Disconnecting a downspout
Understanding downspouts
A downspout is a pipe on the outside of your house that carries rainwater from the roof to the ground. Depending on how your house was built, the downspout might drain water onto your lawn or driveway or into an underground sanitary or storm sewer pipe.
In the past, many homes had downspouts that drained into the ground, but this is no longer recommended.
When rainwater flows into the sanitary sewer, heavy rain can overload the system and raise the risk of basement flooding.
Disconnecting your downspout is a simple and affordable way to protect your home.
Connected downspouts
A connected downspout is a pipe that drains underground instead of onto the surface of your property. It may be draining into the sanitary sewer, which can cause sewer back-ups during heavy rain.
Disconnected downspouts
A disconnected downspout carries rainwater away from your home’s foundation and onto your garden, lawn, or another surface that can soak up water. It does not drain into underground sewer pipes.
Not all downspouts that drain underground are connected to the sanitary sewer system.
Peel Region will inspect your downspout and tell you if it is connected to the sanitary system. This might include a downspout survey or smoke testing to check where the water flows.
Why disconnecting downspouts matters
When you disconnect your downspout, you:
- Lower the risk of basement flooding - Keeping rainwater out of the sanitary system helps prevent sewer overload during heavy storms.
- Protect local rivers and streams - Less rainwater in the sanitary sewer system reduces untreated wastewater from reaching waterways.
- Helps your yard and garden - Redirecting rainwater can be used as a free, natural water source for your landscaping.
A simple step makes a difference
Make sure all downspouts drain away from your home’s foundation. This helps keep your basement dry and reduces the risk of sewer backups during heavy rain.
Ways to disconnect your downspout
Residents can disconnect their downspouts themselves, or they might qualify for Peel Region’s Downspout Disconnection Program.
Disconnection by Peel Region
Peel Region’s Downspout Disconnection Program only disconnects downspouts that drain into the sanitary system. There is no cost to homeowners and work is carried out in close communication with residents.
A Peel Region employee or contractor will:
- Find downspouts connected to the sanitary sewer.
- Decide the best way to disconnect them.
- Complete the disconnection.
All work completed by Peel Region or its contractor has a 2-year warranty. However, homeowners are responsible for regular downspout care such as keeping the pipes and eavestroughs clear of debris during and after downspout disconnections. Peel Region will share tips to help you maintain your downspouts.
How the program works
Peel’s Downspout Disconnection Program is completed one neighborhood at a time.
Neighbourhoods are prioritized based on:
- A history of past flooding.
- Sewer overflows into the environment.
- Limited sanitary sewer capacity.
We will contact you if you are eligible for the program.
Before disconnection
After disconnection
Disconnecting on your own
Property owners are encouraged to disconnect their downspouts themselves. You are responsible for any costs if you choose this option.
Disconnect your downspouts on your own if you can:
- Direct water away from your home - Extend the downspout at least 2m (6 ft.) from your home’s foundation. Make sure the water flows to an area in your yard that slopes away from the house.
- Keep water on your own property - Do not let water drain onto a neighbour’s property. Aim the downspout toward your lawn or garden where it can safely soak into the ground.
- Avoid hard surfaces - Do not drain water onto asphalt or concrete. This helps prevent slippery or icy patches from forming.
To help you get started, follow our How to get Disconnected 4-step guide. An instructional video on disconnecting your home’s downspout is also available to walk you through the process.
Depending on where you live in Peel, you may be eligible for extra help to manage stormwater and protect your home from flooding.
Peel Region
- Peel's residential guide to flood prevention and recovery
- Reduce the risk of basement flooding - Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR)
- Backwater Valve Rebate Program to help reduce the cost of installing a sanitary backwater valve
City of Mississauga
- Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate: up to $7,500 of your installation costs.
- Flooding Resilience Rebate: covers 50% of the cost of your upgrades, up to $3,000.
Local conservation authorities
- Credit Valley Conservation programs to help Green Your Property and manage runoff.