Toronto water damage, fire & mould restoration
In a Toronto basement flood, call 911 if anyone is in danger, have Toronto Hydro shut off power if water is near outlets or the panel, report the flooding to 311, and call your insurer. Guardian then extracts the water, dries the structure and documents the loss.
Who to call in Toronto
- Anyone in danger: call 911.
- Water above outlets or near the electrical panel: the City advises contacting Toronto Hydro to have the power shut off. Do not wade to a panel.
- Basement flooding: report it to 311 by phone or through 311 online. City staff investigate to work out whether the City's infrastructure was the source.
- Suspected sewer back-up: the City advises avoiding toilets and sinks unless absolutely necessary, because water sent down the drain may end up in your basement.
- Burst pipe: close your main shut-off valve, usually on the foundation wall where the water pipe enters, just before the meter. If it will not close, call 311 for a Water Turn Off at the property line. The City charges a fee and does not take these requests online.
- Your insurer: call as soon as possible and report the damage.
City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy
Since May 1, 2026, the City's expanded program offers up to $6,650 per property for eligible work completed on or after November 12, 2025. Owners of single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes can apply online. Eligible work includes:
- a one-time home plumbing assessment by a licensed plumber
- backwater valves (up to two) and alarms
- a sump pump, alarm and battery backup power
- severing and capping a storm sewer or external weeping tile connection
Each item is subsidized at up to 80 per cent of the invoiced cost, to a set maximum. To check whether your property has already received subsidies, the City lists BasementFlooding@toronto.ca and 416-338-7668. This is plumbing work done by a plumber, separate from restoration.
Toronto condos and rentals
If you live in a condo or rent, who pays and who calls whom depends on your declaration, by-laws or lease. Start with condo water damage: who pays, who to call in a condo flood or tenant vs landlord water damage. For a house, see who to call for a Toronto basement flood.
Where Guardian fits
A plumber, the municipality or the region deals with the pipe or sewer itself. Guardian deals with what the water has already reached: we extract it, map moisture in floors and walls, run monitored drying, and keep photo and moisture records for your insurer. We also handle fire and smoke damage and mould remediation.
Official sources
- City of Toronto: Basement Flooding
- City of Toronto: Pipe Leak or Burst
- City of Toronto: Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program
Contacts and program details are summarized from the official pages listed above as of October 2026. Programs and fees change, so confirm on the official page before you rely on them.