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.

Backwater valve inspection and maintenance

Regularly inspect maintain your backwater valve to protect your home from a sewer backup and reduce the risk of basement flooding.

Follow these helpful tips:

• Review your backwater valve manufacturer manual. This document should offer directions on how to inspect and maintain your backwater valve.
• For more information on how to operate and maintain your backwater valve, contact the manufacturer or installer.
• Dispose of fats, oils or grease in your Green Cart, never down your drain where they can harden and prevent your valve from working properly.
• Put disposable wipes in the garbage. Never flush them down the toilet.
• Assess your household practises related to the disposal of waste.

How to inspect and maintain your backwater valve

• Important: When the backwater valve is closed, avoid using any plumbing fixtures in your home. This includes toilets, sinks, dishwashers, tubs/showers or washing machines. Using water while the valve is closed may result in flooding your home.
• Inspect and clean your backwater valve every 3 months. Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
• Open the access cap and remove any debris.
• Check that the flapper moves freely and remove grease or debris.
• Maintain the O-ring on the valve body and replace when necessary.
• Contact a qualified plumber or drainage contractor if you need help or are experiencing any recurring issues.

What to do if your backwater valve closes

If your backwater valve closes, stop running water inside your home to prevent it from backing up. Some homes have an alarm system to alert the homeowner when the backwater valve has closed; if your home does not have an alarm, regularly check the valve during periods of heavy rain. Stop using water in your home if needed.

When the backwater valve returns to its open position, wastewater from the home will be re-directed to the sanitary sewer. At that time, it will be safe for you to start using water in your home again.

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 – any work completed on or before July 1, 2016, is not eligible for this subsidy.

Please review the full Terms and Conditions in the subsidy application form before beginning backwater valve installation and/or sanitary lateral repairs.

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). More information on weeping tile disconnection subsidy.
   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 (external link)

For assistance with using Dropbox

Please see Dropbox instructions and example below:

online form example

Additional options for subsidy submission include the following:

• Mail to:
  Halton Region Public Works
  c/o Water and Wastewater Program Ambassador
  Woodlands Operations Centre
  1179 Bronte Road, Oakville, ON L6M 4G3
• Drop off in person:
  Place submission in the black mail box located in front of the sliding doors at the main entrance to Halton Regional Centre, located at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville (Google Maps link) 

Note: Woodlands Operations Centre is currently closed to the public.