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Basement flooding and sewer backup in London

Plumbers for backwater valves, sump pumps and drains.

21 pros in London

In London, basement flooding prevention comes with a city programme attached. The Basement Flooding Grant Program covers part of the work on items such as a backwater valve, or a sump pit and pump with disconnection of existing weeping tile, and a battery back-up installed with a new sump pump. The grant is only open to the owner of the home, and only if construction on the works has not yet started. That shapes how you hire: get your quote and confirm the scope before anyone begins, and do not sign a start date ahead of your application. Power also matters here. During a freezing rain event, London Hydro reported more than 70 active outages at one point, with trees down on power lines. A sump pump stops when the power does, so ask each trade about battery back-up. Ask for the items to be listed separately on the quote, so you can match them to the grant items, and check that the person doing the work holds the licence and permit the job needs.

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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 London

Can I start the work before applying for London's basement flooding grant?

No. London's Basement Flooding Grant Program requires that you own the home and have not started any construction on the works you are applying for. Apply first, wait for approval, then book the trade. Ask any contractor to hold the start date until your application is settled. City of London (source, opens in a new tab)

Which items does the London grant cover?

The programme lists maximums for specific items, including a backwater valve, a sump pit and pump with existing weeping tile disconnection, and a battery back-up installed with a new sump pump. It pays 90% of the total cost up to each maximum. Ask for a quote that itemises each one. City of London (source, opens in a new tab)

Why ask about a battery back-up for a sump pump in London?

Storms can cut power just when a pump is needed. During a freezing rain event, London Hydro reported more than 70 active outages at one point. A pump on mains power alone would stop in an outage, so ask each trade whether a battery back-up is included. CBC News (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a basement flooding quote include?

A written quote should name the work item by item, the materials and equipment, who pulls any permit, the start and finish timing, warranty terms, and cleanup. Get at least two quotes and compare them line by line, not only by the total. Confirm the licence of whoever does the work.

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