Water Removal
Remove standing water from affected areas so drying can begin.
Basement flooding or water damage?
Flood Remediation & Basement Flood Cleanup in Ottawa
When water enters your home, knowing what to do first can limit additional damage and, more importantly, keep your family safe. Climate Works helps Ottawa homeowners recover from basement flooding and water damage with professional water removal, drying and building-system support.
Request Flood Remediation Service
Immediate steps
What to Do If Your Basement Is Flooding
Safety comes first. Do not enter a flooded basement if water has reached electrical outlets, appliances, extension cords, baseboard heaters, the electrical panel, or other electrical equipment.
If you're dealing with water in your basement right now, read our step-by-step guide on what to do when your basement floods in Ottawa.
Stay out if there may be an electrical hazard
If standing water has reached electrical equipment, outlets, appliances, the panel or wiring, do not enter. Hydro Ottawa advises homeowners to stay out of flooded spaces where electrical equipment may be energized.
Look for the source—but only if it is safe
Water may come from heavy rain or groundwater, a sewer backup, failed sump pump, burst pipe, water heater, plumbing fixture, foundation or window. If using sinks or toilets causes water to rise through a basement drain, stop using plumbing fixtures.
Report basement flooding to the City of Ottawa
Call 3-1-1 or use the City’s basement flooding reporting service.
Contact your insurance company
Confirm what coverage applies. When safe, photograph and video affected areas, document damaged property, and keep cleanup and repair invoices. See the Insurance Bureau of Canada flood guidance.
Do not open sewer clean-out caps
City staff may need access to the sewer clean-out. Clear boxes and furniture from around it, but do not attempt to open it yourself.
Treat contaminated water seriously
Floodwater—and especially sewer backup water—may contain bacteria and other contaminants. Avoid direct contact and use appropriate protective clothing only after the area has been confirmed safe.
Watch gas-fired equipment
If water has reached or threatens a furnace, boiler, water heater or other gas-fired equipment, do not restart it. Follow Enbridge Gas flood safety guidance. If you smell natural gas, leave the building and follow Enbridge emergency instructions.
Local context
Ottawa Homeowners Know How Quickly Flooding Can Happen
The July 1, 2026 extreme weather event was a reminder of how quickly water can overwhelm homes across Ottawa. Intense rainfall exceeded the capacity of drainage systems in some areas and resulted in thousands of basement flooding reports across the city.
Heavy rain is only one cause. Burst pipes, sewer backups, failed sump pumps, plumbing leaks, foundation leaks and water heaters can cause serious damage at any time of year.
How we can help
Flood Remediation for Ottawa Homes
Once the source is controlled and the property is safe to enter, the goal is to remove water and moisture as quickly as practical, dry affected materials and reduce the chance of secondary damage.
Structural Drying
Use professional drying and dehumidification methods to remove remaining moisture from floors, walls and affected materials.
Moisture Assessment
Check affected areas for remaining moisture and identify areas that may need more drying or repair.
Basement Flood Cleanup
Help return flooded basement areas to a clean, dry condition following water intrusion.
Plumbing & Water Source Repairs
Our licensed plumbing team can identify and repair a burst pipe, fixture, water heater or other plumbing source.
HVAC & Mechanical Equipment
Inspect furnaces, boilers, water heaters and HVAC equipment affected by water before operation.
Mould Prevention
Prompt water removal and proper drying help reduce the damp conditions that encourage mould growth.
Our process
What Happens During Flood Remediation?
- AssessDetermine the source, extent and immediate safety concerns.
- Stop the SourceAddress plumbing or mechanical causes before restoration proceeds.
- Remove WaterRemove standing water from affected spaces.
- Dry and DehumidifyDry affected areas and manage remaining moisture.
- Check Hidden MoistureInspect where water may have travelled behind finishes.
- Repair Affected SystemsAddress affected plumbing, heating, water-heating or HVAC equipment.
- RecoveryClarify what can remain, what may need replacement and the next repair steps.
Why basements flood
Common Causes of Basement Flooding and Water Damage in Ottawa
Heavy Rain & Groundwater
Intense rain can overwhelm drainage systems and saturate soil around foundations.
Sewer Backup
Overloaded sewer systems or drain problems can force water back into a basement.
Sump Pump Failure
Mechanical failure or a power outage can allow groundwater to accumulate quickly.
Burst Pipes
Frozen or failed plumbing can release significant water in a short period.
Water Heater Leaks
A leaking or failed tank can cause substantial basement water damage.
Foundation & Window Leaks
Water can enter through cracks, joints, window wells and other openings.
Plumbing Leaks
Supply lines, fixtures and drains can fail behind walls or ceilings.
Mechanical safety
Was Your Furnace, Boiler or Water Heater Exposed to Flood Water?
Flood-damaged gas and electrical appliances should not simply be turned back on. Affected furnaces, boilers, water heaters, heat pump equipment, electrical HVAC controls and pumps should be inspected by an appropriately qualified professional before operation.
Need urgent HVAC or plumbing help after a flood?
24/7 Emergency HVAC & PlumbingClimate Works’ emergency HVAC and plumbing service is available 24/7 for qualifying HVAC and plumbing emergencies. Flood remediation appointments themselves are not advertised as 24/7.
Claims documentation
Documenting Flood Damage for Your Insurance Claim
Contact your insurer early. If it is safe, photograph and video the damage, make an inventory of damaged possessions, keep damaged items until your insurer advises otherwise when practical, retain remediation and repair invoices, and keep records of calls and claim numbers. Coverage and claim requirements vary; the Insurance Bureau of Canada provides general flood information.
Local expertise
Why Ottawa Homeowners Call Climate Works After Water Damage
Established in Ottawa
A local company serving Ottawa-area homeowners since 2007.
Licensed HVAC & Plumbing Technicians
Qualified help with the plumbing and mechanical systems that can cause—or be damaged by—flooding.
Building-System Expertise
One team for plumbing, furnaces, boilers, water heaters and HVAC equipment.
Strong Review History
A 4.9 average Google rating and hundreds of reviews from local customers.
Customer experience
What Ottawa Customers Say About Climate Works
Recent Google reviews from homeowners who called us for plumbing and mechanical help.
★★★★★
Spencer came to help us fix a water leakage at our home. He was very professional. I would give him an 11/10. Well done!
★★★★★
Just had ClimateWorks replace our rental water heater. They did a great job, answered all my questions, and left everything neat and tidy. Couldn’t be happier!
★★★★★
Very good service plumber was very polite and friendly great job.
Common questions
Flood Remediation FAQs
What should I do first if my basement floods in Ottawa?
Keep people and pets away from the affected area. If water may have reached electrical equipment, do not enter. When it is safe, identify the likely source, report basement flooding to Ottawa 3-1-1, contact your insurer and arrange an assessment.
Can I enter a flooded basement?
Do not enter if water has reached outlets, appliances, extension cords, baseboard heaters, the electrical panel or wiring. Hydro Ottawa advises homeowners to stay out of flooded spaces where electrical equipment may be energized.
Should I call 3-1-1 if my basement floods?
Yes. Ottawa residents should report basement flooding by calling 3-1-1 or using the City of Ottawa basement flooding service.
Should I use my toilets and sinks during a sewer backup?
If using a sink or toilet causes water to rise through a basement drain, stop using plumbing fixtures until the problem has been assessed.
Can I turn my furnace back on after basement flooding?
Not without an inspection. A furnace, boiler, heat pump, pump or electrical HVAC control exposed to flood water should be inspected by an appropriately qualified professional before operation.
Can a flooded water heater be restarted?
Do not attempt to restart a water heater that has been submerged or exposed to flood water. Have the equipment inspected by an appropriately qualified professional.
How quickly should water damage be dried?
Once the source is controlled and the property is safe to enter, water and remaining moisture should be removed as quickly as practical to limit additional damage.
Can basement flooding cause mould?
Yes. Damp building materials can create conditions that support mould growth. Prompt water removal and thorough drying help reduce that risk.
Does homeowners insurance cover basement flooding?
Coverage varies by policy and by the source of the water. Contact your insurer early to confirm your coverage and documentation requirements.
Does Climate Works provide 24/7 flood remediation?
Flood remediation itself is not currently advertised as a 24/7 service. Climate Works does provide 24/7 emergency HVAC and plumbing service for urgent issues such as burst pipes, major leaks, no heat and other qualifying HVAC or plumbing emergencies. View emergency HVAC and plumbing service.
Need Help Recovering After a Basement Flood?
Once your home is safe to enter and the immediate source has been addressed, Climate Works can help assess the affected area and determine the next steps for water removal, drying, plumbing and mechanical systems.
