Quick Answer: How Much is the Toronto Backwater Valve Rebate?
Toronto's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy offers up to $3,400 in rebates: $1,250 for backwater valve installation, $1,750 for sump pump installation, and $400 for foundation drain severance. You must use a licensed plumber, obtain permits, and apply within 12 months of installation. Call Water Pro at (647) 554-4356 to get started.
Key Takeaways: Toronto Backwater Valve Rebate
- $1,250 rebate for backwater valve installation
- $1,750 rebate for sump pump installation
- $400 rebate for foundation drain severance
- Must be a Toronto residential property owner
- Licensed plumber and plumbing permit required
- Apply within 12 months of installation
- Processing takes 6-8 weeks
If you've ever had your basement flood after a heavy Toronto rainstorm, you know the devastation it causes. Ruined furniture, damaged flooring, mold growth, and thousands of dollars in repairs. The good news? The City of Toronto wants to help you prevent this—and they'll pay up to $3,400 to do it.
Toronto's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program is one of the most generous municipal rebate programs in Ontario. Yet many homeowners don't know it exists or think the application is too complicated. After helping over 800 Toronto families claim their rebates, I can tell you: it's easier than you think. Need help getting started? Call (647) 554-4356 for a free consultation.
Toronto Backwater Valve Rebate Amounts (2025)
The City of Toronto offers three separate subsidies under the Basement Flooding Protection Program. You can claim all three if you install the qualifying equipment:
| Protection Type | Maximum Rebate | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Backwater Valve | $1,250 | Installation of mainline backwater valve |
| Sump Pump | $1,750 | New sump pump with battery backup |
| Drain Severance | $400 | Disconnecting foundation drains from sewer |
| TOTAL AVAILABLE | $3,400 | Combined maximum rebate |
💰 Real Savings Example
A typical backwater valve installation costs $1,800-$2,500 in Toronto. With the $1,250 rebate, your out-of-pocket cost drops to $550-$1,250. Add a sump pump ($2,000-$3,500) with the $1,750 rebate, and you're getting professional flood protection for roughly half the price.
Who Qualifies for the Toronto Rebate?
The Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy is available to most Toronto homeowners, but there are specific requirements:
Eligible Properties
- Single-family homes (detached houses)
- Semi-detached homes
- Townhouses (freehold, not condo)
- Duplexes (owner must apply for both units)
- Row houses
Requirements
- Property must be within City of Toronto boundaries
- Must be connected to the municipal sewer system
- Applicant must be the registered property owner
- Work must be performed by a licensed plumber
- Plumbing permit must be obtained before installation
- Application submitted within 12 months of installation
⚠️ Not Eligible
Condominiums, rental properties (unless you're the owner), and commercial properties do not qualify for this rebate. Replacement of existing backwater valves also doesn't qualify—only new installations. Properties in areas like Mississauga, Brampton, or Markham have different programs (contact your municipality).
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is straightforward if you follow these steps. Water Pro handles the paperwork for all our Toronto installations—call (647) 554-4356 and we'll guide you through every step.
Schedule Assessment with Licensed Plumber
Get a quote from a licensed plumber who will pull the required permits. Water Pro provides free assessments across Toronto.
Obtain Plumbing Permit
Your plumber applies for the permit through Toronto Building. Cost: $150-$300. This is mandatory for the rebate.
Complete Installation
Professional installation of backwater valve and/or sump pump. Typically takes 4-8 hours depending on complexity.
Pass Inspection
Toronto Building inspector verifies the installation meets Ontario Building Code requirements.
Gather Documentation
Collect: paid invoice, copy of permit, proof of ownership (property tax bill or deed), completed application form.
Submit Application
Apply online at toronto.ca/basementflooding or mail to Toronto Water. Submit within 12 months of installation.
Receive Rebate Cheque
Processing takes 6-8 weeks. Cheque mailed to property owner's address on file.
💡 Pro Tip: Water Pro Handles the Paperwork
We've helped over 800 Toronto homeowners claim their rebates. When you book backwater valve installation with Water Pro, we handle permit applications, provide rebate-ready invoices, and guide you through the submission process. Call (647) 554-4356 for rebate-eligible installation.
What Does Backwater Valve Installation Cost?
Understanding the full cost helps you calculate your actual out-of-pocket expense after the rebate:
| Service | Cost Range | After Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Backwater Valve Only | $1,800 - $2,500 | $550 - $1,250 |
| Sump Pump Installation | $2,000 - $3,500 | $250 - $1,750 |
| Both Combined | $3,500 - $5,500 | $500 - $2,500 |
| Plumbing Permit | $150 - $300 | $150 - $300 (not covered) |
Factors affecting cost include: basement accessibility, existing plumbing configuration, concrete cutting requirements, and whether you're in a high water table area like The Beaches, Leaside, or Riverdale. Get a precise quote by calling (647) 554-4356.
Why Install a Backwater Valve?
Toronto has experienced increasingly severe rainstorms due to climate change. The city's aging sewer infrastructure can't always handle the volume, causing sewage to back up into basements. A backwater valve is your first line of defense.
Toronto Neighborhoods Most at Risk
Some areas of Toronto experience more basement flooding due to topography, water table levels, and sewer system capacity:
- The Beaches – High water table, close to lake
- Riverdale/Leslieville – Low-lying areas near Don River
- High Park/Bloor West – Older combined sewers
- North York (Black Creek) – Historic flooding zone
- Etobicoke (Mimico Creek) – Flood-prone watershed
- Scarborough (Highland Creek) – Storm surge issues
Learn more about how backwater valves work in our Complete Backwater Valve Guide or read about professional installation.
Common Rebate Application Mistakes
After reviewing hundreds of rebate applications, these are the most common reasons for rejection or delay:
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes
- No permit: Work done without a plumbing permit doesn't qualify—period.
- Unlicensed contractor: DIY installations or handyman work won't be approved.
- Missing invoice details: Invoice must show contractor license number, permit number, and itemized costs.
- Late application: Must apply within 12 months of installation date.
- Wrong property type: Condos, rentals, and commercial properties don't qualify.
- Replacement not new: Replacing an existing valve doesn't qualify.
Rebates in Other GTA Municipalities
While this guide focuses on Toronto, other GTA cities have similar programs:
- Mississauga: Up to $2,800 for backwater valve and sump pump
- Brampton: Up to $2,750 combined subsidy
- Markham: $1,000 backwater valve rebate
- Vaughan: $1,500 flood protection subsidy
- Richmond Hill: $1,250 backwater valve rebate
Water Pro serves all these municipalities—call (647) 554-4356 to learn about rebates in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Toronto's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy covers up to $1,250 for backwater valve installation, $1,750 for sump pump installation, and $400 for severance of foundation drains. Combined, homeowners can receive up to $3,400 in rebates.
Toronto homeowners with residential properties (single-family, semi-detached, townhouse, duplex) connected to the municipal sewer system qualify. The property must not have an existing backwater valve, and work must be done by a licensed plumber with proper permits.
Apply online through Toronto.ca or by mail. Submit the application within 12 months of installation with a copy of the plumbing permit, paid invoice from a licensed plumber, and proof of property ownership. Processing takes 6-8 weeks.
Yes, a plumbing permit is mandatory for backwater valve installation in Toronto. The permit costs $150-$300 and must be obtained before installation begins. Without a permit, you cannot claim the rebate.
Application processing takes 6-8 weeks after submitting complete documentation. Incomplete applications cause delays. The rebate is issued as a cheque mailed to the property owner's address.
No, the rebate only applies to new installations. Replacement of existing backwater valves does not qualify. However, if your existing valve was never permitted, you may need to verify its compliance and could potentially qualify for sump pump or drain severance subsidies.
Ready to Claim Your Rebate?
Don't leave $3,400 on the table. Toronto's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy makes professional flood protection affordable for every homeowner. Water Pro has helped over 800 families claim their rebates—we handle permits, provide compliant invoices, and guide you through the entire process.
Get Your Free Rebate Assessment
We'll assess your property, quote the installation, and calculate your exact rebate amount—all free.
📞 Call (647) 554-4356Licensed plumbers • Rebate-ready invoices • 90-day guarantee • 5,234+ families helped
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About Mike Thompson
Master Plumber • License #MP-2847 • 28 Years Experience
Mike has installed over 2,000 backwater valves across the GTA and helped 800+ families claim their Toronto rebates. He's a recognized expert in basement flood protection and regularly consults with the City of Toronto on residential plumbing standards.