
The Unsung Hero of a Dry Home: A Niagara Homeowner’s Guide to Drainage Systems
For many homeowners in the Niagara Region, the battle against water feels endless. You see the symptoms everywhere: water pooling
When hidden blockages, root intrusions, or cracks strike your Welland home, a sewer camera inspection (also called drain camera inspection, pipe video inspection, or sewer scope inspection) is the fastest way to find—and fix—the problem. McDowell Drain & Waterproofing uses the high-definition RIDGID SeeSnake system to inspect every foot of your sewer line without unnecessary digging. With over 45 years serving Welland, Thorold, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines, our certified technicians deliver accurate diagnostics and targeted repairs—saving you time and money.
Welland’s geography and infrastructure present specific issues:
● Canal Proximity: Homes near the Welland Canal and locks face high water tables, causing hydrostatic pressure on older clay and cast-iron pipes.
● Flat Terrain & Stormwater: Heavy rains can overwhelm municipal drains, forcing water into cracked laterals—an annual sewer line video inspection prevents surprises.
● Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Harsh winters shift frozen soil around pipes on roads like East Main Street and Cromwell Street, leading to hairline fractures best identified by a drain camera inspection near me Welland.
● Aging Sewer Mains: Many Welland neighborhoods built pre-1980 still use terra-cotta or early PVC lines. A routine sewer scope keeps these legacy pipes reliable.
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Call for a sewer inspection Welland quote. We’ll discuss symptoms—slow drains, odors, or backups—and schedule your service.
Clear the cleanout or basement drain. Our team opens your main line for camera entry.
We insert a 200′ SeeSnake rod with HD camera into your sewer line or lateral.
Watch blockages, offsets, and root masses in real time. We capture footage and measure distances (e.g., “root intrusion at 22′”).
You receive a timestamped video report with recommended solutions—hydro-jet drain cleaning as part of our clogged drain cleaning Welland, pipe lining, or a full trench-less sewer replacement Welland.
With more than 45 years in the industry, we bring unmatched expertise, hands-on knowledge, and proven reliability to every job.
Our high-definition RIDGID SeeSnake cameras deliver crystal-clear footage for precise diagnosis.
We’ve successfully completed over 3,500 drainage and waterproofing projects across the region—earning the trust of homeowners and businesses alike.
We provide video proof of the issue and an exact plan—no guesswork, no hidden fees.
Rapid response for critical backups, flooding, or compliance inspections.
A Victorian home near Port Dalhousie constantly leaked during spring thaws. Our solution:
No full-yard excavations—only the damaged segment is repaired.
Annual inspections stop small leaks before they become disasters.
Targeted repairs cost 30–60% less than open-dig methods.
Homes with documented sewer video inspections command higher resale.
Know your sewer lines are clear and reliable year-round.
Phone Number
Email Address
Don’t let hidden blockages or root intrusions threaten your Welland home. Schedule your sewer camera inspection in Welland with
(905) 431-5612 or mcdowelldrain.ca.
Protect your pipes—and your peace of mind—today!
Phone Number
Email Address
Chris Mansur2025-08-18Trustindex 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! Adina Aslam2025-07-22Trustindex 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 professionally Ryan Siciliano2025-07-07Trustindex 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 Siciliano Lynn Harris2025-07-04Trustindex 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! Prabh Sandeep2025-06-24Trustindex 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! Prabhjot Kaur2025-06-24Trustindex 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. Orma Bleeks2025-06-20Trustindex 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. Bones3802025-06-11Trustindex 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. Andrew Walsh2025-05-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. McDowell repaired a sewer lateral for me. Great job. Very knowledgeable, diligent and responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Parth Bali2025-05-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a big sewer problem at my home in St. Catharines and was really worried it would turn into a disaster. But Stuart and his team at McDowell Drain & Waterproofing were incredible. They used trenchless repair so there was no digging up my yard. I was shocked at how clean and quick it was. Stuart was kind, honest, and truly cared about doing a good job. He was so knowledgeable, I called in other companies too but after talking to him, I was kind of sure to go ahead with this company only. So thankful I called them!
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We recommend annual sewer scope inspections, especially for homes near the canal or with mature trees.
Yes—our hydro-jetting equipment lets us remove many blockages immediately. Major repairs are scheduled after diagnostics
Residential inspections start at $249+HST for up to 100′. Extended lengths and commercial lines are quoted per foot.
Sectional damage (cracks or roots) can often be fixed with trench-less pipe lining. Severe collapses may require a traditional excavation approach.
At McDowell Drain & Waterproofing, 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!