KITCHENER, ON - September 12, 2025 - As autumn rains prepare to drench southern Ontario, homeowners across the region are being warned to watch for the telltale signs of basement leaks and flooding. With precipitation levels in September and October often rivaling the wettest parts of spring, experts are urging families to take proactive measures before the first big storm rolls in.

One of the companies leading that charge is JR’s Waterproofing, the full-service basement waterproofing and structural repair firm founded by Eric Smethurst. Serving communities from Hamilton to London and as far south as Long Point, JR’s specializes in both emergency response and preventative waterproofing — making them a critical line of defense against the wet seasons that batter Ontario year after year.

Warning Signs Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

According to Smethurst, too many families wait until they’re ankle-deep in water before calling for help. Common red flags include:

• Damp, musty odors in the basement

• Hairline cracks along foundation walls

• Pooling water near windows or window wells

• Hydrostatic pressure seeping water through unsealed floors

• Discoloration or efflorescence (white salt residue) on concrete

“These issues almost never fix themselves,” Smethurst explained. “A damp smell in September can easily become a flooded basement by November. Acting early is always less expensive — and less stressful — than waiting until you’re bailing water.”

Emergency-Ready and Prevention-Focused

Unlike large franchise competitors, JR’s Waterproofing is a locally run company known for responsiveness, reliability, and customer-first service. With financing available and crews on-call for emergencies, the company provides both urgent repair work and long-term waterproofing solutions, including:

• Exterior and interior waterproofing

• Foundation crack repairs

• Crawlspace inspections and encapsulation

• Sump pump installation and backup systems

• Drainage risers and window well solutions

Clients across the region consistently highlight the team’s professionalism, clarity, and follow-through. “We had two cracks, seepage, and water damage — Eric’s team fixed it all during one of the hottest weeks of the year,” one Kerr County homeowner wrote in a recent review. “When another storm hit, he came back personally to check the work at no charge. That’s the kind of service you can’t put a price on.”

A Wet Season Looms Large

Environment Canada’s seasonal forecasts suggest southern Ontario may face another wetter-than-average autumn, raising concerns for older homes and neighborhoods with aging drainage systems. As many homeowners learned in spring, basements without adequate waterproofing or sump protection can go from dry to flooded overnight.

That’s why JR’s is encouraging families to book assessments now, while there’s still time to implement cost-effective prevention before peak rainfall. “The calls always spike after the first big storm,” said Smethurst. “If you want peace of mind this winter, don’t wait until it’s already too late.”

About JR’s Waterproofing & Structural Repairs

Founded by Eric Smethurst, JR’s Waterproofing is a trusted basement waterproofing and structural repair company serving southern Ontario. From Hamilton to London and across the Norfolk County shoreline, JR’s has built a reputation for professional, reliable, and lasting solutions. The team offers fast quotes, emergency services, and a full suite of preventative waterproofing systems to protect homes year-round.

For more information or to schedule a basement waterproofing assessment, visit JR’s Waterproofing or call 226-970-3100.

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Company Name: JR’s Waterproofing
Contact Person: Dan Krulikoski
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Country: Canada
Website: https://jrfoundations.ca/