Mandatory Downspout Disconnection

Toronto's Municipal Code, Chapter 681, Sewers, helps to control the quality and quantity of substances discharged into the sanitary and stormwater sewer systems. Under the by-law, a building's downspout will be required to be disconnected from the City's combined sewer and storm sewer systems. During heavy rainfall, the sewers become overloaded, increasing the risk of basement flooding and releasing polluted rainwater into our local waterways.

The by-law requires downspouts to be disconnected from the sewer system unless an exemption has been granted. All property owners are responsible for complying with the bylaw requirements.

What you need to consider before disconnecting

It’s important that the work is done safely and properly. 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 meters/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.

Where to begin

Before beginning any work, plan out what can be done and how.

Decide where the water will go

Consider your options as there may be more than one way to disconnect. Preparing a plan or sketch can help you map out where the water will go. Use elbows and extensions to help direct water around any obstacles.

Determine what tools and materials you will need

Downspouts can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, galvanized steel, vinyl/plastic or copper, but the most common material is aluminum. Downspout elbows and extensions also come in standard shapes, sizes, colours and materials. Ask if the materials you choose can be painted to match your paint colour or blend into your landscaping.

Safety is a priority

Be careful when working with tools and supplies. Use personal protection equipment such as gloves and safety glasses when performing any work. Also, watch out that disconnecting doesn’t create any hazardous situations, for example, creating a tripping hazard by placing an extension across an entry or walk-way.

Do-it-yourself instructions

What you’ll need:

  • Hacksaw
  • Tape measure
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Drill
  • Pliers
  • Metal file
  • Sheet metal screws
  • Wingnut test plug and concrete (optional)
  • Rubber cap or PVC cap
  • Downspout elbow
  • Splash pads
  • Ladder
  • Downspout pipe extension
  • Brackets to secure the downspout to the building
  • Protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, etc.)

Step one:

Measure 23cm (9”) from where the downspout enters the sewer connection.

Step two:

Cut the downspout with a fine blade hacksaw. Make sure to remove the cut piece and do not drop it down the drain. Use a metal file to remove the rough edge of the downspout.

Step three:

Be sure to cap the sewer standpipe -- the open pipe remaining when the downspout is disconnected. This prevents water from going in. It also stops animals from falling into the opening, getting trapped, and having to be rescued. You can use a simple rubber cap secured by a hose clamp, PVC cap or a wingnut test plug and concrete if available cap sizes don't fit.

Step four:

Insert the downspout into the elbow (if you put the elbow into the downspout, it will leak). You may need to crimp the end of the downspout with a pair of pliers to get a good fit.

Step five:

Attach a downspout pipe extension to carry water away from the house and foundation. You can use a hacksaw to cut the extension to the desired length. Be sure to insert the elbow into the extension to prevent leaks. Drill a hole on either side and secure the elbow and extension with sheet metal screws. To prevent erosion where the water drains, you can place a splash pad at the end of the downspout extension.

Please note: When redirecting the rain water from the disconnected downspout, water should flow onto your ground or run off safely. It is important to ensure that:

  1. Water flows away from your foundation walls
  2. Water does not negatively impact your neighbour's property
  3. Water does not flow directly onto a City sidewalk

Disclaimer

The City cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information or its application to any particular property. Readers should where possible verify the information before acting on it. Where appropriate, professional advice and service should be sought from a knowledgeable and licensed contractor or civil engineer.

While we endeavour to provide accurate information, it is provided strictly "as is" and the City makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, currency, or suitability of the information provided. Readers relying on this information and this web site do so entirely at their own risk. In no event will the City of Toronto be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken by you or anyone else in reliance on this information. The City does not accept and specifically disclaims any and all liability for any injury, loss or damage whatsoever incurred as a result of the use of, reliance on, the information provided by the City and in no event will the City, its Councillors, officers, directors, employees or contractors be liable to you or to any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages or lost profit, including any property damage or loss or personal injury, associated with, resulting from or arising out of any use or misuse of this information

Tips for hiring a contractor

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 toronto.ca/licensing/licensed_contractor.htm or the Better Business Bureau.

High-pressure sales tactics – Mandatory Downspout Disconnection

Please be advised that the City does not support any private company selling downspout disconnection services. Only City bylaw officers are authorized to identify a property for non-compliance with a City bylaw. Property owners who believe that disconnecting their downspouts is not technically feasible or could cause a safety hazard can apply to the City for an exemption. To clear up any confusion about high-pressure sales tactics, call 311.

Financial Assistance Information

The Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Financial Assistance program offers a reimbursement of the costs of labour and materials for performing downspout disconnection work, up to a maximum of $500, if you are an eligible low-income senior or a low-income person with a disability.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for the Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Financial Assistance program, you must:

  • Own a residential property within the City of Toronto; and
  • Have a combined household income of $50,000 or less; and
  • Be 65 years of age or older or be 60-64 years of age and be receiving a Guaranteed Income Supplement under
    the Old Age Security Act; if widowed, be receiving the Spouse's Allowance under the Old Age Security Act; or be
    50 years of age or older and be receiving either a pension or a pension annuity resulting from a pension plan
    under the Income Tax Act (Canada) OR
  • Be a person with a disability and be receiving disability benefits

Please refer to the City's Eligibility Criteria - Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Financial Assistance Program for Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Disabled Persons for further eligibility details.

What documents are required?

A completed and signed application with the following documents attached to be submitted within one (1) year after the completion of the disconnection work.

All Applicants

  • Dated and unaltered original invoice(s) or receipt(s) fully itemizing the materials and work supplied and performed in respect to the disconnection and the cost of same.
  • Before and after photographs of the disconnected downspout(s).
  • Copies of the most recent Income Tax Notice of Assessment(s) from Canada Revenue agency for all persons occupying the property for which the application for financial assistance is made.

Seniors

In addition to the above:

  • A copy of your Old Age Security T4A (if applicable), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) (if applicable) and/or Spousal Allowance T4A (if applicable)
  • Proof of receipt of a registered pension or registered annuity under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (if applicable)(if you are 50 years of age or older)

Persons with a Disability

In addition to the above:

  • A copy of disability benefit income from one or more of the following:
  • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
  • Canada Pension Plan
  • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
  • Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit
  • Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance
  • Private Disability Insurance
  • Employer Disability Insurance
  • Disability programs provided by professional associations Applicants are advised to block out the Social Insurance Number of all documents submitted.

For more information on the Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program, contact 311 or visit toronto.ca/water/downspout

Submit your completed application to:

City of Toronto
Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program
PO Box 15266
STN BRM B
Toronto ON M7Y 2W1

Exemption Application

All property owners are responsible for complying with the by-law requirements. Under the by-law, property owners may also make an application to the General Manager of Toronto Water for an exemption from the requirements of the by-law, if the disconnection of a downspout would create a hazardous condition or is not technically feasible.

What to consider before applying for an exemption

Before applying for an exemption, property owners are encouraged to make every effort to disconnect their downspouts from the City's sewer system. This may include relocating one or more downspouts and/or re-grading eavestroughs, as well as correcting the slope/grading on your property.

How to apply

To apply for an exemption from the by-law, property owner(s) are required to complete and submit the Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Exemption Application, which includes submission of a property sketch. A sample application and property sketches are provided for assistance.

If a building's downspouts will be disconnected in the near future, there is no need to complete this application.

Does submission of an application guarantee that an exemption will be issued?

No. Several factors will be considered in the review of an exemption application. They include (but are not limited to):

  • Options for the relocation of one or more downspouts.
  • Ability to mitigate hazards and/or correct grading.
  • Compliance with other municipal by-laws and/or statutory regulations.

What happens after you submit the application for an exemption?

  1. City of Toronto staff will review your application to ensure that it is complete.
  2. If there is information missing you will be notified in writing and the incomplete application form will be returned to you to resubmit.
  3. A completed application will be reviewed to determine which, if any, downspouts are eligible for exemption from the by-law. City staff may inspect your property to verify the information provided.
  4. Applicants will be notified in writing of the decision to grant or deny an exemption for each connected downspout.

The General Manager reserves the right to revoke an exemption previously issued where any information provided is misleading or inaccurate, or when property and/or building conditions change. For example, the property's landscaping is significantly modified or the roof is re-built.

For more information on the Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program, contact 311 or visit

Submit your completed application to:

City of Toronto
Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program
PO Box 15266
STN BRM B
Toronto, ON M7Y 2W1

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I direct the water flow?

The water from a downspout should flow onto your property and infiltrate into the ground. Never direct the water onto a neighbour's property, a sidewalk, right of way or easement.

Can I discharge onto paved areas such as my walkway or driveway?

Yes, discharging your downspout directly onto a hard surface such as a walkway or driveway is acceptable. However, you must take the appropriate care to ensure that you mitigate any potential hazardous condition on your property that can occur.

What happens after I submit my exemption application?

Once your application is received, City staff will review the application to ensure it is complete. If there is any missing information, you will be notified. Each application will be reviewed to determine which, if any, downspouts are eligible for exemption from the by-law. City staff may inspect your property to verify the information provided. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive a letter to inform you of the decision.

Source: City of Toronto

Dated on: October 12th, 2012

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