How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost in Ontario? (2025)

If you own a house in Toronto, you know our weather can be tough. Heavy rains, melting snow, all of it pushes water into your basement. A wet basement isn’t just annoying, it can lower your home’s value, damage your structure, and even make your family sick. 

At Waterproofing4less, homeowners often ask, How much will it cost to waterproof a basement in Toronto? It’s a fair question, but sometimes the answer could be confusing. We’re here to make it clear for homeowners! This guide will show you the real costs of waterproofing so you can protect your home, which is likely your biggest investment. 

The same goes for the rest of the GTA. Whether you live in Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, or anywhere nearby, the risk of basement leaks is just as serious. We’ve included all the essential info you need, so no matter where you are in the GTA, you’ll know what to expect and how to plan for it.

There are two main ways to stop water from getting into your basement in your Toronto home: Interior waterproofing and exterior waterproofing. You might also need backwater valve installation and sump pump installation as well. 

Interior basement waterproofing: The Indoor Fix

Interior basement waterproofing is about managing water inside your basement. It involves installing a special drain system along the walls, which guides any leaking water to a sump pump, then out of your home.

How It Works: 

1. We dig a small trench along the inside edge of your basement floor, right next to the wall. 
2. We then put in a special drain system, often called an inside French drain. This drain collects any water that comes through the walls or floor. 
3. The water then flows into a sump pump, which automatically pumps it out of your house and away from the foundation. 
4. After that, we repair the concrete floor so it looks neat again.

Pros

• Less Mess Outside: We don't dig up your yard, patio, or driveway. This means less mess and usually a faster job.
• More Affordable: It generally costs less because we don't need heavy digging machines or a lot of outdoor cleanup.
• Quick Job: Most inside jobs are done in just a few days.
• Good for Water Pressure: It's great at stopping water pushed in by outside pressure.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Water Still Enters Walls: Water does still enter the wall, but our system catches it perfectly.
• Floor Work: We do need to break a small part of your concrete floor to put in the system. But we always fix it well!

Cost of Interior Basement Waterproofing in GTA (2025): For inside waterproofing, expect to pay $75 to $150 per linear foot of wall length. For an average basement in Toronto, Hamilton, Mississauga, Oakville, or Burlington, the total cost is usually between $3,000 and $10,000. This often includes the drain system, a new sump pump, and fixing small cracks.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing: The Outdoor Fix

Exterior basement waterproofing means stopping water from getting into your basement from the outside. It involves digging up the dirt around your home's foundation, applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the outside walls, and installing new drain pipes to carry water away.

How It Works: 

1. This is a bigger job. We dig up all the dirt around your house's foundation, going down to the very bottom. 
2. Once your foundation walls are uncovered, we clean them, fix any cracks, and then put a strong waterproof cover or paint on the outside of the wall. 
3. We then put new weeping tiles (drain pipes) at the bottom, cover them with gravel, and add a protective layer. 
4. Finally, we put all the dirt back.

Pros:

• Stops Water Before It Enters: This is the best way to keep your foundation totally dry. Water never even touches the concrete.
• Very Strong and Lasts Long: It's seen as the best way and lasts for a very long time.
• Protects Foundation Material: Keeps your foundation drier, which can make it last longer.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Big Mess Outside: This is the main downside. We dig up your yard, which might disturb gardens, patios, or driveways.
• Most Expensive: Because of all the digging, big machines, and materials, it costs the most.
• Longer Job: Digging and filling takes more time.
• Yard Repair: You'll likely need to pay to fix your yard after the digging is done. 

Cost of Exterior Basement Waterproofing in Toronto (2025): Outside waterproofing will typically cost $100 to $400 per foot of wall length. A full outside waterproofing job for an average home in our service areas can be $10,000 to over $25,000. How deep your basement is will greatly change the final price. 

Fact: Basement flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in Canada.

Data Point: Insured losses from severe weather events, often driven by water damage, exceeded $3.1 billion in 2023, marking the fourth year in a row that such losses have topped $2 billion.

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) - 2023 Catastrophic Loss Data

Sometimes, you don't need a full inside or outside job, or you might need extra parts to make your system perfect. Here are other costs:

1. Foundation Crack Repair (Injection): For single, small cracks that leak a little, we can inject them with a special material. This is an effective and cheaper fix.
   
   • Cost: About $300 to $1,000 per crack for basic fixes. 
2. Sump Pump Installation/Replacement: This is key for any inside drain system.
   
   • Replacement: Starts at $600
   • New Installation (w/ battery backup + alarm): Up to $3,400
   • Includes sealed basin, discharge piping, check valve, and optional Wi-Fi monitoring.
   • City Rebate: Up to $1,750 for eligible installations. This is smart for power outages in Toronto.
3. Backwater Valve Installation: This device stops city sewer water from backing up into your basement during heavy rains. 
   
   • Cost: Usually between $2,200 and $4,500. This often means opening a part of your concrete floor.
   • Includes valve fitting, pipe cutting, concrete restoration, permit fees, and inspection.
   • City Rebate: Up to $1,250 when installed with a permit and inspection.

Window Well Installation: Keeps water and soil away from basement windows to stop leaks and flooding.

• Cost: Around $500–$2,000 per window, based on size and depth.
• What’s included: Digging, gravel, the well, and sometimes a drain pipe.
• City Rebate: May apply if part of a full waterproofing system, check your local program.

Weeping Tiles: Helps drain water away from your foundation to keep your basement dry.
Cost:

• Interior: $3,000–$10,000 depending on length and location.
• Exterior: $8,000–$25,000+ depending on length and location.
• What’s included: Pipe installation, gravel, and sump pump connection.
• City Rebate: Up to $3,400 with sump pump and backwater valve in Toronto

French Drain Installation: Moves surface water away from your home to prevent flooding and soggy areas.

• Cost: Usually $2,000–$10,000, depending on length and location.
• What’s included: Trenching, pipe, gravel, and ground repair.
• City Rebate: May qualify if included in a full waterproofing project.

You might get different prices from different companies. Here's why:

• How Bad the Leak Is: A small drip costs less than a basement that floods often. The worse the water problem, the more it costs to fix.
• Basement Size and Access: Bigger basements cost more. If it's hard to dig around your house (tight spaces, big trees), that adds to the price. If your basement is already finished, we have to remove parts of it, which costs more.
• Foundation Type: Different types of foundations might need different ways to fix them.
• Dirt Type: Toronto's clay soil can make digging harder and more expensive.
• Permits: Bigger jobs often need city permits, which have small fees.
• Company's Promise (Warranty): Good companies (like us) give strong, long warranties. They might cost a bit more, but it means peace of mind for you.

This is where you can potentially save a lot of money! Many cities and regions offer programs to help homeowners protect their properties from basement flooding.

• City of Toronto Subsidy Program: As of 2025, the City of Toronto's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program offers significant financial help. For example, you can get:
  
  • Up to 80% of the cost, up to $1,250, for a backwater valve.
  • Up to 80% of the cost, up to $1,750, for a sump pump (including battery backup).
  • Help to disconnect old drain connections.
• Mississauga Rebate Programs: Mississauga offers a Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate (up to $7,500 total, including up to $6,000 for a sump pump and $1,500 for a storm lateral backwater valve). They also have a Flood Resilience Rebate (up to $3,000 for water-resistant materials). Applications opened February 12, 2025, and some retroactive applications are accepted until August 1, 2025.
• Hamilton Protective Plumbing Program: The City of Hamilton offers a grant (subsidy) of up to $2,000 for installing a backwater valve and other eligible work to reduce basement flooding.
• Halton Region (Oakville & Burlington) Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program: Homeowners in Oakville and Burlington can often get support through Halton Region's program. This includes:
  
  • Up to $5,000 for a sump pump installation (with weeping tile disconnection).
  • Up to $675 for a backwater valve.
  • Up to $500 for downspout disconnection.
  • Up to $2,000 for sewer lateral lining/repair.

How to Apply: Each city and region has its own rules, but your chosen contractor (like Waterproofing4Less!) can often help you with the paperwork. This usually involves getting permits, us doing the work, the city checking it, and then you sending in your request with our bills. We strongly encourage you to look into these valuable programs! They can greatly lower what you pay.

1. Plus add experience, happy clients, no. of projects completed and 20+ industry award.

Our team at Waterproofing4Less is a preferred contractor in the Halton Region. Don’t wait longer, we are just a call away! Contact us at 416‑333‑2212 or info@waterproofing4less.ca

Want a quick estimate for your project?
Try our easy-to-use Basement Waterproofing Cost Calculator to get a personalized price range based on your location, basement size, and service type.

It only takes a minute, and it helps you plan with confidence.

Yes, basement waterproofing costs money. But think about what happens if you don't do it:

• Costly Damage: Floods can ruin your basement, furniture, and priceless items.
• Health Problems: Mold can grow, causing breathing issues for your family.
• Home Damage: Water can weaken your home's structure, leading to much bigger, more expensive fixes later.
• Lower Home Value: A wet basement scares away buyers and lowers your home's selling price.
• Peace of Mind: No more worrying every time it rains! 

In Toronto, a dry basement isn't a luxury; it's a must-have. By knowing the costs, using city rebates, and picking a good professional, you can protect your home and enjoy a healthier, more valuable living space for years to come. Don't let a wet basement get you down – act now!

Ready to get a clear picture and protect your Toronto home from water damage? Contact Waterproofing4Less today for a free check and a clear price. Let's make your basement dry and healthy for 2025 and beyond!

How long basement waterproofing lasts depends on the type. Interior systems like sump pumps and drainage pipes can last 25 to 50 years with regular care. Exterior waterproofing (done by digging around the outside) can last even longer—over 50 years if it’s done well. But quick fixes like waterproof paint or sealants may only last 5 to 10 years. If you keep your system clean and check for problems once in a while, it will stay strong and protect your basement from leaks for many years.

The cheapest way is to seal small cracks from the inside using injections or waterproof paint, which costs around $250 to $800. If your basement just feels damp, a dehumidifier can help too. These options are good for small problems, but not for serious leaks. A better budget-friendly choice is interior waterproofing, like installing a sump pump or drain system. It’s cheaper than digging outside and still protects well. So, for long-lasting results without spending too much, interior waterproofing is often the best and most affordable option.

Waterproofing a 1,000 sq. ft. basement in Toronto can cost between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on what you need. Interior waterproofing is cheaper and usually costs $5 to $12 per square foot. Exterior waterproofing, which means digging around the house, can cost over $12,000. It also depends on how easy it is to reach your foundation and how damaged it is. Good news, the City of Toronto gives up to $3,400 in rebates if you install things like sump pumps or backwater valves. That makes it more affordable for many homeowners.

"We’ve been living in our Mississauga home for five years, and the basement always had this weird, musty smell. We thought it was just how basements were supposed to be. But after a week of heavy rain last fall, we noticed water creeping in near the walls. That’s when we realized it wasn’t normal at all.

A friend suggested we reach out to Waterproofing4Less. From the first call, they were super helpful. Someone came out to check things over, explained what was going on, and gave us a clear, honest quote. We decided to go ahead with interior waterproofing and a sump pump. They even helped us apply for the rebate, which really helped with the cost.

Now the basement is completely dry. No damp smell, no water, and honestly, it feels like a new space. We’re finally using it without worrying every time it rains."

– Raj K., Mississauga homeowner

Basements like Raj’s are more common than you think, especially around the GTA. Our team is here to fix the problem and give you back a space you can actually enjoy.

– Slava, Senior Technician at Waterproofing4Less

Want to see how we’ve helped others? Click here to read more stories.

Q1. What is backwater valve installation cost in toronto?

It typically costs $2,200 to $4,500, with up to $1,250 available in rebates.

Q2. How much does it cost to install a sump pump in Toronto?

Costs range from $600 to $3,400, with up to $1,750 in city rebates.

Q3. What is the life expectancy of waterproofing a basement?

Professional waterproofing can last 25 years or more with proper installation.

Q4. How many days does it take to waterproof a basement?

Interior jobs take 2–5 days, while exterior jobs may take 5–10 days or longer.

Q5. What is the best time to do waterproofing of your home?

Spring to early fall is best, but interior waterproofing can be done year-round.

Andrii Lema is a seasoned Waterproofing & Drain Expert at Waterproofing4Less, with over a decade of experience across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, and Burlington. Specializing in sump pump installations, backwater valve systems, basement waterproofing, and drain repair & replacement, Andrii combines local code expertise with advanced techniques to deliver reliable, long-lasting solutions.