About Canada Waterproofers: Quality Without Compromise
Built on Integrity. Led by Experience. Trusted by Homeowners Across Ontario.
Canada Waterproofers was founded on a simple principle that has guided our work for over 27 years: do the job right, tell people the truth, and stand behind your work.
In an industry where rushed inspections, unnecessary repairs, and sales‑driven recommendations have become common, Canada Waterproofers continues to operate differently. We are an owner‑operated company built on old‑school values—where workmanship, accountability, and reputation matter more than volume.
We specialize in waterproofing, drainage, plumbing, and structural water protection, providing homeowners with solutions that are accurate, durable, and cost‑effective. Every home is different, and we believe every solution must be as well.
At the core of our company are its two owners:
Carl McDowell and Slava Koval.
Owner‑Operated. Personally Accountable.
When you contact Canada Waterproofers, you deal directly with the owners. You will not be evaluated by a sales representative or passed between departments. One of the owners—Carl McDowell or Slava Koval—will personally attend your home to assess the situation.
This approach ensures:
- Accurate inspections by experienced professionals
- Honest explanations without pressure
- Real accountability from diagnosis to completion
Our goal is not to sell work—it is to solve problems properly and permanently.
Experience That Prevents Costly Mistakes
Together, Carl and Slava bring over 30 years of combined hands‑on experience in:
- Waterproofing systems
- Plumbing and drainage
- Foundation and structural water issues
- Underpinning and building renovation
They regularly diagnose issues that appear to be “waterproofing problems” but are actually caused by plumbing failures, poor drainage design, foundation movement, or aging infrastructure. This comprehensive understanding allows us to recommend only the work that is truly necessary, saving homeowners thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.
Fully Licensed. Highly Credentialed. Provincially Approved.
Carl McDowell and Slava Koval are both:
- Master Plumbers
- Licensed Waterproofers
- Licensed Building Renovators
- Underpinning Specialists
- Water Damage Restoration Certified Technicians
In addition, Canada Waterproofers is:
- A Halton Preferred Contractor
- Licensed throughout Ontario for rebate‑eligible work
- Fully insured with $5 million in liability coverage
These credentials mean homeowners can trust that their work is performed to professional standards, qualifies for applicable rebate programs, and is fully protected under proper insurance and licensing.
Old‑School Values, Modern Technology
While our values are rooted in traditional craftsmanship and integrity, we utilize modern materials, proven systems, and the latest diagnostic technologies to protect today’s homes.
We believe quality work is not just about what materials are used—but how they are installed, how details are handled, and how a job site is respected. Every home we work on is treated as if it were our own.
Transparent Pricing & Lifetime Protection
Every homeowner receives:
- A free, no‑obligation written quote
- Clear explanations of recommended work
- Honest advice about what does not need to be done
All completed work is backed by a lifetime, fully transferable written warranty, providing long‑term peace of mind and added value to your property.
Built for Today’s Climate and Aging Homes
With changing weather patterns, increased rainfall, and aging infrastructure across Ontario, protecting homes from water damage is more complex than ever. Experience—not guesswork—is essential.
Canada Waterproofers combines decades of real‑world knowledge with modern solutions designed to handle today’s conditions and tomorrow’s challenges.
Carl McDowell
Slava Koval
Owners Who Stand Behind Every Job
If you move forward with Canada Waterproofers, one or both owners will be present on your project, overseeing the work and ensuring it meets the standards their reputation is built on.
Our Commitment
We value our customers, respect their homes, and take pride in every job we complete. Our business is built on referrals, repeat clients, and work that continues to perform years after installation.
If you are looking for integrity, experience, and owner‑led workmanship you can trust, Canada Waterproofers—led by Carl McDowell and Slava Koval—is here for you.
Homeowner's Toolkit
Recent Ontario Projects & Tips See how we've helped Ontario homeowners solve their basement water problems with our professional waterproofing solutions.
-
Does Your Home Insurance Cover Basement Flooding in Ontario? Here’s the Truth After the July 2026 Storm
The July 21, 2026 storm was a brutal wake-up call for GTA homeowners. Some areas around the Golden Horseshoe received approximately 110 mm of rain, more than 167,000 customers lost…
-
Basement Window Leaks: Is It the Window, Window Well or Foundation?
Home – Tips – Basement Window Leaks Quick Diagnosis Tool What Is Causing Your Basement Window Leak? Answer a few quick questions to identify whether the likely problem is the…
-
St. Catharines Basement Waterproofing: Beating the Clay Bowl Effect in Niagara
TLDR: St. Catharines homes, especially in areas like Old Glenridge, Port Dalhousie, Merritton, and properties near the Welland Canal, Twelve Mile Creek, Lake Ontario, or the Niagara Escarpment, face a…
-
Etobicoke Shoreline Homes: Managing High Water Tables and Foundation Erosion
TLDR: Etobicoke shoreline homes near Lake Ontario and Etobicoke Creek face elevated risks of basement leaks, foundation cracks, erosion, and sump pump failure due to shallow water tables, saturated soil,…
-
How to Claim the $6,650 Toronto Basement Subsidy: Expert Installation & Rebate Guide
TLDR: Toronto homeowners may be eligible for up to $6,650 through the 2026 Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program for approved flood-prevention work such as backwater valve installation, sump pump installation,…
-
Professional Basement Waterproofing in Toronto: 2026 Cost & $6,650 Subsidy Guide
TL;DR Toronto homeowners can claim up to $6,650 in basement flooding subsidies as of May 2026. Waterproofing costs typically range from $80–$150 per linear foot for interior systems and $120–$400…
-
North York Foundation Repair: Dealing with Mid-Century Clay Soil & Block Foundations
TL;DR North York’s 1950s–70s homes are increasingly failing because their original clay weeping tiles are now 60+ years old, and many were built with hollow block foundations that are more…
-
7 Mistakes You’re Making with Spring Basement Flood Prevention (and How to Fix Them Before the Next Storm)
TL;DR:Spring basement flooding in the GTA is usually caused by preventable maintenance issues, not bad luck. The biggest mistakes homeowners make include ignoring efflorescence (white powder on walls), failing to…
-
Do You Really Need a Sump Pump Battery Backup? What Burlington and Milton Homeowners Must Know After the 2024 Power Outages?
TL;DR:The 2024 storms in Burlington and Milton exposed a major weakness in many homes: sump pumps without battery backup systems. During heavy rainfall and power outages, primary sump pumps stop…
-
Why Basement Waterproofing Matters: The Truth Behind the 94% Surge in GTA Water Damage Claims
TL;DR:Water damage claims in the GTA have surged by 94%, with Ontario homeowners filing a record $2.4 billion in claims in 2025 alone. The main reason is the GTA’s clay-heavy…
-
Backwater Valve Rebates in Mississauga: How to Save While Protecting Your Home
TL;DR:Mississauga homeowners face increasing basement flood risks due to overloaded sewer systems during heavy storms. A backwater valve helps stop sewage from backing up into basements by automatically sealing the…
-
French Drains vs. Surface Grading: Stop Backyard Flooding in Brampton
TL;DR:Backyard flooding in Brampton is usually caused by dense clay soil that traps water around foundations, creating hydrostatic pressure and increasing the risk of basement leaks. While surface grading can…
-
Sump Pump Battery Backups: Why 15 Minutes of Power Loss Can Cost $10k
In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), it only takes one severe summer thunderstorm to turn a dry basement into a swimming pool. While many homeowners rely on a standard sump…
-
The “White Powder” Mystery: What Efflorescence Means for Your Foundation
If you’ve recently walked down into your basement and noticed a strange, white, chalky substance "blooming" on your concrete walls, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area,…
-
Basement Underpinning in Toronto: Turning Your Crawlspace into Living Space
If you live in an older home in the Greater Toronto Area: whether it’s a charming Victorian in Cabbagetown or a post-war bungalow in East York: you likely share a…
-
Burlington Shoreline Protection: Exterior Waterproofing for High Water Tables
For homeowners along the Burlington lakeshore, the proximity to Lake Ontario is a double-edged sword. While neighborhoods like Lakeshore, Roseland, and Shoreacres offer some of the most beautiful real estate…
-
Milton’s Growing Pains: Why New Builds Need Sump Pump Maintenance
For many families, moving into a brand-new home in Milton feels like a fresh start: a chance to escape the maintenance headaches of older properties. Whether you’ve settled into a…
-
Sewer Backups: Why Every GTA Home Needs a Backwater Valve
If you own a home in the Greater Toronto Area, you’ve likely noticed that "unprecedented" storms are becoming an annual tradition. From the historic 2013 floods to the recent flash…
-
French Drain Vs Sump Pump: Which Is Better For Your Oakville Backyard?
If you live in Oakville, you know the drill. It’s a beautiful spring day, the snow is finally melting, and you look out into your backyard only to see “Lake…
-
Why GTA Soil is Killing Your Basement: The ‘Clay Belt’ Problem
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, your home is likely sitting on a ticking time bomb. No, it’s not the plumbing or the roof: it’s the ground itself.…
-
Hamilton’s Flooding Hotspots: Is Your Home in a “Red Zone”?
Hamilton is a city of incredible geography: from the edge of the Niagara Escarpment to the historic streets of the Lower City. But that same geography, combined with some of…
-
Brampton’s Basement Defense: Why French Drains are the Secret Weapon against Flooding
If you live in Brampton, you know the Drill. One minute it’s a beautiful sunny day, and the next, a sudden GTA downpour is turning your backyard into a small…
-
Mississauga’s Flooding Hotspots: Why Lisgar and Port Credit Homeowners Need Extra Protection
If you live in Mississauga, you know the sound. It’s that low, rhythmic drumming of a heavy rainstorm hitting your roof, the kind of rain that makes you glance nervously…
-
Looking For A Basement Subsidy? 10 Things You Should Know About Toronto’s New $6,650 Rebate
If you own a home in Toronto, you already know that “April showers” have turned into “anytime floods.” Between sudden flash floods and the aging infrastructure of the Greater Toronto…
-
Sump Pump Installation Cost in Toronto
TL;DR – Key Takeaways Standard submersible pump installation: $900-$1,500 (most common choice for Ontario homes) Pedestal pump: $600-$900 – cheaper, louder, lasts longer (25-30 yrs vs. 10-15 for submersible) Battery backup system:…
-
Mississauga Foundation Crack Repair: When to Call a Pro
TLDR – Quick Answer Small vertical cracks can be normal, but any crack leaking water is a problem Call a pro immediately if the crack is growing, letting in moisture,…
-
Oakville Sump Pump Not Working? What to Check First
A sump pump usually fails due to power loss, a stuck float switch, or a clogged discharge line-start there before calling a professional. TL;DR: Sump Pump Not Working (Quick Fix…