Skip navigation
Halton Region logo link to homepage

Wastewater Lateral (Pipe) Lining and Repair Subsidy

Wastewater Lateral (Pipe) Lining and Repair Subsidy

How the condition of your wastewater lateral affects basement flooding

The wastewater lateral is the pipe that runs underground from your home to the sewer wastewater main under the street.  It carries all the wastewater from your drains such as toilets, showers, sinks, washing machine and dishwasher.

Substandard conditions such as cracks in the sewer lateral pipe can encourage root infiltration into the pipe.  As the roots accumulate in the pipe, they create a blockage which prevents wastewater from properly draining.  This can result in a wastewater (sewer) backup in your home.

Watch our quick video about sewer laterals (YouTube video).

Animation illustrating a damaged sewer laterals creating a blockage or poor drainage, preventing wastewater from flowing from your home to the municipal sanitary sewer system.


Related supports

Subsidies

Resources

Financial support

Halton Region’s Basement Flooding Prevention Program subsidy amounts were updated in September 2025. For work completed after July 15, 2024, Halton Region’s Wastewater Lateral Lining and Repair subsidy covers 50% of costs incurred for materials and labour charged to repair the wastewater lateral (underground wastewater system/pipe), up to a maximum of $4,000.

For work completed prior to or on July 15, 2024, Halton Region’s Wastewater Lateral Lining and Repair subsidy covers 50% of costs incurred for materials and labour charged to repair the wastewater lateral (underground wastewater system/pipe), up to a maximum of $2,000.

A Backwater Valve provides additional protection against basement flooding. Undertaking sewer lateral repair offers a good opportunity to also install a Backwater Valve at the same. Please see our Backwater Valve Installation subsidy for more details on how to qualify for this subsidy.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for this subsidy, all of the following conditions must be met. The home where the work is completed must:

  • be located within Halton Region; and
  • be connected to Halton Region’s municipal wastewater (sewer) system (homes on septic systems are not eligible); and
  • applications must be submitted within one year after the work has been completed.

Halton Region requires proof of the lateral condition to determine subsidy eligibility. This proof must be provided from one of two sources:

  • a Household Drainage Survey, where eligible; or
  • a plumbing or drainage assessment completed by a licensed plumber or qualified drainage contractor.

Additional criterion: Repairing or rehabilitating the private wastewater lateral to address defects such as cracks, sags, or root intrusion. Eligible where a defect is confirmed and repair is necessary to reduce backup risk.

Limitations

  • This subsidy is available once per property. Properties that have already received this subsidy are not eligible to receive it again, even if ownership has changed.
  • Review all program details before starting any work. This includes eligibility criteria, terms and conditions and application requirements.

Application requirements

Your application must include:

  • a completed and signed Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program application form (PDF file)
  • a completed and signed Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program waiver form (PDF file)
  • an itemized invoice, paid in full, specifically listing any materials and labour and identifying specifics of each component of work:
    • wastewater lateral lining or repair
    • written confirmation that any storm connections are properly disconnected from the wastewater lateral
    • plumbing assessment (if applicable)
    • CCTV videos
    • permit costs
  • a copy of the issued permit required by, and obtained from your Local Municipality (City of Burlington Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton or Town of Oakville) if repairs cover more than 1.5 metres or require relining
  • confirmation and proof that the permit has passed the final inspection and has been signed off by the applicable Local Municipal building inspector (City of Burlington Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton or Town of Oakville)
  • contractor confirmation of the pre-existing condition of the pipe, prior to completion of the work, demonstrated through pre-construction photos, or closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage
  • post-construction photos or closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to confirm subsidy-eligible work was completed in accordance with program requirements

Invoice requirements

Your invoice must be paid in full, itemized, and clearly show eligible costs. This includes details such as:

  • a description of the work completed
  • CCTV inspection or video inspection costs
  • plumbing assessment costs (if applicable)
  • permit and inspection fees (if applicable)

View example invoice (PDF file)

Apply to the program

  1. Download the Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program application form (PDF file) and the Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program waiver form (PDF file).
  2. Submit the completed application form and waiver along with the required documentation, electronically. Ensure submission completeness by following the check list included on 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).

A subsidy cheque will be mailed 4-6 weeks from the date we receive a completed application for an eligible project with all required documentation.

For assistance with using Dropbox

Please see our Dropbox example image (image file) or review the instructions 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 .

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.

drop box location in front of HRC

Disclaimer

Successful completion of basement flooding mitigation work under the subsidy program depends on clear coordination between homeowners, contractors, Halton Region, and your Local Municipality. Each party has a specific role in making sure the work is done properly and meets all the necessary requirements.

Halton Region does not choose contractors, participate in contracts or resolve disputes between homeowners and contractors.

For more information:

Top