Basement Flood Protection Backflow Subsidy Program

And the eligible work includes:

• Backwater valve Installation
• Sump pump Installation.
• Severance and covering of a home’s storm sewer or weeping tile connection.

But disconnecting the downspouts from your property’s eavestrough system is not permitted for a subsidy.

Eligible Work

Backwater valve

A backwater valve is installed on the sewer lateral and sometimes on the storm lateral as well in the floor at the foot of the basement wall closest to where the lateral exits the house to connect with the public sewer system. It is designed to block the sewer line during heavy rain to prevent water from entering your home. When the valve is closed you should not use any plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines because water will not drain and will back up into your home. 

Installation must be done by a licensed plumber and inspected by a municipal plumbing inspector. The backwater valve subsidy program includes: 

• Installation or replacement of backwater valves.
• Installation of an alarm for a backwater valve.

The obtainable subsidy for these services is 80% of the invoiced cost to a maximum of $1,250. This subsidy involves the number of devices installed at the property, including eligible labor, materials, and taxes.

To install a backwater valve a building permit is needed and you should verify that the plumber you have hired has a valid City of Toronto business license. Similarly, before starting the work the valve must pass inspection by the City of Toronto building inspector before you can receive the subsidy.The backwater valves should be maintained and regularly inspected according to product specifications.

Sump pump

Sump pumps are an needed part of keeping your basements and crawl spaces dry. It is a kind of safeguard to defend your home from water damage and must be installed with the help of professionals.

It is recommended to place a properly-sized sump pump to help pump water collected by the weeping tile system to an area outside. Sump pumps can lose power during severe storms, so getting a battery back-up avoids this issue. They also need to be inspected and maintained regularly according to product specifications to ensure efficient performance.

Installation should be done by a licensed plumber and inspected by a municipal plumbing inspector. Here is what to expect when you install a backwater sump pump. 

• Installation or replacement of sump pump.
• Installation of alarm for sump pump.
• Installation of backup power for sump pump.

The obtainable subsidy for these services is 80% of the invoiced cost to a maximum of $1,750. This involves the number of devices installed at the property, including eligible labor, materials, and taxes. Ensure basement flooding protection devices are maintained according to the contractor’s instructions. Installing these devices in good working order is an important step in protecting your home against basement flooding.

Foundation drain or weeping tile pipe severance and capping

The method of disconnecting the foundation drains from the City’s sewer system by severing and capping the underground sewer connection.

The obtainable subsidy for this service is 80% of the invoiced cost to a maximum of $400. The subsidy includes labor, materials, and taxes.

Subsidy Terms and Conditions

• Must be the registered owner of your property within the City of Toronto.
• The subsidy program is available only to existing homes, not the homes that are in the planning stages or under construction.
• The property must not have surpassed the lifetime maximum subsidy amount for each eligible installation.
• The downspouts from the property’s eavestrough must not be connected to the City’s sewer system.
• All front yard paved parts of the property must comply with the City’s Zoning By-law requirements.
• The plumber who performed the installation and replacement of the flood prevention device must possess a valid license from the City of Toronto for the installation work, at the time of installation.
• The application must be submitted within one year of completion of the installation of the basement flood protection device.
• Invoices from the licensed contractor who installed the flood prevention device must be provided with your application.
• Must not have any pending taxes or debts owed to the City of Toronto at the time your application is processed.
• Applying does not guarantee a subsidy. Subsidies are provided on a “first-come, first-serve” basis, and are subject to annual funding approved by the City Council.

How to apply for the installation of a backwater valve and sump pump?

1. A Building Permit is needed for all backflow device installations. Once it is installed it will be inspected by the Toronto Building staff.
2. If you are wanting to install a backwater valve and sump pump, complete and sign the Consent form and submit it with your Permit application. It will allow City of Toronto staff to inspect and verify that both the backwater valve and sump pump have been installed according to Program requirements.
3. The installation of the basement flood protection device according to program requirements is a crucial part of confirming your eligibility for the subsidy.

Selecting a contractor or plumber

The installation or replacement of the plumbing in your property should be done by a plumber or contractor, who will ensure that the work is done correctly and according to all applicable codes. They can assist you with the comparative advantages and disadvantages of the various types of backflow valves. It is always recommended to hire a licensed contractor and plumber who has a valid license from the City of Toronto. If your plumber or contractor does not have a valid City of Toronto license, you will be denied funding for the work completed.

Our fully trained drainage engineers are available to carry out pump and sump maintenance and servicing across Toronto and surroundings 24/7 days. Contact Everest Drain & Plumbing today by phone locally at (416)383-7378 or visit here to learn more about our products, installation, and repair services.