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Basement flooding and sewer backup in Metro Vancouver

Plumbers for backwater valves, sump pumps and drains.

95 pros in Metro Vancouver

Vancouver's rules for basement water are written into its building by-law. The 2025 Vancouver Building By-law, Book II, requires a subsoil drainage pipe to be connected to a sump, and the sump to be connected to a storm sewer or a combined sewer. So a sump pump or drain job here is not only a product choice; it has to tie into the city's sewer system correctly. The region has also seen what heavy rain does: in the November 2021 atmospheric river, severe flooding was reported in Coquitlam, Surrey and North Vancouver. Before you hire, ask whether the work needs a plumbing permit, since Vancouver requires one to install, change or upgrade any part of a plumbing system, while simple repairs such as fixing leaks or clearing stoppages do not. Ask who will apply for it and whether they hold a valid City of Vancouver or inter-municipal business licence. Ask for the scope in writing, including where the sump discharges.

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  13. Drainage Pro

    Camera inspection comes before any digging at this North Vancouver firm, which covers weeping tile, basement waterproofing and foundation crack repair. Its workmanship carries a warranty of up to 10 years.

    • Website checked

    Rated 5.0 out of 5 28 Google reviews · Nov 2026

    (604) 210-3892Website Drainage Pro (opens in a new tab)
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What to know in Metro Vancouver

  • The City of Vancouver asks residents to clear storm drains of leaves and snow to prevent flooding.

    City of Vancouver (source, opens in a new tab)

  • For Vancouver building permits opened after January 1, 2026, private-property rainwater management requirements are in the 2025 Vancouver Building By-law (By-law 14343, amended by By-law 14488), Book II, Division B, Article 2.4.2.5.

    City of Vancouver (source, opens in a new tab)

  • In the November 2021 atmospheric river, The Weather Network reported severe flooding in Metro Vancouver areas including Coquitlam, West Vancouver, Surrey and North Vancouver.

    The Weather Network (source, opens in a new tab)

  • BC Hydro says connecting a generator to house wiring requires a CSA-approved transfer switch installed under an electrical permit. The transfer switch and generator must then be inspected and approved by the local authority.

    BC Hydro (source, opens in a new tab)

Before you hire

  1. Ask which permits the job needs and who will get them; your municipal building department can tell you before work starts.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Metro Vancouver

Do I need a permit to install a sump pump or backwater valve in Vancouver?

In Vancouver a permit is needed to install, change or upgrade any part of a plumbing system. Repairing or replacing valves, clearing stoppages in pipes or drains, and repairing leaks do not need one. Ask your contractor which category your job falls into and who will apply. City of Vancouver (source, opens in a new tab)

Who can apply for a Vancouver plumbing permit?

The applicant must hold a valid City of Vancouver or inter-municipal business licence. You do not need to be a licensed plumbing contractor if you are doing plumbing work on a single family detached home that you own and live in. Ask any contractor to show their licence before you sign. City of Vancouver (source, opens in a new tab)

Where does my sump have to drain in Vancouver?

Under the 2025 Vancouver Building By-law, Book II, a subsoil drainage pipe must be connected to a sump, and the sump must be connected to a storm sewer or to a combined sewer. Ask any contractor to explain in the quote how the sump will connect. City of Vancouver (source, opens in a new tab)

Will my home insurance cover a flooded basement?

Not necessarily. Insurance Bureau of Canada says basement water damage from a sewer backup is covered only if you bought optional sewer backup coverage. Flood coverage is also optional, and groundwater and seepage coverage are typically not standard. Check your policy before deciding what work to prioritize. Insurance Bureau of Canada (source, opens in a new tab)

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