
What to Do If Your Basement Floods in Niagara Falls
Flooded basement in Niagara Falls? You’re not alone. Every spring and after severe storms, dozens of homeowners along Lundy’s Lane,
Hidden pipe blockages and damage can turn your peaceful St. Catharines home into a costly headache. A sewer camera inspection (also called drain camera inspection, sewer scope, or pipe video inspection) lets you see exactly what’s wrong without tearing up your yard or driveway. At McDowell Drain Services, our RIDGID SeeSnake high-definition sewer camera and 45+ years of local expertise guarantee you a precise diagnosis and tailored solution.
● Precise Problem Location: A sewer inspection uses a flexible, waterproof camera head that records clear, real-time footage. No guesswork—whether it’s a grease clog under the kitchen sink, a fractured pipe joint in your basement, or root intrusion under Port Dalhousie driveways, a video sewer inspection shows you exactly where the issue lies.
● Cost-Effective Repairs: Traditional dig-and-replace methods can cost thousands. A drain camera inspection or pipe video inspection pinpoints the repair area, so you only excavate exactly where it’s needed—saving time and money.
● Prevent Future Emergencies: Early detection of minor leaks, hairline cracks, or tree roots halts small problems before they become full sewer backups, foul odors, or foundation damage. A routine sewer scope inspection keeps your pipes flowing freely.
Call for a drain inspection near me quote. We’ll discuss symptoms—slow drains, gurgling, or sewer smells—and arrange your commercial or residential sewer camera service in St. Catharines.
Our technician feeds a 200′ rod with a high-definition camera through your main sewer line or lateral drains.
Watch on-screen as we navigate bends and joints, revealing blockages or damage. We record the footage and note distance markers for an exact repair plan.
You receive a detailed diagnostic report (e.g., “root intrusion at 15′ from basement cleanout”) with recommended fixes—hydro-jetting, sectional pipe lining, or trench-less sewer replacement
Schedule annual drain camera inspections or sewer inspections to catch new issues early and extend pipe life.
Thousands of sewer inspections and drain camera services across St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Thorold, and Welland.
High-definition RIDGID SeeSnake cameras for crystal-clear video pipe inspection.
Fully certified professionals with comprehensive liability coverage.
Video proof of the problem and an exact plan for your peace of mind.
Rapid response for critical backups and flood risks.
A Victorian home near Port Dalhousie constantly leaked during spring thaws. Our solution:
Our local climate and geology make basements vulnerable:
An interior basement waterproofing system St. Catharines stops water at the source, protecting your finishes, health, and resale value.
Repair only the damaged section—no full yard excavation.
Avoid backups, floods, and steep insurance claims.
Annual sewer scope inspections extend pipe lifespan.
Inspections start at $249+HST; itemized quotes before work.
Buyers trust homes with documented video pipe inspections.
Phone Number
Email Address
Don’t let hidden blockages threaten your home. Schedule your sewer camera inspection in St. Catharines with McDowell Drain Services today:
(905) 431-5612 or mcdowelldrain.ca.
Protect your pipes—and your peace of mind—today!
Phone Number
Email Address
Usha Tayal2025-04-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mcdowell drain service company did an amazing job in my St Catharine house in niagara Region. They installed backwater valve and replaced drain in my house. Stu is very knowledgeable person and did a perfect job in a quick time at a very reasonable price. I would def recommend Mcdowell Drain Services to everyone in the niagara region without a doubt. Thank you Stu and team Jim Naar2025-04-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Can't say enough about the quality of the experience from beginning to end. We arranged to have Stuart come out to re-assess why my parents drain had backed up before Christmas. The drain had been cleared by another company. Stuart was very thorough, kind and knowledgeable. Through the camera he sent down the sewer drain, he explained exactly what needed to be done and the time frame he could have it done. We had him over on Friday afternoon and by late this afternoon (the following Tuesday). The work was done. A section of drain had to be replaced just outside the house. The two Ivan's arrived this morning, as planned. Hand dug over eight feet down to the issue, made the repair, took pictures and closed it up. Except for the clean-out they installed, you wouldn't know that work was done that day. All the soil was piled on a tarp, and all debris taken away. Both Ivan's were very pleasant and worked hard. If we could give more stars we would. Terrific experience. Quality work. Kimberley2025-03-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had 3 drains installed and a back flow valve. From estimate to completed work, everything was completed with professionalism and was quality work. Thank you. Nancy Heckman2024-12-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently hired McDowell Drain & Waterproofing, to repair our sewer lateral in the house. I can't praise them enough. From the first time we met with Stuart 2 weeks ago, he assured us that he would make sure that everything was fixed properly for us and at a reasonable price. We knew from speaking with him, that he was someone who stood by his word. We were blown away with the qoute, since we had a couple previous outrageous estimates. Stuart's workers were very thorough at making sure that everything was plasticed off, drop cloths laid down and all the debris removed. Very kind and respectful gentleman. Thank you Stuart , we would not hesitate to recommend your company. Thank you Stuart Howard & Nancy John McLaughlin2024-09-03Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very thorough. Did an excellent job and cleaned the work area after they were done. Price was very reasonable and I would recommend to anyone. Bhaskar Bhat2024-05-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stuart is extremely professional, reliable and a pleasure to deal with. David North2024-05-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional from first contact to job completion. Job was to install a sewer backwater valve but once the floor was opened, it was evident that a sump pump installation was also required. Quickly pivoted to accommodate the additional work scope and still meet the timeline completion. Stuart, the owner is knowledgeable, professional and puts you at ease. Alex the installer did great work and paid attention to details. He was always receptive to any questions or concerns. Would not hesitate to recommend them for your plumbing needs. Lynn McDonald2024-05-03Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently had basement crack leakage in two areas and a sewer backup from an obstructed sewer pipe. We called McDowell Drain & Waterproofing and it was all repaired within two weeks. Both the company and the work was efficient, professional and fair with pricing. We have had no issues since this work was completed. Extremely professional service. Highly recommend for an accountable and trustworthy repair. Max Kamali2024-04-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. MCDOWELL DRAIN & WATERPROOFING, led by Stuart, truly stands out in the professional field. As someone with experience in spotting professionalism, I was thoroughly impressed by Stuart's ability to listen attentively and resolve the issue promptly as promised. His honesty and competitive pricing, coupled with the high quality of his work, make him a standout choice for any drain and waterproofing needs. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch service in this field! John Chabhar2024-03-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good job thank you
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Most residential inspections start at $249+HST for up to 100′ of piping. Extended lengths or commercial lines are quoted per foot.
We recommend an annual sewer scope or drain camera inspection, especially if your home is near mature trees or has older clay or cast-iron lines.
Yes—minor blockages can often be removed immediately with hydro-jetting tools. Major repairs are scheduled separately.
Trench-less pipe lining works for sectional damage (cracks or roots). Full trench-less replacement is possible if corrosion is widespread; severe collapses may need open excavation.
At McDowell Drain Services, we’re here to provide prompt, reliable, and expert solutions for all your drainage and waterproofing needs. Don’t let a small issue turn into a major problem—reach out to our team now! Call us today or schedule an appointment online, and let our professionals take care of the rest. Your satisfaction is our priority!