The Ontario Building Code | Floor Drains
7.1.4.2. floor Drains
(1) Where gravity drainage to a sanitary drainage system is possible, a floor drain shall be installed in a basement forming part of a dwelling unit.
(2) Where gravity drainage to a sanitary drainage system is not possible, the floor drain required by Sentence (1) may be connected to a storm drainage system, dry well or drainage ditch provided it is located where it can receive only clear water waste or storm sewage.
(3) A floor drain shall be provided in a public laundry room, garbage room, incinerator room, boiler or heating room that is not located within a dwelling unit.
7.1.5. service Connections
In Plain Language
Where gravity drainage to a sanitary drainage system is possible, a floor drain must be installed in a basement forming part of a dwelling unit, and where gravity drainage isn't possible, alternative provisions apply.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.