Emergency guide · Ontario
Basement Flooded? Do These 6 Things — In This Order
July's storms flooded 1,900+ basements in Ottawa alone, and the July 2024 GTA flash floods caused over $940M in insured damage. If you are standing at the top of your basement stairs right now — here is exactly what to do, and who pays for what.
Storm season is here. July's storms flooded 1,900+ basements in Ottawa and drenched the GTA. Most Ontario cities pay part of the cost of flood protection — before the next one.
Find my city’s program →- 1
Safety before anything else
Do not step into standing water if it could be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or the panel — have the utility or a licensed electrician cut the power first. If you smell gas, leave and call your gas utility. If the water is sewer backup, treat it as contaminated: rubber boots, gloves, and keep children and pets out.
- 2
Stop the water if you safely can
A burst pipe means shutting the main water valve. Sewer backup during a storm usually stops when the storm passes — call your municipality (311 in Toronto) to report it; the report also creates a record that helps your insurance claim and future subsidy applications.
- 3
Document everything — before you clean
Insurers pay on evidence. Photograph and video the water level, every damaged item and surface. List damaged property with proofs of purchase where you have them. Keep ruined items until the adjuster says otherwise (unless they are a health hazard), and keep every cleanup receipt — IBC's standard claims guidance.
- 4
Call your insurer the same day
Report as soon as possible — you will complete a "proof of loss" form listing damaged property. You legally have two years, but late reporting makes everything harder. Be aware: sewer backup and overland water are optional coverages — if you are not sure you carry them, ask directly. What insurance actually covers →
- 5
Dry out within 24–48 hours
Mould can start growing on wet materials within 24–48 hours. Pump or wet-vac the water, run fans and a dehumidifier, pull soaked carpet underlay and cut out drywall that wicked water. For sewage water or large floods, a professional restoration crew is money well spent — your insurer (if covered) typically coordinates one.
- 6
Make sure it never happens again — the step everyone skips
A flood is awful once and inexcusable twice. A backwater valve stops sewer backup; a sump pump with battery backup handles groundwater when the power fails. In Toronto, the City pays 80% of the cost, up to $6,650 across these measures — a ~$2,000 backwater valve typically nets to about $400. Most other Ontario municipalities run their own programs (see below).
Who pays for what — honestly
Your insurer
Cleanup + damaged property — ONLY if you carry optional sewer-backup / overland-water coverage
Standard policies do not include these by default.
The city
Mostly prevention, not damage: Toronto reimburses 80% up to $6,650 for protective work; Ottawa pays fixed rebates up to $3,000 per measure
Liability claims against cities rarely succeed — but after major declared floods, one-time relief can open (Ottawa: $1,000 Compassionate Grant via 311 within one month; provincial DRAO in activated areas).
You
The deductible, anything uninsured — and everything, next time, if nothing changes
Which is why the prevention subsidy is the step that matters.
After the cleanup
Toronto pays 80% so this never happens again
Backwater valve, sump pump, battery backup, plumbing assessment — up to $6,650 per home. Check what yours qualifies for in 30 seconds.
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Not in Toronto? Your city likely pays too
Most GTA-and-area municipalities subsidize flood-protection plumbing:
What prevention actually costs
Backwater valve cost
$1,800–$4,800 installed — typically ~$400 net after Toronto's subsidy.
Sump pump cost
$800–$1,750 replacement, $2,000–$4,200 new pit — 80% subsidized up to $2,250.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for basement flood damage?
Usually your insurer — but only if you carry the right optional coverage. Sewer backup and overland water are separate optional endorsements, not part of a standard Ontario home policy. The city generally does NOT compensate flood damage; municipal money goes to prevention subsidies (Toronto pays up to $6,650 toward backwater valves, sump pumps and related work).
What should I do in the first hour after a basement flood?
Safety first: do not enter standing water if it could be touching outlets, appliances or the electrical panel — have the power cut first. Avoid sewage-contaminated water. Then stop the source if you safely can, call your municipality if it is sewer backup, and start photographing everything before you clean anything up.
Will the city compensate my flood damage?
Liability claims against cities for extreme-weather sewer surcharge rarely succeed. What cities DO pay for is prevention: Toronto covers 80% of eligible costs up to $6,650; Ottawa pays fixed rebates up to $3,000 per measure. Exception after major declared floods: one-time relief can open — Ottawa runs a $1,000 Compassionate Grant (report via 311 within one calendar month of the flood), and the provincial DRAO program can activate for affected areas.
How fast do I need to dry out a flooded basement?
As fast as possible — public-health guidance is that mould can begin growing on wet materials within 24–48 hours. Remove water, run fans and dehumidifiers, and discard soaked porous materials (carpet underlay, drywall that wicked water). Photograph everything first for your claim.
SOURCES & DISCLAIMER
Claims guidance per the Insurance Bureau of Canada (ibc.ca — flooding and insurance); July 2024 insured-damage figure per IBC (Aug 2024); Ottawa July 2026 figure per CTV News reporting of City of Ottawa data. Subsidy amounts per the City of Toronto BFPSP page. This is general information, not insurance, legal, or safety advice — in an electrical or gas emergency call your utility or 911. ClaimRebate.ca is independent and not affiliated with any government or insurer.