When the basement smells damp!
If water is landing beside your foundation, you are gambling with basement moisture.
Toronto homeowners talk about heavy rain and water pooling when downspouts are not adequate, including the semi-detached scenario where one shared downspout is “not enough” during big storms.
Other Toronto discussion threads about basement flooding focus immediately on rerouting eavestrough discharge farther from the home.
The rule Toronto homeowners must know
The City of Toronto states it is mandatory for property owners to ensure downspouts are disconnected from the City’s sewer system.
They also outline practical rules that matter to homeowners:
- Water must flow away from the foundation
- Do not direct water onto sidewalks or neighbours
- freezing risk in winter matters for safety
Most common downspout problems
- Downspout too short, dumping water beside the foundation
- Downspout frozen or blocked, causing overflow up top
- Underground drain line blocked, backing water up (common in older setups)
- Shared downspout designs on semis that overload in storms
Solutions that work
#1: Extend discharge away from the foundation
The City recommends ensuring water flows away and using splash pads where needed.
#2: Correct the disconnection setup properly
Toronto provides step guidance including capping the sewer standpipe, adding elbows and extensions, and planning discharge safely.
#3: Add capacity
If one downspout cannot handle the roof area, adding an additional downspout can reduce overload and pooling during heavy rains. (This is especially relevant for Toronto semis and longer front runs.)
Cost and timeline
- Basic extension and redirection: often same day
- Adding a new downspout or reconfiguring runs: commonly 1 day
- Full replacement plus new downspout layout: commonly 1 day, sometimes 2 for complex homes
Most companies pricing for downspouts as a per linear foot cost item in addition to the main eavestrough runs.
Get a Free estimate from Solid Eavestrough
If your downspout setup sends water toward your foundation, replacement is not just cosmetic. It is risk reduction.
Call us today! (647) 717-1127
Request a Free estimate for Eavestrough: https://www.solideavestrough.ca/eavestrough-replacement-toronto/
Request a Free estimate for Downspout: https://www.solideavestrough.ca/downspout-repair-toronto/
*We service Toronto & nearby neighbourhoods including: Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, East York, York, The Beaches, Leslieville, Riverdale, The Danforth, Leaside, High Park, Roncesvalles, Junction, Bloor West Village, Liberty Village, The Annex, Midtown, Forest Hill, Rosedale, and more.