Basement Flooding

The City of St. Catharines provides guidance to help residents prevent and respond to basement flooding. Staying prepared through regular maintenance can save both time and money, whether through simple, cost‑effective steps or more comprehensive flood‑prevention upgrades.

What to Do If Your Basement is Flooded

Determining the cause of basement flooding is not always easy. Your insurance and The City need as much information as possible from affected residents, including:

• Where is the water coming from?
• When did it start?
• How much water is there?
• Make sure to note both the colour and odour of the water.

Once the above steps have been taken and the information collected and sent to your insurance company, you can then report it to the City by calling Citizen's First at 905.688.5600.

Turning off the water to your home

If the flooding is due to a burst water supply pipe in your home, and if you are safely able to do so, shut off the main incoming water valve (usually located by the water meter). This can help minimize the damage. 

The water from a burst supply line will be clean and could likely be coming down through the house from an upper level.

If flooding is due to a sewage backup (or if you’re not sure): don’t flush the toilet, run a washing machine, dishwasher, or any other feature with a drain since this can increase the flooding.

Safety First:

• Water could extinguish a pilot light on a gas appliance. If you detect gas, leave the house immediately and contact your gas company.
• Open windows to let fresh air in.
• Keep children and pets out of the area until cleanup has been completed.
• Wear overalls, gloves, protective eyeglasses, rubber boots and a mask.
• Remove dry belongings as quickly as possible.
• Remove water using old rags and towels. A wet/dry vacuum may also help with this.
• Discard all contaminated items that cannot be washed and disinfected. Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
• Wash all surfaces with hot water and liquid detergent, rinse and thoroughly dry and ventilate the area. Use a de-humidifier and fans if necessary. Sanitize walls and floors.
• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water (check manufacturer’s washing instructions) and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens

Flood Prevention

Our Basement Flooding Prevention Guide for Homeowners provides vital information on:

• Our St. Catharines sewer system
• Types and causes of basement flooding
• Immediate and long-term flood prevention techniques
• Insurance considerations
• What to do if your basement is flooded and clean-up

Flood Action Checklist

Our Seasonal Property Flood Action Checklist provides handy tips on flooding prevention measures you can take regularly and before a rainstorm.

Flood Alleviation Program (FLAP)