Flooding in your home can happen in many ways, but two of the most common causes in Toronto and the GTA are overland flooding and sewer backup. While both lead to serious water damage, they originate from different sources and require different responses — not to mention different insurance coverage.

In this blog, the experts at 247-365 Restoration break down the differences between these two types of flooding, how to identify them, what causes them, and what steps to take to protect your property and respond fast.

💩 What Is Sewer Backup?

Sewer backup occurs when water from the municipal sewer system or private drain pipes reverses direction and enters your home through floor drains, toilets, bathtubs, or sinks — typically in the basement. This often happens during heavy rainfall, when Toronto’s aging sewer system becomes overwhelmed.

🔧 Common causes of sewer backup in the GTA:

• Overloaded city sewer mains

• Blocked or damaged private sewer lines

• Tree roots intruding into underground pipes

• Backwater valve failure

• Flushing inappropriate items (e.g. grease, wipes)

• Combined sewer systems during major storms

This type of water is known as black water, which is highly contaminated and contains dangerous bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. It poses a serious health risk and should only be cleaned by a certified professional.

⚠️ Signs of sewer backup:

• Bad smells from basement drains

• Gurgling sounds from toilets or sinks

• Water backing up through shower drains or toilets

• Visible sewage on your basement floor

• Slow drains throughout the home

🌊 What Is Overland Flooding?

Overland flooding occurs when rainwater, melting snow, or rising river water flows over the surface of the ground and enters your home — typically through doors, windows, cracks in the foundation, or basement window wells.

This is the most common type of flooding during severe weather events, and it affects thousands of homes across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and nearby areas every year.

🌧️ Typical causes of overland flooding:

• Sudden, intense rainfall

• Poor lot grading or drainage

• Overflowing rivers or creeks

• Blocked gutters and downspouts

• Frozen or saturated soil during snowmelt

• Construction that alters natural runoff

Though overland floodwater is usually cleaner than sewer water, it still poses risks of property damage, mold growth, and long-term structural issues.

🛑 Dealing with Water Damage in Your Home?

At 247-365 Restoration, we provide fast, certified, 24/7 emergency response for both sewer backup cleanup and overland flood restoration. Our team serves all of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, including Mississauga, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, and Vaughan.

📞 Call now: 647-697-8809
🌐 Visit us at 247-365.ca
✅ IICRC-Certified Technicians
✅ Residential & Commercial Service
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🔍 Overland Flooding vs. Sewer Backup — At a Glance

🛡️ What About Insurance?

Most standard home insurance policies in Ontario do not automatically cover either type of flooding. You’ll typically need to add overland flood coverage and sewer backup coverage as optional endorsements.

If you’re unsure, ask your insurance provider the following:

• Does my policy cover overland water damage?

• Do I have sewer backup protection?

• What is the maximum claim limit for water damage?

• Are contents and structure both covered?

💡 Homeowners in flood-prone neighborhoods like East York, Downtown Toronto, or Mississauga River areas are especially encouraged to review their policies.

🧼 How 247-365 Handles Water Damage Restoration

We provide complete, professional restoration services for flooded basements, sewage overflows, and rain-related water damage:

1. 24/7 Emergency Response

2. Water Extraction & Drying

3. Disinfection & Odor Removal

4. Mold Prevention & Air Purification

5. Material Removal & Structural Drying

6. Full Insurance Claim Support

We use advanced tools like thermal cameras, moisture meters, dehumidifiers, and HEPA air scrubbers to ensure your home is safe and restored properly.

💧 Trust 247-365 for Flood & Sewer Backup Restoration

Whether it’s caused by a storm or a sewer line issue, water damage can’t wait. The longer water sits in your home, the more extensive — and expensive — the damage becomes.

📞 Call 247-365 Restoration Now: 647-697-8809
🌐 https://247-365.ca

✅ Emergency Response in 45 Minutes
✅ Serving the Entire GTA
✅ Safe, Certified, and Reliable

Don’t risk your health or your investment. Let our flood restoration specialists in Toronto help you recover fast — anytime, day or night.