
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
Dealing with persistent drain problems in Welland? Don’t let a cracked pipe, collapsed sewer line, or constant basement flooding threaten your property. McDowell Drain & Waterproofing provides expert drain repair Welland— trusted across the Niagara region for over 45+ years.
We specialize in fixing drain issues caused by aging clay pipes, tree root intrusions, high water tables, and storm damage. Our fully licensed and insured team uses state-of-the-art technology like sewer camera inspection Welland and interior basement waterproofing Welland to accurately diagnose and permanently fix any drainage problem — quickly, cleanly, and at a fair price.
In Welland, clogged drainage service Welland means restoring your drainage system’s full function when pipes crack, collapse, or clog. Given the area’s mix of older homes with clay and cast iron pipes, combined with Niagara’s heavy rainfall, drain damage is common.
McDowell Drain & Waterproofing uses advanced methods like trench-less sewer replacement Welland and backwater valve installation Welland to either repair localized damage or fully replace compromised sewer lines — often without digging up your yard.
Whether you need a small spot repair or a complete drain replacement under your driveway, we deliver long-lasting, warrantied results using durable, Canadian winter-tested materials.
Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a flooded basement. Watch for these warning signs:
Pro Tip: Early drainage upgrades like these help stop small issues from becoming expensive repairs.
At McDowell, we deliver cutting-edge solutions using a proven step-by-step process:
We insert high-resolution cameras into your drain system to locate cracks, roots, collapsed sections, and more.
Based on inspection findings, we recommend either a localized repair, full drain replacement, or trenchless pipe bursting — explaining all options clearly.
Technicians execute with minimal disruption using modern tools and technology.
We pressure-test and re-scope the pipe to confirm a clean, leak-free installation.
We backfill carefully, smooth out lawns/driveways, and clean all work areas.
A Welland homeowner near Niagara College faced repeated sewer backups. The problem? A crushed clay sewer pipe under a newly paved driveway! Rather than jackhammering the driveway, McDowell Drain & Waterproofing used trenchless pipe bursting to install a brand-new HDPE sewer line without disturbing the surface.
Result:
Need trenchless sewer replacement in Welland? We’ve got you covered — no mess, no stress!
When your Welland home’s health is at stake, trust the experts who care.
We know Welland’s soil, weather, and infrastructure challenges inside and out.
We use GPS locators, sewer cameras, hydro jetters, and trenchless pipe technology to deliver superior service
Fully licensed, insured, and Google Guaranteed — trusted across Niagara
We offer multi-year warranties on all pipe replacements for peace of mind.
Clear quotes, detailed explanations, no hidden fee
Sewer backup at 3 AM? We’re ready to fix it.
Services Offered
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We’re proud to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Welland — including Dain City, Crowland, East Main, and beyond!
✅ Fast Response
✅ Affordable Pricing
✅ Guaranteed Repairs
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.

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It depends on the severity and method (excavation vs trenchless). After inspection, we give you a transparent quote.
Yes, many properties qualify for trenchless methods, saving time and landscape damage.
Small repairs can be done same-day. Full trenchless replacements usually take 1-2 days.
Not usually! We specialize in trenchless repair wherever possible to avoid major surface damage.
Our drain camera inspection will reveal the pipe condition, so you’ll get expert advice based on real evidence — no guesswork.