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Downspout disconnection

Downspouts that are connected to the sanitary sewer system are in conflict of Region of Peel Bylaw 53-2010 and should be disconnected.

A downspout is a pipe that carries rainwater from a roof to ground level or into the ground or sewer system.

Not every downspout that goes into the ground is necessarily connected to the sanitary sewer system.

The Region will investigate and advise homeowners if their downspouts are connected to the sanitary system. We might perform a downspout survey or smoke testing to confirm the connectivity.

The benefits of disconnected downspouts

Disconnecting a downspout that’s connected to the sewer system is an easy way to protect your home.

house downspout

By disconnecting a downspout you’ll:

Disconnecting a downspout lets storm water flow away from your home’s foundation onto gardens, landscaped areas and lawns on your own property. The water then slowly soaks into the ground, where it is naturally filtered and returned to the water table.

Options for disconnecting your downspout

Region of Peel staff will disconnect your downspout free of charge if it is found to be connected to the sanitary sewer system. Or you can disconnect it yourself.

Disconnecting a downspout on your own

As a property owner it’s your right to disconnect your own downspouts if you wish. However, we only cover the cost of the work performed by the Region, so if you disconnect your own downspout, there is no subsidy.

Disconnect your downspout on your own if:

Disconnection by the Region

The Focused Fully Funded Program is operated by the Region. Homeowners do not need to pay for the disconnection or take any other action.

A Regional staff member or contractor will:

This work will be performed in close communication with you. Any downspout that is found to be directly connected to the sanitary sewers will be disconnected as per the requirements of the mandatory program.

The Focused Fully Funded Program is rolled out on a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood basis (called blocks). Blocks with higher priority naturally are started earlier. Blocks are prioritized based on the history of flooding, overflows of sewers to the environment, and sanitary sewer capacity limitations.

If you have other questions or require more information, please contact us.

Other information

Instructional video on disconnecting your home’s downspout

Capping your standpipe

Capping prevents stormwater from entering the system after downspout disconnection but also is a safety measure to ensure debris and small animals do not enter the opening.

Standpipes can be constructed of plastic or clay and will have different diameters, which will be specific to your property.

Caps and plugs come in a variety of styles and sizes which are available at many hardware stores or plumbing supply stores. Measure the diameter of your standpipes before visiting the store to purchase caps or plugs. Property owners can use:

  • A rubber cap secured by a hose clamp or a PVC or nylon cap
  • A rubber cap secured by a hose clamp.

    PVC or nylon cap.

  • A wingnut secured nylon expansion plug or a low pressure plug
  • Wingnut secured nylon expansion plug.

    Wingnut secured nylon expansion plug.

Caps or plugs can be permanently secured using silicone adhesive or contact cement which will be dependent on the material type of the standpipe.

Capping your standpipe.