Frequently Asked Questions
About mandatory downspout disconnection
Disconnecting downspouts can greatly reduce the amount of stormwater entering the sewer system. It is also an important step in reducing the risk of basement flooding and releasing polluted rainwater into our local waterways.
Disconnecting downspouts can greatly reduce the amount of stormwater entering the sewer system. It is also an important step in reducing the risk of basement flooding and releasing polluted rainwater into our local waterways.
A downspout is a pipe that carries rainwater/snowmelt from the roof of your home or eavestrough into the sewer system via a drain pipe connection.
A downspout is a pipe that carries rainwater/snowmelt from the roof of your home or eavestrough into the sewer system via a drain pipe connection.
The drain pipe connection is the point where a downspout enters the ground. This typically indicates that the downspout is connected to a pipe that goes to the sewer system that runs under or next to your home and eventually to the main sewer under the street.
The drain pipe connection is the point where a downspout enters the ground. This typically indicates that the downspout is connected to a pipe that goes to the sewer system that runs under or next to your home and eventually to the main sewer under the street.
Downspout disconnection is the process by which your existing downspout is cut (approximately 9 to 12 inches or 23 cm to 31 cm) above ground level. An elbow and an extension are then added to the downspout in order to divert rainwater and snowmelt onto the ground. The abandoned drain pipe is then capped. A splash pad may also be attached at the end of the downspout extension to prevent erosion in garden areas and help direct the flow of water.
Downspout disconnection is the process by which your existing downspout is cut (approximately 9 to 12 inches or 23 cm to 31 cm) above ground level. An elbow and an extension are then added to the downspout in order to divert rainwater and snowmelt onto the ground. The abandoned drain pipe is then capped. A splash pad may also be attached at the end of the downspout extension to prevent erosion in garden areas and help direct the flow of water.
Combined sewers carry both stormwater and sewage to wastewater treatment plants. Many parts of Toronto, built before the 1960s, are serviced by combined sewers. When it rains or snows, there is an increased volume of stormwater which can overload the sewer system and cause it to release untreated sewage into our lake, rivers and streams or cause untreated sewage to back up into basements.
Combined sewers carry both stormwater and sewage to wastewater treatment plants. Many parts of Toronto, built before the 1960s, are serviced by combined sewers. When it rains or snows, there is an increased volume of stormwater which can overload the sewer system and cause it to release untreated sewage into our lake, rivers and streams or cause untreated sewage to back up into basements.
Yes, all downspouts must be disconnected, where feasible.
If your downspout drains into a soakaway pit, french drain or dry well, it is likely to have been disconnected from the City's sewer system. These devices direct water from the downspout underground, where the water can easily infiltrate into the ground.
If your downspout drains into a soakaway pit, french drain or dry well, it is likely to have been disconnected from the City's sewer system. These devices direct water from the downspout underground, where the water can easily infiltrate into the ground.
Disconnecting your downspout from the sewer system helps to reduce the amount of stormwater that is sent through the sewers. Less stormwater in the system will help prevent wastewater from backing up through sewer pipes and floor drains or any other low-lying plumbing fixtures in your basement.
Disconnecting your downspout from the sewer system helps to reduce the amount of stormwater that is sent through the sewers. Less stormwater in the system will help prevent wastewater from backing up through sewer pipes and floor drains or any other low-lying plumbing fixtures in your basement.
Sewer systems are designed to handle a certain intensity of storms. Depending on the amount of rainfall and how fast it falls, the sewer and surface drainage systems can be overwhelmed in any area of the city resulting in the risk of basement flooding. When the sewers are overloaded, the water level in the system rises above normal design levels, this condition is referred to as a "surcharge." Basement flooding can occur if the home has sanitary fixtures or floor drains below the surcharge level. Disconnecting your downspout(s), where possible, can help reduce flows in our sewer system and reduce your chances of flooding.
Sewer systems are designed to handle a certain intensity of storms. Depending on the amount of rainfall and how fast it falls, the sewer and surface drainage systems can be overwhelmed in any area of the city resulting in the risk of basement flooding. When the sewers are overloaded, the water level in the system rises above normal design levels, this condition is referred to as a "surcharge." Basement flooding can occur if the home has sanitary fixtures or floor drains below the surcharge level. Disconnecting your downspout(s), where possible, can help reduce flows in our sewer system and reduce your chances of flooding.
The bylaw will be phased in across the City. In Phase 1, property owners located in the area served by combined sewers (stormwater and sanitary sewage carried in a single pipe) will be required to disconnect their downspouts by November 20, 2011.
Phase 2 will require properties in the basement flooding study areas to disconnect by December 3, 2013.
Phase 3 will require all remaining properties across the City to disconnect by December 3, 2016.
The bylaw will be phased in across the City. In Phase 1, property owners located in the area served by combined sewers (stormwater and sanitary sewage carried in a single pipe) will be required to disconnect their downspouts by November 20, 2011.
Phase 2 will require properties in the basement flooding study areas to disconnect by December 3, 2013.
Phase 3 will require all remaining properties across the City to disconnect by December 3, 2016.
All property owners will receive information in the mail to let them know when the bylaw affects them. You can also check out the Toronto Water website or call 311.
All property owners will receive information in the mail to let them know when the bylaw affects them. You can also check out the Toronto Water website or call 311.
The City has identified 32 Basement Flooding Study Areas where work will be undertaken to address chronic basement flooding problems. While not all properties in a Basement Flooding Study Area are at high risk of basement flooding or have experienced basement flooding, a comprehensive engineering review will be undertaken to reduce sewer flows in the sewershed and improve conditions at the higher risk locations. Downspout disconnection plays an important role in reducing sewer flows.
The City has identified 32 Basement Flooding Study Areas where work will be undertaken to address chronic basement flooding problems. While not all properties in a Basement Flooding Study Area are at high risk of basement flooding or have experienced basement flooding, a comprehensive engineering review will be undertaken to reduce sewer flows in the sewershed and improve conditions at the higher risk locations. Downspout disconnection plays an important role in reducing sewer flows.
Two houses may be next to each other, but belong to different sewersheds. A sewershed is an area in which all properties are connected to a common main sewer line.
Two houses may be next to each other, but belong to different sewersheds. A sewershed is an area in which all properties are connected to a common main sewer line.
Yes, homeowners are encouraged to disconnect to reduce their risk of basement flooding.
Yes, homeowners are encouraged to disconnect to reduce their risk of basement flooding.
The City is asking all property owners to make every effort to disconnect as many downspouts as is feasible. Enforcement will occur only after November 20, 2011 in the Phase 1 area. For those properties that are non-compliant after this date, the City can issue a warning notice followed by enforcement procedures which could include fines.
The City is asking all property owners to make every effort to disconnect as many downspouts as is feasible. Enforcement will occur only after November 20, 2011 in the Phase 1 area. For those properties that are non-compliant after this date, the City can issue a warning notice followed by enforcement procedures which could include fines.
If a homeowner does not comply with the requirements of the bylaw, the City may use its authority under the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 681 to enforce compliance. In accordance with the Code, any fine would be determined through the courts with regard to the appropriate amount. The City will not pursue penalties against any homeowner who makes a good-faith effort to disconnect.
If a homeowner does not comply with the requirements of the bylaw, the City may use its authority under the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 681 to enforce compliance. In accordance with the Code, any fine would be determined through the courts with regard to the appropriate amount. The City will not pursue penalties against any homeowner who makes a good-faith effort to disconnect.
A property (or downspout) may be eligible for exemptions where the City determines a disconnection is not feasible or creates a hazard. For example, the downspout is located near areas of property where it could be unsafe for water to drain, there is no ground area for drainage, or if downspouts are inside the wall of the building.
A property (or downspout) may be eligible for exemptions where the City determines a disconnection is not feasible or creates a hazard. For example, the downspout is located near areas of property where it could be unsafe for water to drain, there is no ground area for drainage, or if downspouts are inside the wall of the building.
To apply to be exempt from the requirements of the bylaw, a property owner must complete an application form.
To apply to be exempt from the requirements of the bylaw, a property owner must complete an application form.
In cases where it may not be technically feasible to disconnect your downspout or where disconnection would create a hazardous condition, you can apply to the City for an exemption.
Once your application is received, City staff will review the application to ensure it is complete. If there is any missing information, you will be notified. Each application will be reviewed to determine which, if any, downspouts are eligible for exemption from the by-law. City staff may inspect your property to verify the information provided. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive a letter to inform you of the decision.
Once your application is received, City staff will review the application to ensure it is complete. If there is any missing information, you will be notified. Each application will be reviewed to determine which, if any, downspouts are eligible for exemption from the by-law. City staff may inspect your property to verify the information provided. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive a letter to inform you of the decision.
No. If you have submitted your exemption application to the City, you will not face a fine.
No. If you have submitted your exemption application to the City, you will not face a fine.
If your neighbour's downspout drains the same as yours, your neighbour has probably received a notice as well.
If your neighbour's downspout drains the same as yours, your neighbour has probably received a notice as well.
Discharge from a downspout should be contained on your property so not to adversely affect or cause damage to a neighbouring property. If your neighbours downspouts carry water onto your property, speak to your neighbour as a first step. You can also contact the City's Municipal Licensing and Standards Division to investigate or call the appropriate district office: Etobicoke/York (416-394-2535); North York (416-395-7011); Scarborough (416-396-7071); Toronto/East York (416-338-0800).
Discharge from a downspout should be contained on your property so not to adversely affect or cause damage to a neighbouring property. If your neighbours downspouts carry water onto your property, speak to your neighbour as a first step. You can also contact the City's Municipal Licensing and Standards Division to investigate or call the appropriate district office: Etobicoke/York (416-394-2535); North York (416-395-7011); Scarborough (416-396-7071); Toronto/East York (416-338-0800).
Financial assistance is available to reimburse the costs of labour and/or materials for performing downspout disconnection work, up to a maximum of $500, for low-income seniors or low-income persons with a disability.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, you must:
- Own a residential property within the City of Toronto
- Have a combined household income of $50,000 or less
- Be 65 years of age or older
- OR be 60-64 years of age and receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement under Old Age Security Act; if widowed, be receiving the Spouse's Allowance under Old Age Security
- OR be 50 years of age or older and be receive either a pension or a pension annuity resulting from a pension plan under the Income Tax Act (Canada)
- OR be a person with a disability and be receiving disability benefits
Application forms will be available for download from our website soon.
Financial assistance may be available to property owners with a gross household income of $40,000 or less.
No, a permit is not required to have your downspouts disconnected.
No, a permit is not required to have your downspouts disconnected.
How to disconnect
Simple disconnections can be performed on your own. The City offers do-it-yourself instructions to guide you through the process. For more complex disconnections that require moving a downspout and retroughing, you should consider contacting a City-licensed contractor experienced in eavestroughing and installation of aluminum products. For tips on hiring a contractor, go to www.toronto.ca/licensing/licensed_contractor.htm.
Simple disconnections can be performed on your own. The City offers do-it-yourself instructions to guide you through the process. For more complex disconnections that require moving a downspout and retroughing, you should consider contacting a City-licensed contractor experienced in eavestroughing and installation of aluminum products. For tips on hiring a contractor, go to www.toronto.ca/licensing/licensed_contractor.htm.
Check out the Toronto Water website: www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/downspout_diy.htm.
Check out the Toronto Water website: www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/downspout_diy.htm.
The water from a downspout should flow onto your property and infiltrate into the ground. Never direct the water onto a neighbour's property, a sidewalk, right of way or easement.
The water from a downspout should flow onto your property and infiltrate into the ground. Never direct the water onto a neighbour's property, a sidewalk, right of way or easement.
A simple disconnection can take less than an hour. If retroughing is required, it can take additional time.
A simple disconnection can take less than an hour. If retroughing is required, it can take additional time.
The cost to disconnect varies from property to property and can depend on the number of downspouts and whether retroughing is required. The cost can range from less than $100 to over $1,000.
The cost to disconnect varies from property to property and can depend on the number of downspouts and whether retroughing is required. The cost can range from less than $100 to over $1,000.
Ask friends, co-workers or neighbours to recommend a building contractor experienced in eavestroughing and the installation of aluminum products. Always ask these professionals to show you evidence that they are licensed and experienced. To verify if a contractor has a license to do business in the City of Toronto, call the City at 416-392-6700 or use the online ML&S Business Licence Lookup.
Ask friends, co-workers or neighbours to recommend a building contractor experienced in eavestroughing and the installation of aluminum products. Always ask these professionals to show you evidence that they are licensed and experienced. To verify if a contractor has a license to do business in the City of Toronto, call the City at 416-392-6700 or use the online ML&S Business Licence Lookup.
Your downspout can be directed into a rain barrel during the spring, summer and fall. Overflow from your rain barrel will need to be directed to a safe discharge area. During winter months, your rain barrel should be removed and stored to avoid freezing and breaking. If you do this, an extension should be added to your downspout to ensure proper drainage of water away from your home, when your rain barrel is removed.
Your downspout can be directed into a rain barrel during the spring, summer and fall. Overflow from your rain barrel will need to be directed to a safe discharge area. During winter months, your rain barrel should be removed and stored to avoid freezing and breaking. If you do this, an extension should be added to your downspout to ensure proper drainage of water away from your home, when your rain barrel is removed.
Homeowners may need to consider relocating their downspouts to another location on their property to ensure that water can properly drain. It’s best to look at your property carefully, to ensure you have enough area for the water to soak safely into the ground.
Homeowners may need to consider relocating their downspouts to another location on their property to ensure that water can properly drain. It’s best to look at your property carefully, to ensure you have enough area for the water to soak safely into the ground.
Yes, you can use a combination of elbows and extensions to help route water away from property lines and pathways to a proper location for the discharge of water.
Yes, you can use a combination of elbows and extensions to help route water away from property lines and pathways to a proper location for the discharge of water.
Depending upon the grade, the downspout should be extended a minimum of 2 metres (or 6 feet) away from your home's foundation to avoid seepage into the weeping tile system or your basement walls.
Depending upon the grade, the downspout should be extended a minimum of 2 metres (or 6 feet) away from your home's foundation to avoid seepage into the weeping tile system or your basement walls.
For every metre of your downspout extension, the slope should be a minimum of 3 centimetres.
For every metre of your downspout extension, the slope should be a minimum of 3 centimetres.
Disconnecting your home’s downspouts across walkways or pathways should be avoided as it can be a tripping hazard. Make sure that your disconnection is not a hazard for you or anyone else.
Disconnecting your home’s downspouts across walkways or pathways should be avoided as it can be a tripping hazard. Make sure that your disconnection is not a hazard for you or anyone else.
It is not recommended as it may create a safety concern if the downspout freezes and may dislodge.
It is not recommended as it may create a safety concern if the downspout freezes and may dislodge.
Yes, however discharge must flow into an appropriate weeping tile system, into a soak away pit or a french drain located well away from the building foundation and below the frost level. This type of construction requires expertise and should be done by a professional.
Yes, however discharge must flow into an appropriate weeping tile system, into a soak away pit or a french drain located well away from the building foundation and below the frost level. This type of construction requires expertise and should be done by a professional.
Yes, discharging your downspout directly onto a hard surface such as a walkway or driveway is acceptable. However, you must take the appropriate care to ensure that you mitigate any potential hazardous condition on your property that can occur.
Yes, discharging your downspout directly onto a hard surface such as a walkway or driveway is acceptable. However, you must take the appropriate care to ensure that you mitigate any potential hazardous condition on your property that can occur.
We suggest that you relocate any plants that are not “water-loving” varieties away from an immediate discharge area.
We suggest that you relocate any plants that are not “water-loving” varieties away from an immediate discharge area.
Take a look around your neighbourhood to see examples of disconnections done by your neighbours or consult a local hardware store. As well, you can consider planting evergreens near the base of the downspout to help mask the appearance of the pipe work onto the land.
Take a look around your neighbourhood to see examples of disconnections done by your neighbours or consult a local hardware store. As well, you can consider planting evergreens near the base of the downspout to help mask the appearance of the pipe work onto the land.
You should consider how best to match the extension to the look of your existing downspouts for aesthetic reasons. However, a chemical reaction and corrosion may result when connecting galvanized steel and aluminum.
You should consider how best to match the extension to the look of your existing downspouts for aesthetic reasons. However, a chemical reaction and corrosion may result when connecting galvanized steel and aluminum.
Yes, it is important to ensure that once the downspout is disconnected, the drain connection (the open pipe remaining) be capped. This prevents water and debris from going in and also stops animals from falling into the opening.
Yes, it is important to ensure that once the downspout is disconnected, the drain connection (the open pipe remaining) be capped. This prevents water and debris from going in and also stops animals from falling into the opening.
If the pipe into the ground is a plastic type (i.e. PVC), you can glue the cap to the top of the existing pipe. For clay or cast iron pipe connections, an internal expanding plug should be installed and topped with concrete to prevent standing water on the drain top.
If the pipe into the ground is a plastic type (i.e. PVC), you can glue the cap to the top of the existing pipe. For clay or cast iron pipe connections, an internal expanding plug should be installed and topped with concrete to prevent standing water on the drain top.
Your downspout can be directed under your walkway to a pop-up drainage emitter during the spring, summer or fall, if the walkway is not normally used in the winter. Your pop-up drain emitter will need to discharge to a safe discharge area. During winter months, the flow should be diverted from a pop-up drain emitter to a downspout extension to ensure proper drainage.
Your downspout can be directed under your walkway to a pop-up drainage emitter during the spring, summer or fall, if the walkway is not normally used in the winter. Your pop-up drain emitter will need to discharge to a safe discharge area. During winter months, the flow should be diverted from a pop-up drain emitter to a downspout extension to ensure proper drainage.
A pop-up drainage emitter is a device used to allow rain water to discharge onto a grassed area from an underground pipe connected to a downspout. The piping is typically installed under a removable interlocking pathway which is adjacent to the building. The emitter is opened by water pressure, when water flows from the downspout through the drain onto the grass area.
A pop-up drainage emitter is a device used to allow rain water to discharge onto a grassed area from an underground pipe connected to a downspout. The piping is typically installed under a removable interlocking pathway which is adjacent to the building. The emitter is opened by water pressure, when water flows from the downspout through the drain onto the grass area.
In situations where you do not want to relocate downspouts to areas of your property because the extensions interfere with outdoor maintenance, use a hinged-elbow downspout. These can be folded up and out of the way while you are working (e.g. mowing your lawn) and then placed back down for regular use.
In situations where you do not want to relocate downspouts to areas of your property because the extensions interfere with outdoor maintenance, use a hinged-elbow downspout. These can be folded up and out of the way while you are working (e.g. mowing your lawn) and then placed back down for regular use.