Where does the water from an interior drain end up in an Orleans house?

An interior drain channel collects water that enters along the base of the foundation walls and directs it to a sump pit. From the pit, a sump pump pushes the water out of the house.

Where that discharge goes is the part that varies. Ontario's Building Code (9.14.5.1) says foundation drains must discharge to a sewer, a drainage ditch, or a dry well. For a sump pump, the City of Ottawa advises connecting it to the storm sewer or discharging to the ground at least 1.2 m from the foundation. The storm sewer connection is plumbing work, and plumber is a compulsory trade in Ontario, so ask whether a licensed plumber does or signs off the plumbing part of the installation.

A dry well is only permitted where natural groundwater sits below its bottom and it is at least 5 m from the foundation (Building Code 9.14.5.3). If the contractor proposes a dry well, ask them to confirm those conditions are met for your lot.

The sump pit itself has minimum dimensions under the Building Code (9.14.5.2): at least 750 mm deep, at least 0.25 m² in area, with a cover that resists removal by children and is airtight. Where gravity drainage to a sewer is not practical, an automatic sump pump is required.

One thing worth knowing: the City notes that in some older homes, foundation drains may be connected to the sanitary or combined sewer rather than the storm sewer, or may not be present at all. The City says foundation drains should not be connected to the sanitary sewer. Ask the contractor where your existing drainage currently ties in, and where the new discharge line will connect, before any work begins.

The City also notes that a backwater valve, sump pump, and similar devices will not stop water from entering through cracks in walls or window wells, failed foundation drains, poor lot drainage, or overflowing eavestroughs.

Published 2025-26 prices for an interior drain and sump system run roughly $70 to $150 per linear foot of wall, with a range seen as wide as $50 to $230 depending on wall length, access, whether a new pit is needed or an existing one is used, and whether battery backup is included.

Comparing quotes side by side, check that each one names the same walls and total length, and spells out whether existing drain tile is being replaced and exactly where the new discharge line will connect.