There have been reports of homeowners being contacted by individuals posing as City employees claiming that they must access their homes to check for sump pumps and backwater valves. This work is not being conducted by the City.
If you have concerns about any person at your door or suspect fraud:
- Please do not let the person in your home
- Report it to the Non-Emergency line for Toronto Police, 416-808-2222
- Call 311 to report the incident to ensure the City is made aware of the incident.
- You can also report it to Consumer Protection Ontario (Ministry of Government and Consumer Services) at 416-326-8800 or online .
The City of Toronto does not conduct telephone or door-to-door sales related to basement flooding products or services or sewer line hookups. The City does not endorse any products or services from private companies.
Sump pumps and backwater valves are not required, but people do install them in their homes to help prevent basement flooding. Residents can learn more basement flooding protection tips on the City website:
www.toronto.ca/basementflooding .
Please note - In some rare cases Toronto Water contractors or subcontractors do ask permission to enter people’s homes for a precondition survey of house conditions before construction starts. This is to determine if any cracks, etc in walls/foundation are there before construction starts in case there is later a claim that construction resulted in cracks in the walls.
If this is required residents will be notified in the Construction Notice related to the project. 
