Backwater Valve Installation Subsidy

How does a Backwater Valve reduce potential for basement flooding?

During intense rain events, the wastewater (sanitary) sewer may become overloaded with rain water. This can result in the overloaded sewer forcing wastewater to flow backward into basement drains. A backwater valve is designed to prevent wastewater from backing up through the wastewater pipe into your home.
During normal use, the backwater valve remains open. This allows wastewater from your toilets, shower, sinks, etc. to flow freely from your home to the wastewater main. If flow reverses because the wastewater main is overloaded with rain water, the backwater valve will automatically close, thereby protecting your basement from potential wastewater backup. Once the rain event is over, the backwater valve will re-open to allow wastewater to flow normally to the sewer main.

Financial support

Halton Region’s Backwater Valve install subsidy covers 50% of costs incurred for materials and labour charged to install a backwater valve, up to a maximum of $675.

Eligibility criteria

• The Backwater Valve must be installed inside the home.  External installations are not eligible.
• This is a one-time subsidy per property.
• The residence where the work is undertaken must be located in Halton Region.
• The residence where the work is undertaken must have municipal wastewater services (not on a septic system).
• All work must have been completed after July 1, 2016.

Application requirements

1. Ensure the backwater valve is installed inside your home (backwater valves installed outside the home are not eligible for Halton’s subsidy).
2. Application must include:
   1. Written confirmation from contractor conducting the work that weeping tile/foundation drain is not connected to the wastewater lateral (sanitary sewer). For more information on weeping tile disconnection subsidy, Click here.
   2. A copy of your building permit obtained from the Local Municipality i.e. Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, Town of Oakville or City of Burlington
   3. Confirmation that the building permit has passed final inspection through the Local Municipal Building Inspector i.e. Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, Town of Oakville or City of Burlington
   4. Itemized invoice showing paid in full, specifically listing any materials and labour, and identifying specifics of each component of repair/work.   This is especially important if you are applying for more than one subsidy. 

Apply to the program

1. Download the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program application form (PDF file) and the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program waiver form (PDF file) .
2. Submit completed Application Form and Waiver along with the required documentation, electronically. Ensure submission completeness by following the Check List included on page 3 of the Application Form. Errors or omissions will delay approval of the subsidy.
3. Scan and email your completed submission to basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca
4. Upload larger files, such as CCTV video, to our online Dropbox platform here: http://2big4email.halton.ca/en/uploadfiles.aspx

For assistance with using Dropbox

Please see Dropbox instructions and example below:

• Where Dropbox requests “Your Email”:
  • Insert Applicant’s email address
• Where Dropbox requests “Subject”:
  • Insert Applicant’s last name, followed by address
• Where Dropbox requests “Message”:
  • Insert brief description of each file you are attaching such as "Invoice"
• Where Dropbox requests “Password”:
  • This is not a required field.   If you do create and include a password for your Dropbox account, please email the password to basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca to allow staff to view and process your submission.  Without the password, staff cannot view your Dropbox files.
• Where Dropbox requests “Expire Date”:
  • This is not a required field.  If you add an expiry date, it will prevent Halton staff from seeing the file past the expiry date.
• Where Dropbox requests Recipient “Email”, please insert the following email address: basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca

See Dropbox online form example below:

 

• Mail to:
  Halton Region Public Works
  c/o Systems & Outreach Administrator
  Woodlands Operations Centre
  1179 Bronte Road, Oakville, ON L6M 4G3
• Drop off in person:
  Place submission in the grey mail box located to the right of the sliding doors at the front entrance to Halton Regional Centre, located at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville