
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,
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 Services 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.
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.
We’ve performed thousands of video sewer inspections in Welland, Thorold, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines.
Our high-definition RIDGID SeeSnake cameras deliver crystal-clear footage for precise diagnosis.
Fully certified professionals with comprehensive liability coverage.
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 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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When it comes to clearing stubborn clogged drains in Welland, simple plunging and snaking won’t always cut it. Some blockages are
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 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!