Emergency Waterproofing When Water Is Coming In Now
Emergency waterproofing is for water that is entering your basement right now — after a storm, during snowmelt, when a sump pump fails or a crack suddenly starts running. The goal is to stop the water, protect the house and fix the cause so it does not happen again.
Call us as soon as you see water. Active leaks and flooding are booked ahead of planned work, and we often can come the same or next business day. Our phone line is answered Monday to Friday, 7 AM – 4 PM; outside those hours, leave a message or send the form and we call back first thing the next business day.
We focus on the water source: failed sump pumps, gushing cracks, window wells, floor drain backups and failed drainage. For drying out and restoration of finished rooms, we recommend a water damage restoration company — and work alongside them.
What to Do While You Wait
Safety first. These steps limit the damage before we arrive.
Stay safe
If water is near outlets, cords or the electrical panel, do not walk in it. Call Toronto Hydro or an electrician.
Sewage?
If water comes up through the floor drain or smells of sewage, keep people and pets out. In Toronto, call 311 to report sewer backup.
Stop the inflow
Check the sump pump and its power, move downspouts away from the house, clear window well drains if safe.
Protect belongings
Move valuables, electronics and papers up and out of the basement.
Document
Photos and video of the water, where it enters and the damage — for your insurer and for us.
Call your insurer
Sewer backup and overland water are often separate coverages — ask what your policy includes.
Call us
Tell us where the water comes from and how fast. We book active water first.
What We Do in a Basement Water Emergency
Stop it now
First visit: slow or stop the water and protect the basement.
- Emergency sump pump replacement
- Temporary sealing of active cracks
- Clearing window well drains
- Redirecting downspouts and surface water
- Temporary pumping where possible
Find the cause
Emergency calls often reveal a problem that has been building for years.
- Crack, window well, penetration or cove joint?
- Sump pump, weeping tile or sewer backup?
- Floor drain camera check where needed
- Outside grading and downspouts
- Written report with photos
Fix it for good
Permanent repair, scheduled as soon as the basement allows.
- Crack injection
- New sump pump with battery backup
- Backwater valve
- Interior or exterior waterproofing
- Window well replacement
Typical Basement Water Emergencies in Toronto
| Emergency | What usually happened | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Basement flooding in a storm | Ground saturated, drainage overwhelmed, sewer surcharged | Find whether it is groundwater or sewer, sump and backwater valve |
| Sump pump failed | Pump burnt out, float stuck, power outage | Replace pump, add battery backup and alarm |
| Water through the floor drain | City sewer backed up into the house | Drain check, backwater valve — subsidy eligible |
| Crack started running | Water pressure after heavy rain or thaw | Temporary seal, then injection |
| Window well filled with water | Clogged drain, no cover, poor grading | Clear drain, then repair or replace the well |
| Water at the floor–wall joint everywhere | Failed weeping tile, high water table | Temporary pumping, then interior drainage |
Clean, Grey or Sewage Water?
The type of water decides what is safe to touch and what needs professional cleaning.
| Type | Where it comes from | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Clean water | Groundwater, rain, a burst supply line | Lowest risk if dried quickly |
| Grey water | Washer or sink overflow, clean water left standing | Can make people sick — clean and disinfect |
| Sewage (black water) | Floor drain backup, sewer surcharge | Health hazard — keep out, professional cleanup |
Standing water left for more than a day or two raises the risk of mould. Dry the basement as soon as the water is stopped.
Emergency Waterproofing Cost
The urgent visit stops the water; the permanent fix is priced like any other repair.
| Work | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Assessment & written quote | Free |
| Sump pump replacement (existing pit) | From $500 |
| New sump pit + pump | $1,500 – $3,900 |
| Crack injection | $500 – $1,500 per crack |
| Backwater valve | $2,000 – $4,200 per unit |
| Interior drainage | $50 – $120 per linear foot |
Approximate 2026 Toronto prices, not a quote. Toronto homeowners may get back up to $2,250 for a sump pump, $300 for battery backup and $1,600 per backwater valve. Full list: basement waterproofing prices.
Real Leaquida job siteHow to Avoid the Next Basement Emergency
- Test the sump pump every spring and before long trips
- Add a battery backup and high-water alarm
- Install a backwater valve if your area has had sewer backups
- Keep downspouts 2 m or more from the foundation
- Clear window well drains in the fall
- Seal leaking cracks before winter
After the Emergency
What to Do While You Wait for Us
Stay safe
Do not walk through water near outlets or appliances. Turn off power to the basement at the panel if you can do it safely.
Stop the source
If a pipe has burst, shut the main water valve. If it is a sewer backup, stop using water in the house.
Move valuables
Lift boxes, electronics and furniture off the floor.
Document it
Take photos and video before cleanup for your insurer.
Check the sump pump
Make sure it is plugged in and the breaker is on.
Call your insurer
Report the damage early — many policies have time limits.
Clean, Grey or Black Water — Why It Matters
The type of water decides how cleanup is handled and what can be saved.
| Type | Where it comes from | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Clean water | Burst supply pipe, rain through a window | Materials can often be dried if handled quickly |
| Grey water | Washing machine overflow, groundwater through walls | Needs cleaning and disinfection; porous items may be lost |
| Black water | Sewer backup, flooding from outside | Contaminated — porous materials must be removed; avoid contact |
Emergency Waterproofing vs Planned Waterproofing
Emergency work focuses on
- Stopping active water now
- Temporary sealing of the entry point
- Getting a sump pump running
- Protecting finishes and belongings from further damage
Planned work then fixes
- The real cause, once the basement is dry
- A full drainage or membrane system if needed
- Backwater valve to stop sewer backups
- A written quote and warranty for the permanent repair
Emergency Waterproofing Questions
What is emergency waterproofing?
Emergency waterproofing is urgent work to stop water that is entering a basement now — replacing a failed sump pump, sealing an active crack, clearing a window well or dealing with a floor drain backup — followed by a permanent repair.
Are you available 24/7?
No. Our phone line is answered Monday to Friday, 7 AM – 4 PM. Active leaks and flooding are booked ahead of planned work. Outside those hours, leave a message or send the form and we call back first thing the next business day.
How fast can you come?
Active water is booked first. Depending on the schedule, we can often come the same or next business day.
What should I do first when my basement floods?
Stay away from water near electricity, keep out of sewage, check the sump pump, move belongings, take photos and call your insurer — then call us.
Who do I call in Toronto for sewer backup?
Call 311 to report it to the City. Then call us to check the drain and discuss a backwater valve, which can qualify for up to $1,600 from the City.
Do you remove water and dry the basement?
We focus on stopping the water and fixing the cause. For drying and restoration of finished rooms, we recommend a water damage restoration company and coordinate with them.
Does insurance cover basement flooding?
It depends on your policy. Sewer backup and overland water are often separate coverages in Ontario. Photos and our written report help with your claim.
How much does emergency waterproofing cost?
The assessment and quote are free. Typical fixes: sump pump replacement from $500, crack injection $500–$1,500, backwater valve $2,000–$4,200.
Can emergency waterproofing prevent future flooding?
The emergency visit stops the immediate problem. Preventing the next flood usually needs a permanent repair — we tell you exactly what that is and what it costs.
Is a flooded basement covered by home insurance?
It depends on the cause and your policy. Sewer backup and overland flooding often need separate coverage. Call your insurer early and keep photos of the damage.
How soon should a flooded basement be dried?
Within 24–48 hours if possible. After that, mould starts to grow on drywall, carpet and wood.
Get Help With Water in Your Basement
Call us during business hours for the fastest response, or send the form any time — we reply first thing the next business day.
Call now — Mon–Fri 7 AM – 4 PM(416) 992-5858Office: 58 Six Point Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 2X2
Email: info@leaquida.ca