Hamilton 3P Program to Prevent Basement Flooding - Backwater Valve and Sump Pump $2,000 Rebate

The City of Hamilton offers good news to its residents who wish to protect their homes from rainwater basement flooding. Through its 3P Program (Residential Protective Plumbing Program), the city guides homeowners and gives out financial assistance as they perform a number of plumbing installations to stop basement flooding as a result of sewer surcharging.

Recently, Hamilton has experienced more heavy rains and flooding than in the past years. This prompted the City Council to launch the 3P Program to encourage homeowners to take action. (The program includes backwater valve rebate.)

Below are important 3P details:

1. Homeowners become eligible for the program after disconnecting their downspouts and installing their own backwater valve, with sump pit and pump. But when doing so, homeowners should know the following:

a) Installing these plumbing features require inspection and a building permit. Securing a permit requires costs, but these too will be reimbursed by the city later on.

b) Installation must be done or in consultation with Hamilton-licensed plumbers and/or contractors

2. With the help of a licensed plumber/contractor, homeowners can perform the following works and later apply for the amount of maximum rebate specified:

a) Installing of an approved backwater valve with sump pit and pump, for a maximum rebate of $2,000

b) Getting an official CCTV inspection and assessment, for a maximum rebate of $500

c) Disconnecting downspouts, for a maximum rebate of $200

The City of Hamilton will cap its funding at the lowest estimate submitted. And to further provide convenience to homeowners, the City of Hamilton is also offering a 3P loan program

3. Finally, homeowners will be asked to submit three independent estimates from a licensed plumber/contractor.

Halton Region Backwater Valve Subsidy $2,725 - Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills Basement Flood Reduction

Region of Halton is offering a backwater valve rebate program to homeowners. The total amount of subsidy for a complete basement flooding prevention plan for a single property is set at a maximum of $2,725. The program is intended to protect your own home from flooding from sewers that back-up into floor drains. This is a one-time subsidy covering the following items and works:

• When you disconnect your downspouts, you can apply for a rebate of up to a half of your total costs, but not more than $250. Removing a downspout from the side of your home and redirecting it will prevent storm water from seeping into your basement.
• When you disconnect from your weeping tiles system and install a sump pump, you can apply for a rebate of up to a half of the costs invoiced by a licensed contractor, but not more than $1,800. A sump pump is a device the draws water into a pump and forces it away from your home.
• When you install a sanitary backwater valve, you can apply for rebate of up to a half of the costs invoiced by a licensed contractor, but not more than $675. Backwater valves close to prevent sewer water from coming at low points in a basement.

Once you are ready to perform these plumbing tasks and installing the said items, you can then apply for the rebate program. Here are five simple steps:

• Call the Basement Flood Prevention Subsidy Program Coordinator (905-825-6000 ext. 7918) and ask for a household drainage survey to be conducted by a Regional Representative. The survey will assess your home’s condition, determine which works and items are eligible for subsidy, and obtain proof of past flooding.
• Complete the rebate program application form and make sure to carefully read the terms and conditions. Send the completed form and waiver to:

The Regional Municipality of Halton
Public Works & Engineering Services
C/O Matt Stefanik, Program Coordinator
1075 North Service Road West, Unit 27
Oakville, Ontario L6M 2G2
And wait to receive a telephone confirmation

Apply for a work permit from your local municipality and begin the necessary installations.  After the works have been completed, ask to be inspected by your local municipality so that they can issue the necessary documents declaring that your plumbing installations meet the Ontario Building Code standards. Your rebate cheque is sent within 8 to 10 weeks if you meet all the requirements.

Mail all original (not photocopied) invoices to:

The Regional Municipality of Halton
Public Works & Engineering Services
C/O Matt Stefanik, Program Coordinator
1075 North Service Road West, Unit 27
Oakville, Ontario L6M 2G2

Peel Region Backwater Valve Rebate - Prevent Basement Flooding in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon

The Region of Peel encourages homeowners to construct their own sanitary backwater valve in order to protect themselves from basement flooding and it is providing a rebate amounting to $700 to all eligible homeowners.

A backwater valve makes sure storm water flows out from the house and into the sewer system, reservoir or dumping area. As water passes through the device, the valve closes to prevent backflow, thus preventing flooding. Although a backwater valve does not provide 100% guarantee, it can get the job done when installed properly by a professional.

Are you eligible for the rebate? First, you must:

• Prove that you live in a flood-prone area by showing a past flood-related insurance claim
• Have experienced and reported basement flooding due to rainstorm in the past
• Have not already received a similar subsidy from the Region of Peel in the past

Second, you must satisfy program requirements by performing the following:

• Disconnect all your downspouts to make sure the backwater valve will be installed properly. You might need to consult a licensed plumber on how to disconnect your downspouts. If disconnecting any or all is not possible, call 905-791-7800, ext 4409 to ask for an exemption.
• Install an open-type sanitary backwater valve that has passed the Ontario Building Code. You can install the valve yourself if you have passed the necessary criteria. Otherwise, installation must be done by a licensed plumber. (To avoid getting scammed, know that a typical installation of sanitary backwater valve may range from $1,600 to $3,500.)
• Secure a building permit from the City of Brampton, Mississauga or the Town of Caledon, signed by a municipal inspector. The permit should include the sanitary backwater valve model number.
• Secure a signed sanitary backwater valve inspection from municipal inspector 
• Complete the Sanitary Backwater Valve Rebate Program application form

Third, send the application form with the signed building permit and receipts to:

Sanitary Backwater Valve Subsidy Program
2 Copper Road
Brampton, ON L6T 4W5

After receiving your application, expect the Region of Peel to visit your home to assess your downspouts.  After having assessed that all your downspouts have been disconnected accordingly, expect your rebate in the mail after 6-8 weeks. (This does not apply if you applied for a downspout disconnection inspection.)

Toronto Backwater Valve and Sump Pump Rebate Program

To be part of the city’s rebate program and enjoy its subsidy, property owners just need to know about: (a) property requirements, (b) eligible items and works, and (c) steps in applying for the program.

Property requirements: which homes can ask for a rebate?

• Homes that are already completed.
• Homes that are registered as: (a) single family residential, (b) duplex, or (c) triplex.
• Homes whose paved front yards comply with Toronto zoning by-laws (applicable for homes with a parking pad instead of a driveway.)
• Homes whose eaves-trough downspouts are already disconnected from the city’s sewer system.
• Eligible items and works: what plumbing items and works are eligible for rebate? 

Items and Works:

• Backwater valve: the city will subsidize 80% of the invoiced cost, plus $1,250 worth of labour, materials, permits and taxes.
• Sump pump (with back-up power source): the city will subsidize 80% of the invoiced cost, plus $1,750 worth of labour, materials, permits and taxes.
• Pipe severance and capping: the city will subsidize 80% of the invoiced cost, plus $400 worth of labour, materials, permits and taxes.
• A licensed Toronto plumbing or drain company must provide a consultation to the homeowner to ensure the proper equipment is installed.

Steps in applying for the program: what should a property owner do to quality for the subsidy? Before identifying the steps in applying, the property owner must have already done the following:

• Hired or consulted with a plumbing contractor or drain contractor duly licensed by the City of Toronto.
• Secured a building permit and approved inspection.
• Completed the installation of the above mentioned plumbing items.
• Paid the items and works in full and properly invoiced.

Steps to apply for city subsidy:

• When installing a backwater valve, secure a permit from the city’s Building Division from one of Toronto’s many service counters by providing a construction proposal (drawing) and paying the necessary fees.
• Provide an invoice, marked "paid in full" from the licensed contractor or plumber.
• Complete the city’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program application form, and keep in mind the following:
• a) Mail the completed application form and all required documents to the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program of the City of Toronto (PO Box 15266 STN B RM B, Toronto, ON M7Y 2W1).
• b) All application forms must be properly signed and dated by the property owner or legal representative.
• c) Applications will be processed 10 weeks or more after receipt of the application form.
• d) Applications and supporting documents must have been submitted not more than a year after the date of the invoice.
• e) All submitted documents must be originals (no photocopies).