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Basement flooding and sewer backup in Oshawa

Plumbers for backwater valves, sump pumps and drains.

30 pros in Oshawa

In Oshawa, work on backflow devices is tied to two layers of local paperwork. The City's Backflow Device page, under permit requirements, points you to Building Permits and to the Durham Region Backflow Prevention Program. At the regional level, by-law 24-2018 requires a backflow preventer for premise isolation to be installed, tested and maintained annually on all water services that could pose a hazard to the municipal drinking water system. For a basement flooding job, that means a backwater valve or similar device is not just a one-time purchase. Before you hire, ask whether the work needs a building permit, and ask who will handle the paperwork. Ask whether the installer will test the device and explain the yearly testing and maintenance the by-law calls for. Also check your home insurance. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says sewer and drain backup damage is typically not covered by a standard policy, and that most insurers offer optional sewer backup coverage. Get the scope of work and any permit details in writing.

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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 Oshawa

Do I need a permit to install a backflow device in Oshawa?

The City of Oshawa's Backflow Device page lists permit requirements and points to Building Permits and to the Durham Region Backflow Prevention Program. Contact the City before work begins, and ask any contractor to say plainly who applies for the permit and who arranges inspections. City of Oshawa (source, opens in a new tab)

Does a backflow preventer need ongoing testing in Durham Region?

Under Durham Region by-law 24-2018, a backflow preventer for premise isolation must be installed, tested and maintained annually on water services that could pose a hazard to the municipal drinking water system. Ask a contractor how testing will be done and who will keep the records. Regional Municipality of Durham (source, opens in a new tab)

Will my home insurance pay for sewer backup damage?

The Insurance Bureau of Canada says damage from sewers and drains backing up is typically not covered by a standard policy, though most insurers offer optional sewer backup coverage. Check your policy, and ask your insurer whether any installed device affects your coverage. Insurance Bureau of Canada (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a quote for basement flooding work include?

A good quote names the work to be done, the equipment and materials, who handles permits, the timeline, the warranty and any cleanup or repair of floors or walls. Get at least two written quotes and compare them line by line, not just by the total.

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