Emergency Water Damage Restoration
24 hour response for burst pipes, leaks and flooding, from water removal to final repairs.
Learn moreFlooded Basement Cleanup Services in Scarborough
Water in the basement after a storm, a failed sump pump or a leak? We pump it out, dry it out and put your basement back together. Available 24/7 across Scarborough.
- Pump out and extraction
- Drying and mould prevention
- Finished basement rebuild
- Insurance documentation
Water in Your Basement? Here Is What We Do
Basements are where most water damage in Scarborough ends up. Water runs downhill, so a leak upstairs, heavy rain against the foundation or a backed up floor drain all collect at the lowest level of the house.
Many basements here are finished living space with carpet, drywall and insulated walls, which means a few centimetres of water can damage a lot of material. We pump out the water, remove what cannot be saved, dry the basement properly and rebuild it.
Why Basements Flood in Scarborough
Heavy rain and snowmelt
Water builds up against the foundation and comes through cracks, the joint between wall and floor, or window wells.
Sump pump failure
Pumps fail from age, a stuck float switch or a power outage during a storm, exactly when they are needed most.
Sewer backup
When the city sewer is overloaded, water can come up through the floor drain. This water is contaminated. See sewer backup cleanup.
Plumbing and appliance leaks
Water heaters, laundry hoses, and supply lines in the ceiling or walls often fail in the basement first.
Poor grading and downspouts
Ground that slopes toward the house, or downspouts that drain beside the wall, send roof water straight to the foundation.
Blocked weeping tile
Older drainage pipes around the footing can clog or collapse, so groundwater has nowhere to go.
Our Basement Flood Cleanup Process
- Safety check. We check for electrical hazards and confirm whether the water is clean, grey or sewage, because that decides how materials are handled.
- Pump out and extract. Standing water is pumped out and carpets are extracted. See our water extraction service.
- Remove damaged materials. Wet carpet pad, baseboards and the lower part of drywall and insulation are removed where needed. We cut only as high as the moisture reached.
- Dry the structure. Air movers and dehumidifiers dry the concrete, framing and remaining walls. Readings are taken daily.
- Clean and sanitize. The floor and lower walls are cleaned and treated with antimicrobial products to prevent mould and odour.
- Rebuild. New insulation, vapour barrier, drywall, baseboards, flooring and paint to finish the basement again.
How to Reduce the Risk of Another Basement Flood
- Install a backwater valve on the main sewer line to stop sewer water from flowing back into the house.
- Test your sump pump each spring and fall by pouring water into the pit, and consider a battery backup.
- Extend downspouts at least two metres from the foundation, onto ground that slopes away from the house.
- Keep window wells clear and fit covers where water collects.
- Seal foundation cracks and fix low spots in grading.
- Do not pour grease down drains, since it builds up and blocks pipes.
The City of Toronto runs a Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program that can help pay for a backwater valve, a sump pump and pipe severance. Check the City's website for current eligibility and amounts.
Related Services
Water Extraction
Truck mounted and portable pumps to remove standing water from floors, carpets and basements.
Learn moreSewer Backup Cleanup
Safe removal of sewage water, disinfection and replacement of contaminated materials.
Learn moreBurst Pipe and Water Leak Damage
Leak tracing, moisture mapping and repair of walls, ceilings and floors soaked by plumbing leaks.
Learn moreFlood Damage Cleanup
Cleanup after storms, overland flooding and major water events in homes and businesses.
Learn moreWater Mitigation
Fast steps that stop water from spreading and keep repair costs and mould risk down.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Is a flooded basement covered by insurance?
It depends on the cause and your policy. A burst pipe is usually covered under standard home insurance. Water from a sewer backup or from outside (overland water) often requires separate endorsements. Call your broker to confirm what you have.
Can I clean up a flooded basement myself?
If it is a small amount of clean water and you can dry everything within a day, possibly. If water has soaked carpet, drywall or insulation, or if it came from a floor drain, professional extraction and drying is the safer choice to avoid mould and contamination.
How long does it take to dry a flooded basement?
Usually three to five days once wet materials are removed and equipment is running. Concrete floors and block walls can take longer. We confirm with moisture readings before repairs start.
Do I need to remove the drywall after a basement flood?
Not always. Drywall that got wet from clean water and is dried quickly can often stay. Drywall soaked by sewage or flood water, or wet for more than a couple of days, should be cut out above the water line.
What should I do if water is coming up through my floor drain?
That is usually a sewer backup. Stop using water in the house (toilets, sinks, laundry), keep away from the water and call us. If you think the city sewer is blocked, also call Toronto 311.
Water damage in Scarborough? Call now.
We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.