Serving Norfolk County, Ontario

Eric Smethurst

Licensed Waterproofing Contractor · Waterproofing & foundation specialist

Norfolk County's go-to for wet basements and foundation problems — warranted, insured, and done.

4.9/5 · 63 verified reviews

Eric Smethurst
WSIB covered $2M liability insured 25-year written warranty 20+ years · 400+ basements done
Eric Smethurst on the job
Meet Eric

The contractor Norfolk County homeowners call when the basement floods

Eric Smethurst has been in the concrete and foundation business since he was 20 years old — starting with a large foundation engineering firm where he learned the trade from the ground up. He's spent two decades getting to the root of wet basement problems across Southern Ontario, from Hamilton to London, from Cambridge down to Port Rowan.

Eric runs a hands-on operation. When you hire JR Foundations through ON Waterproofing, you get Eric — not a crew he's never met. He takes pride in a detailed quote, a clear explanation of what's actually wrong, and work backed by a written warranty. His clients keep calling him back, and they keep sending their neighbours.

Services: Basement waterproofing, Foundation crack repair, Structural repairs, French drains, Helical piles, Excavation, Home modifications, Home inspections

Certifications: Licensed contractor, WSIB covered, $2M liability insurance

From the job site

Recent work in Norfolk County

Exterior waterproofing completed in Tillsonburg

Full exterior waterproofing — Tillsonburg bungalow

Chronic seepage from both east and north walls. Full perimeter excavation, Delta-MS membrane, weeping tile replacement, and backfill. Dry since day one.

Foundation crack repair in Simcoe

Stair-step crack repair — Simcoe block foundation

Seasonal movement causing an active crack in a 1960s block foundation. Carbon fibre straps installed, crack injected and sealed. Structural integrity restored.

Interior drain and sump pump installation in Port Rowan

Interior drain + sump pump — Port Rowan home

High water table causing seasonal flooding. Interior perimeter drain channel, dual sump system with battery backup. Zero incidents since install.

What you should know

Know your basement before you spend a dollar

How do I know if my basement problem is serious or just surface moisture?
Surface moisture — condensation on walls in summer — is usually a humidity issue, not a structural one, and a dehumidifier often solves it. Actual water intrusion shows as white mineral deposits (efflorescence), visible water streaks, or active seepage after rain. Cracks wider than a credit card's thickness, or any horizontal crack, point to a foundation issue that needs a proper assessment. When in doubt, get eyes on it — free quote, no pressure.
What does a warranty actually cover — and for how long?
Every job Eric does comes with a written warranty certificate. For exterior waterproofing and interior drainage systems, coverage is 25 years against water re-entry through the treated area. If water comes back through the same spot, he comes back and fixes it at no charge. The warranty is transferable to new owners, which adds real value when you sell.
My foundation has a crack but the basement isn't wet yet. Do I still need to act?
In most cases yes — and sooner is cheaper than later. A crack that isn't leaking today is a crack that's already moving. Norfolk County clay soil expands and contracts significantly with our freeze-thaw cycles; a hairline crack in March can be a quarter-inch gap by November. Crack injection is a minor job. Letting it go until water gets in can mean excavation, which is a major one.
Do you work on older homes? My house was built in the 1950s on a block foundation.
Block foundations are a significant part of the work in this area — Tillsonburg, Simcoe, and Port Dover are full of them. They behave differently than poured concrete (more susceptible to lateral movement and mortar-joint deterioration) but the repair approach is well established. Eric has worked on everything from post-war bungalows to heritage commercial buildings.
Is financing available? I wasn't expecting this expense.
Yes — financing is available through ON Waterproofing. Nobody plans for a wet basement, and Eric understands that. Payment options are discussed during the quote, and accepted methods include credit card, cheque, and cash. Ask about financing terms when you reach out.
Verified reviews

What Norfolk County homeowners say

Eric found the issue inside of ten minutes. Two other contractors had been out here and neither could tell me where the water was coming from. He fixed it in a day and it's been bone dry through two full winters. Worth every penny.
Dave & Lori M. · Tillsonburg
I bought my house knowing the foundation needed attention. Eric came out, gave me a straight assessment with no upsell, and completed the work on schedule. The warranty transferred when I refinanced and my lender was satisfied. Highly recommend.
Patricia K. · Simcoe
Called on a Tuesday with active water in the basement. Eric was out by Thursday, assessed it fast, and had a crew back the following week. Old 1950s block foundation — he knew exactly what he was dealing with. Clean work, no surprises on the invoice.
The Hendersons · Port Rowan
Service area

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Community partners

Local businesses & resources in Norfolk County

Community Living Tillsonburg

Supporting adults with intellectual disabilities to live, work, and belong in the community.

The Livingston Centre

A hub for community programs and social services in Tillsonburg and Oxford County.

Helping Hand Food Bank

Food security and emergency support for families across Haldimand-Norfolk.

Haldimand-Norfolk R.E.A.C.H.

Community health and social services across Haldimand-Norfolk.

About ONWaterproofing

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Get in touch

Get your free quote

Tell Eric what's going on and you'll get a straight answer from your local Norfolk County contractor.

Emergency, active water? Call 226-970-3100 for the fastest response.

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We may update this policy; the effective date will be shown here. Last updated: June 2026.