aging infrastructure unique to the Niagara Region. |
| Complete Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions | Interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, drain repair, sump pumps, backwater valves—handled by one expert team. |
| Permanent Fixes, Not Temporary Repairs | Root-cause solutions that stop water problems permanently, not seasonal patchwork. |
| Honest Diagnostics & Clear Explanations | Homeowners receive transparent inspections with practical recommendations—no scare tactics. |
| Trusted by Local Homeowners for Generations | A reputation built through decades of consistent workmanship and word-of-mouth trust. |
| Clean, Respectful, Professional Worksites | Work completed with care for the home, landscaping, and living space. |
| Fast Response for Drainage & Water Emergencies | When water threatens your home, McDowell responds quickly to limit damage. |
Basement flooding during rain indicates drainage failure or hydrostatic pressure. Professional waterproofing and drainage correction are required to prevent structural damage.
Recurring leaks mean the underlying drainage or foundation issue was never properly resolved. Permanent interior or exterior waterproofing systems are required.
Yes. Water-leaking foundation cracks worsen over time and can compromise structural integrity if not professionally repaired.
Sewer backups occur when municipal systems overload. Installing a backwater valve or repairing drainage lines is the only permanent solution.
A failed sump pump leaves your basement vulnerable to flooding. Immediate repair or replacement is required to restore protection.
Cove joint leaks occur where the wall meets the floor and require an interior drainage system—not surface patching.
Yes. Persistent musty smells signal trapped moisture and potential mold growth that must be addressed through waterproofing.
Exterior water pooling increases pressure against foundation walls and leads to leaks. Drainage correction is required.
Yes. Insurers and home inspectors often require documented waterproofing repairs before approving claims or home sales.
Finished basement damage requires immediate waterproofing to stop repeat losses and protect the home’s value.
