WRAP Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a Building Permit for the WRAP Program?

    Yes, a building permit is required to complete work under the WRAP program.  For more information and to apply for the program, visit the Niagara Falls WRAP Page.

    Categories: WRAP

  • How long will my sump pump last?

    That depends on the quality of the pump, how often it is used and how well it is maintained.  Regular maintenance will extend the life of the pump. Your plumber can provide details regarding operation, maintenance and warranties.

    Categories: WRAP

  • I don't know if I have a weeping tile or if it is connected to the sanitary sewer. How can I find out?

    Consult with a licensed plumber for any advice related to your plumbing.

    Categories: WRAP

  • Is it the City's Contractor that completes the work under the WRAP program?

    No.  It is the homeowner's responsibility to research, select and hire a licensed plumber to complete the work under the WRAP program.  It is up to the homeowner to satisfy themselves and confirm that the contractor they hire is a licensed professional with the necessary certification to satisfy the requirements of the Building Permit process.

    Categories: WRAP

  • Once I install a sump pump and a backwater valve can the City guarantee that I will never flood again?

    No, it is impossible to guarantee that basement flooding will never happen again.  Installation of a sump pump and backwater valve will reduce the potential of basement flooding but will not guarantee that it will never happen again.  You may still experience basement flooding.

    Categories: WRAP

  • What does the backwater valve do? How does it work?

    A backwater valve is a device that can be installed on sanitary or stormwater laterals to prevent water in the sewer from backing up into homes and buildings. Backwater valves generally look like a box and contain a flap that remains open under normal conditions. Under high sewer flow conditions, as water begins to back up in the lateral, the water causes the flap to close and remain closed preventing flow into the building until the water level in the sewer drops. Your plumber can provide important information on proper operation and maintenance of the backwater valve; improper operation and maintenance can result in basement flooding.

    Categories: WRAP

  • What is a Sewer Lateral?

    A sewer lateral is the pipe that connects your house to the City's sewer main.  All homes have a sanitary sewer lateral that drains water from plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers) to the sanitary sewer.  Some, but not all, homes may also have a storm sewer lateral that drains downspouts and foundation drains to a storm sewer.  The portion of the lateral between your house and your property line is your responsibility to maintain, while the portion between your property line and the main sewer is the City's responsibility to maintain.

    Categories: WRAP

  • What is a sump pump and why is it used?

    Not all homes have sump pumps.  In some cases, the weeping tile may be connected directly and drain by gravity to a storm or sanitary sewer.  In other cases, the weeping tile may drain to a sump (another word for pit) in the basement floor, and a sump pump is used to discharge the water from the sump either to a storm or sanitary sewer, or to the ground surface.  The Weeping Tile Removal Assistance Program (WRAP) is a grant to assist eligible homeowners reduce their risk of basement flooding through disconnection of weeping tiles from the sanitary sewer.  For more information and to apply for the program, visit the Niagara Falls WRAP Page.

    Categories: WRAP

  • What is a Weeping Tile?

    A Weeping Tile, also called a Foundation Drain, is a pipe that runs around the outside of a house at the bottom of the foundation walls to drain ground water and rainwater away from the foundation.  Depending on how the house was constructed, the weeping tile may be connected directly to a sewer, or it may be connected to a sump pump that pumps the water either into a sewer or to the ground surface outside the house.  Until the mid-1980's it was an acceptable practice to connect weeping tiles to sanitary sewers.  It is no longer acceptable, to connect weeping tiles to sanitary sewers, and it is not considered good practice to connect them to storm sewers.

    Categories: WRAP

  • What is the difference between a sanitary sewer, a storm sewer and a combined sewer?

    Sanitary sewers are designed to collect wastewater from plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks and showers, and convey it to a wastewater treatment plant. Storm sewers are designed to collect rainwater and snow melt (stormwater), generally from roads, boulevards and sidewalks, and in some areas they also collect water from downspouts and foundation drains.  Combined sewers, which are no longer constructed but still exist in some areas of the city, collect and convey both wastewater (sewage) and stormwater; under normal conditions, combined sewers convey wastewater to a wastewater treatment plant, while under extreme wet weather conditions the additional amount of stormwater can exceed the capacity of the sewer resulting in overflows to nearby watercourses.  The City is actively working to replace its combined sewers with dedicated sanitary and storm sewers to reduce the risk of basement flooding and overflows.

    Categories: WRAP

  • What is the Weeping Tile Removal Assistance Program (WRAP)?

    The Weeping Tile Removal Assistance Program (WRAP) is a rebate to assist eligible homeowners reduce their risk of basement flooding through disconnection of weeping tiles from the sanitary sewer and installation of backwater valves on their sanitary sewer laterals.  For more information and to apply for the program, visit the Niagara Falls WRAP Page.

    Categories: WRAP

  • Where should my sump pump discharge to?

    The sump pump should discharge to a pervious (grass or soil) surface, located at least one metre away from the foundation, and sloped away from the foundation.  Discharges from sump pumps, downspouts or other drains must not be directed towards neighbouring properties, or sidewalks; it is the property owner's responsibility to prevent these discharges from ponding or freezing on neighbouring properties and sidewalks.

    Categories: WRAP

  • Who is responsible for maintaining sump pump and backwater valve equipment once it is installed?

    Ownership, operation and maintenance of all equipment and material is the responsibility of the homeowner.  Your plumber can provide details regarding operation, maintenance, and warranties. The City is not responsible for ownership, operation, maintenance, or warranties of any part of the work.

    Categories: WRAP

  • Who should I contact to have my weeping tile disconnected from the sanitary sewer.

    It is the homeowner's responsibility to retain and pay for a Licensed Plumber to complete the work in accordance with the Ontario Building Code.  For more information and to apply for the program, visit the Niagara Falls WRAP Page.

    Categories: WRAP

  • Why should I disconnect my weeping tile from the sewer?

    During heavy rain storms or snow melt, water from weeping tiles can very quickly overwhelm the sewer and cause the sewer to back up into basements, or overflow to the environment. Disconnecting weeping tiles from the sewer reduces the risk of basement flooding for you and your neighbours, and it reduces the chances of sewer overflows to the environment.

    Categories: WRAP

  • Will my sump pump still run if the power goes out?

    Sump pumps are typically electrical and require a dedicated outlet as a power source; if the power goes out, the pump will not operate.  Some pump models are also available with a battery backup, and some models are powered by water.  To determine which type of sump pump is right for your home, consult with a licensed plumber.

    Categories: WRAP

  • Will the City pay to repair any interior or exterior finishes or outdoor landscaping that may be disturbed as a result of the WRAP work?

    No, repairs to finishes and landscaping are the responsibility of the homeowner.  For more information and to apply for the program, visit the Niagara Falls WRAP Page.

    Categories: WRAP