Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation Subsidy

Weeping tile: what it is and why disconnection is required

Weeping tile (also known as foundation drain) is a permeable pipe that lies underground around the perimeter of the home’s foundation.  Weeping tile collects groundwater and discharges it away from the foundation of the home.

Weeping tile that is connected to and discharges via the wastewater (sewer) pipe can directly contribute to basement flooding by overloading the wastewater system during heavy rainfall.  It is important to disconnect weeping tile from the wastewater (sewer) pipe and redirect it to a sump pump that discharges the water outside the home and overland, away from the foundation.

Sump pump inspection and maintenance

Regularly inspect and maintain your sump pump system to reduce the risk of basement flooding. If you are experiencing issues with your sump pump and do not know how to operate or maintain the sump pump system, please contact the manufacturer or installer.

Here are some tips to help you inspect and maintain your sump pump:

1. Remove the basin lid and inspect the pump and the area inside the sump pit.
2. Remove any debris that could hinder the operation of the pump over time.
3. Pour a bucket of water into the sump basin to raise the float (small cylinder hanging from the pump). Raising the float should turn the pump on and pump water out of the basin.
4. Locate the discharge end of the pipe (outside the house) and ensure water flows out freely.
5. Address any issues immediately.

If you followed steps 1 through 5 above and the pump does not turn on:

• ensure the pump is plugged into a grounded electrical outlet.
• check the sump basin to see if the float is stuck in one position. If so, adjust so that the float is free to move with the rise and fall of water.
• unplug the pump and use a flashlight to see if any debris is blocking the pump opening.

Always contact a qualified plumber or drainage contractor if:

• there is an electrical, float, battery or debris-related concern that affects the operation of the sump pump system.
• water that was pumped out of the sump pit appears to be draining back into your home.

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 subsidy for Weeping Tile Disconnection Combined with Sump Pump Installation covers 100% of costs incurred for materials and labour charged to disconnect weeping tile and install a sump pump, up to a maximum of $6,500. 

For work completed prior to or on July 15, 2024, Halton Region’s subsidy for Weeping Tile Disconnection Combined with Sump Pump Installation covers 100% of costs incurred for materials and labour charged to disconnect weeping tile and install a sump pump, up to a maximum of $5,000.

Downspout Disconnection provides additional protection against basement flooding while reducing strain on your sump pump. For optimal performance of your sump pump, disconnecting your downspouts is encouraged. Please see our Downspout Disconnection 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 confirmation of whether the property’s weeping tile (foundation drainage) system is connected to the wastewater system. 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: You must disconnect your weeping tiles from the wastewater lateral and redirect it to an existing or newly installed sump pump (that meets local by-law requirements) to discharge water safely away from the home.

• Eligible where weeping tiles are connected to the wastewater system.
• Systems must be appropriate for site conditions and discharge in accordance with municipal drainage by-laws.
• Water powered backup sump pumps are not eligible for the Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation Subsidy or the Exterior Storm Drain Disconnection Subsidy. They pose risks to the municipal drinking water supply if not properly installed and maintained as required by Drinking Water System By-law 71-19 (PDF file).

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 the works:
  • weeping tile disconnection and sump pump installation
  • installation of backup system
  • plumbing assessment (if applicable)
  • CCTV videos
  • permit costs
• a copy of the issued permit (if new sump pump is installed) required by, and obtained from your Local Municipality (City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton or Town of Oakville)
• 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 a pre-existing connection between the weeping tile and the wastewater system, demonstrated through Household Drainage Survey results, pre-construction photos, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, or dye test results
• confirmation that the weeping tile connection to the wastewater system was disconnected by the contractor and in accordance with program requirements, demonstrated through post-construction photos, closed-circuit Television (CCTV) footage, or dye test results

Water powered backup sump pumps are not eligible for the Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation Subsidy or the Exterior Storm Drain Disconnection Subsidy. They pose risks to the municipal drinking water supply if not properly installed and maintained as required by Drinking Water System By-law 71-19 (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:

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.