Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program

IMPORTANT NEW BYLAW FOR ALL TORONTO HOMEOWNERS!
Disconnecting from the city's sewer system is now mandatory for all homes across the GTA. Are you in compliance?

TIPS FOR DISCONNECTING
​Please scroll down to learn more about Getting Ready to Disconnect, What to Consider Before Disconnecting, Inability to Disconnect and Tips for Hiring a Contractor.

DISCONNECTION DEADLINES

Don Mills Roofing Downspout Disconnection

The Don Mills downspout disconnection service includes:

• DISCONNECTION OF DOWNSPOUT FROM SEWER
• CAPPING THE SEWER PIPE
• REPLACING AND RE-SLOPING EAVESTROUGHS TO NEW DOWNSPOUT LOCATIONS 

Tips for Disconnecting

(Reprinted from the City of Toronto Website)

GET READY TO DISCONNECT YOUR DOWNSPOUTS
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Disconnecting your home's or building's downspouts is mandatory across the City of Toronto. This is an important step in reducing the risk of basement flooding and releasing polluted rainwater into our local waterways.
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By taking action to comply with the Sewers Bylaw (Chapter 681 of the Toronto Municipal Code), you are taking steps to protect people's homes and help improve water quality. Before disconnecting, there are many options to consider, from a simple disconnection that discharges water directly onto your lawn to a more complex situation requiring eavestroughs to be replaced and new downspouts added. Take a look around your neighbourhood to see what others have done. Each property is different, and downspout disconnection is not always possible.

Disconnecting your home's or building's downspouts is mandatory across the City of Toronto.

CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE DISCONNECTING
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It’s important that the work is done safely, properly and in accordance with the Property Standards Bylaw (see §629-20. Roofs and roof structures). When redirecting rainwater from a disconnected downspout, make sure it will soak into the ground or run off safely. Before starting, consider these important guidelines:

• Make sure you have a suitable area for the water discharging from your downspout. Don’t discharge water into an area too small to handle the flow of water.
• Water should be directed to flow away from your home’s or building’s foundation to keep your basement walls from getting wet.
• It is generally recommended that you extend your downspout at least 2 metres/6 feet away from your building’s foundation wall.
• Make sure the flow of water will not cause damage to your neighbour’s property or flow directly onto a City sidewalk.
• Use a splash pad to help direct the flow of water and protect against erosion.
• Avoid creating a tripping hazard; do not add extensions across a walk-way or in front of a gate or doorway.
• Be aware of the possibility for water flow to freeze during cold weather. Take steps to prevent creating dangerous conditions, including clearing ice to prevent slipping.
• Consider using a rain barrel to capture and store rainwater. It can also help reduce your outdoor water use. Keep in mind that the overflow from the rain barrel should be directed to a suitable discharge area. During winter months, remove and store your rain barrel to avoid freezing and breaking. After removing the rain barrel, add an extension to your downspout to ensure proper drainage away from your home.

• Extend downspouts under a deck or patio to a grassed or garden area.
• Consider creating a rain garden or removing impervious surfaces such as concrete pathways or patios to allow water to infiltrate.
• Once you’ve disconnected, be sure to cap the sewer connection − the open pipe remaining when the downspout is removed. This prevents water and debris from going in. It also stops animals from falling into the opening.

Proper maintenance of your eavestroughs and downspouts is key. Clean them at least twice a year to ensure they are working properly. Check all elbows and outlets for debris to prevent clogging. Fix any leaks and repair any low spots or sagging areas along your eavestroughs. Lastly, make sure all parts are securely fastened.

UNABLE TO DISCONNECT?

The safe disconnection of downspouts may not always be possible. If you’ve considered all your options and find that one or more of your downspouts cannot be disconnected without creating a hazardous condition or that disconnection is not feasible (e.g. downspout is located on the inside of the building), you can apply to the City for an exemption. 

TIPS FOR HIRING A CONTRACTOR
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Rather than doing it yourself, you may prefer to seek the professional advice and services of a City-licensed contractor to perform the disconnection work. If you choose to hire a contractor, be consumer-wise. Here are some steps to ensure the job gets done right:

• Get at least three (3) quotes from City-licensed contractors.
• Get references from other customers.
• Enter into a written contract.
• Ensure that all work to be done (including site cleanup) is clearly stated in the contract
• Ensure that the full price of the job is in the contract.
• Agree with your contractor on a payment schedule and include the schedule in the contract.
• Be aware of any contractors who:
  • Quote prices before seeing the job.
  • Give you a “special price”.
  • Offer discounts if they can “use your home to advertise with”.

Learn more at from the City's Municipal Licensing & Standards Division or the Better Business Bureau. 

Our Roofing Services Menu

Shingled Roof Replacement

Shingled Roof Repair

Eavestrough Services

Skylight Installation

Eavestrough Cleaning

Downspout Disconnection