Interior Drainage & Sump Systems
A drain channel cut in along the inside of the basement floor that carries seepage to a sump pit and pump, without digging outside.
About $70–$150 per linear foot, seen from $50 to $230 (published Ontario contractor pricing, 2025–26; yours will differ). The sump pit, pump and battery backup may be itemized separately.
Find a Waterproofing ContractorAbout Interior Drainage & Sump Systems
An interior system is installed from inside the basement: the floor is cut open along the walls, a drain pipe is laid in stone, the water is carried to a sump pit, and a pump lifts it out of the house.
The sump pit itself has Building Code minimums: at least 750 mm deep, at least 0.25 m² in area, and a cover that resists removal by children and is airtight (O. Reg. 163/24, 9.14.5.2). The pump's discharge pipe gets a union and a check valve and is pumped to above grade (7.4.6.3). The City advises sending sump water to the storm sewer or to the ground at least 1.2 metres from the foundation.
A new sump pit and pump is protective plumbing, and the City says a building permit is required for installing it. Ask who pulls the permit and whether a licensed plumber does or signs off the plumbing part: plumber is a compulsory trade in Ontario.
The City's Residential Protective Plumbing Program lists rebates for a sump pump with battery backup: up to $1,500 in an existing pit, or up to $3,000 with construction of a new pit. The City rebates the lesser of the maximum or the cost, within 18 months of the permit's issue date, and lists the program as currently under review: check ottawa.ca before you rely on it (checked September 2026).
Published Ontario contractor pages put interior systems at about $70 to $150 per linear foot (seen from $50 to $230).
What This Work Covers
- Perimeter drain cut in along the inside of the floor
- Sump pit at least 750 mm deep and 0.25 m², airtight child-resistant cover
- Discharge with union and check valve, above grade
- Building permit for the new pit and pump
- Plumbing part done or signed off by a licensed plumber
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What this work costs
Common questions about interior drainage & sump systems
- How do I compare two interior drain quotes for my Barrhaven basement?
- Who should I hire for an interior drain in Westboro?
- Is a sump pump part of every interior drain system in Ottawa?
- Is a City of Ottawa permit needed for an interior drain system?
- Where does the water from an interior drain end up in an Orleans house?
- When does Ontario's Building Code require a sump pump?
- Is a permit required to add a second sump pit in Orleans?
- Does the City of Ottawa require a sealed sump lid?
Other Waterproofing Services
Exterior Foundation Waterproofing
Digging down the outside of the foundation to the footing and putting a membrane or coating on the wall, with new drain tile at the bottom where it is replaced.
Weeping Tile Replacement
Replacing the drain pipe at the base of the foundation that collects groundwater, laid to the Building Code's size and stone rules.
Foundation Crack Injection
Sealing a leaking crack in a poured concrete foundation from the inside by injecting it, priced per crack.
Sump Pumps & Battery Backup
New sump pits, pump replacement and battery backup pumps, with the City permit and the protective plumbing rebate in view.
Backwater Valves
A normally open valve on the sanitary or storm drain that closes when the sewer backs up, installed under a City permit as part of a flood plan.
Window Wells
New or replacement basement window wells, drained to the footing as the Building Code requires.
Structural Foundation Repair
Repairs to a foundation wall or footing that carries load, which the City lists as building permit work.
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