Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Rebate: How to Get Up to $3,400 Back
A step-by-step guide to the City of Toronto subsidy for backwater valves, sump pumps, and weeping tile disconnection
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Introduction
The City of Toronto offers homeowners up to $3,400 per property to install flood protection devices. This covers 80% of the invoiced cost for backwater valves, sump pumps, and foundation drain disconnection. This guide explains exactly what qualifies, how much you can get back, and the step-by-step process from permit to reimbursement. At Tornado Plumbing & Drains, we handle the permit application and inspection scheduling as part of every eligible installation — you focus on choosing the right protection, we handle the paperwork.
Quick answer
The City of Toronto reimburses homeowners 80% of the invoiced cost (materials, labour, permit, and taxes) for qualifying flood protection installations, up to a combined maximum of $3,400 per property. You pay the full amount upfront, then apply for reimbursement after the work is inspected and approved.
Who qualifies for the Toronto basement flooding rebate
Eligible properties include single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes within the City of Toronto. The property must be residential. Commercial properties, condominiums, and apartment buildings above fourplex are not eligible. The subsidy is per property, not per device. If you install both a backwater valve and a sump pump, the combined rebate cannot exceed $3,400. You can apply even if you have previously received a subsidy — but only if the previous subsidy was under the old program limits and your total has not reached the current maximum. Disconnecting downspouts from your property's eavestrough system is not eligible for this subsidy.
What work qualifies for the rebate
Installation or replacement of a backwater valve on the main sanitary sewer line
Installation of an alarm for the backwater valve
Installation or replacement of a sump pump
Installation of an alarm for the sump pump
Installation of backup power for the sump pump (battery backup)
Severance and capping of a home's storm sewer or external weeping tile connection to the sanitary sewer
Disconnection of foundation drain (weeping tile) from the sanitary sewer and rerouting to a sump pump
Step-by-step: how to get the rebate
Step 1: Confirm eligibility. Your property must be a single-family, duplex, triplex, or fourplex in the City of Toronto. Step 2: Get a quote. We provide free estimates for backwater valve and sump pump installations. The quote includes materials, labour, permit fees, and taxes — the full invoiced cost is what the 80% rebate is calculated against. Step 3: Obtain a permit from Toronto Building. A building permit is required before installation begins. For backwater valve installations, the permit costs approximately $121. For sump pump installations that involve plumbing modifications, the permit starts at approximately $205. We handle the permit application on your behalf. Step 4: If installing both a backwater valve and sump pump, complete and sign the Consent to Enter Form and include it with the permit application. This authorizes Toronto Building staff to inspect both installations. Step 5: Installation. We complete the work according to program requirements and City of Toronto building code. Step 6: Request an inspection. Toronto Building must inspect the installation of all backwater valves before they are enclosed or covered. We schedule this inspection as part of the project. Step 7: Apply for the subsidy online through toronto.ca. You will need your receipts, permit number, and inspection confirmation. The city reviews the application and issues reimbursement. Step 8: Receive reimbursement. The city pays 80% of the invoiced cost, up to the maximum for each device type.
How to maximize your rebate
Combine a backwater valve and sump pump in one project to use more of the $3,400 maximum
Include battery backup for the sump pump — it is covered under the sump pump subsidy and adds real protection during power outages
If your weeping tile is connected to the sanitary sewer, include the disconnection in the same project — it qualifies for the rebate and is often required by code during backwater valve installation anyway
Keep all receipts itemized — materials, labour, permit fees, and taxes should each be listed separately
Do not enclose or cover the backwater valve before the Toronto Building inspection — the inspector must see the installation
Apply for the subsidy promptly after inspection approval — the program has a budget and processes applications on a first-come basis
Common mistakes that delay or disqualify rebate applications
Not getting a permit before installation. The City requires a permit before work begins, not after. Installations done without a permit are not eligible for the subsidy. Enclosing the backwater valve before inspection. Toronto Building must visually inspect the valve installation. If it is covered with concrete or flooring before the inspection, the inspector cannot verify it meets code. Using an unlicensed installer. The work must be done by a licensed plumber. Receipts from unlicensed contractors will not be accepted. Missing itemization on receipts. The city needs to see materials, labour, permit, and taxes broken out. A single lump-sum receipt can delay processing. Not disconnecting foundation drains when required. During backwater valve installation, Toronto Building Code requires foundation drains (weeping tiles) connected to the sanitary sewer to be disconnected. If the inspector finds this was not done, the installation may not pass inspection.
How Tornado Plumbing handles the rebate process
We handle the permit application, schedule the Toronto Building inspection, and provide fully itemized receipts that meet the subsidy program requirements. Our invoices break out materials, labour, permit fees, and HST separately so your rebate application processes smoothly. For a free estimate on a backwater valve, sump pump, or combined installation, book online or call 647-784-8448. We will walk you through the rebate math so you know your net cost before we start.
Toronto basement flooding rebate FAQs
How long does the Toronto rebate take to process?
Processing times vary. After submitting your application with receipts and inspection confirmation, the city typically reviews and issues reimbursement within several weeks to a few months. Properly itemized receipts and complete documentation speed up processing.
Do I pay upfront or does the city pay the plumber directly?
You pay the full amount to the plumber upfront. The subsidy is a reimbursement — the city pays you back 80% of the invoiced cost (up to the maximum) after the work is inspected and your application is approved.
Can I get the rebate if I already have a backwater valve and want to add a sump pump?
Yes. Each device type has its own maximum. If you already received a rebate for a backwater valve, you can still apply for the sump pump subsidy (up to $1,750), as long as your combined total does not exceed $3,400.
Does the rebate cover battery backup sump pumps?
Yes. Battery backup power for a sump pump is included in the sump pump subsidy category. The combined cost of the primary pump, battery backup, and installation all count toward the 80% reimbursement up to $1,750.
What if my home has never flooded — can I still apply?
Yes. The program is preventive. You do not need to have experienced flooding to qualify. The subsidy is available to any eligible residential property in the City of Toronto.
Is disconnecting downspouts eligible?
No. Disconnecting downspouts from the eavestrough system is not eligible for this subsidy. Only backwater valves, sump pumps, and sanitary sewer or weeping tile disconnection qualify.