To further protect properties from basement flooding, Markham City Council has endorsed the Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program. The program offers financial support for property owners who are making certain improvements on their private plumbing system.
Three private plumbing protection measures can be implemented to help protect your property.
Severe rain events can overwhelm the City’s wastewater and storm water sewer systems, especially in older neighbourhoods where the systems weren’t designed and constructed up to today’s standards. Markham has invested millions of dollars to improve City sewer systems. To further protect properties from basement flooding, City Council has endorsed the Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program. The program offers financial support for property owners who are making certain improvements on their private plumbing system.
Three private plumbing protection measures can be implemented to help protect your property.
1. Backwater Valve Installation. A backwater valve is a device that acts as a ‘check valve’ that allows sewage or stormwater to flow out of the home’s plumbing system during normal conditions, and prevents back flow of sewage or stormwater into your home during storms.
Backwater / Backflow Prevention Valve
2. Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation. Weeping tiles (also called foundation drains) collect groundwater or infiltrated rainwater from around the outside of homes and may directly connect to municipal sewer systems. Disconnecting weeping tiles from municipal sewers and installing a sump pump can help prevent infiltration flooding through foundation walls or the floor when municipal sewers surcharge during large storm events.
3. Sanitary and Storm Lateral Relining and Repair. Sanitary and storm laterals are underground pipes that carry wastewater or drainage away from your property to the City sewer systems. Blocked or collapsed laterals can cause a sewer backup in your basement.
Who will receive a rebate?
Property owners who install protection measures are eligible to receive City rebates subject to certain conditions and submission of a rebate application form.
Retroactive Rebate– Property owners who completed installations between May 1, 2017 and May 1, 2018 are eligible for a retroactive rebate subject to City inspections.
New Installation Rebate – Property owners who complete work after May 1, 2018 are eligible for a new installation rebate subject to obtaining necessary building permits and City inspections. This pilot program will run for the next two years.
Property owners are eligible for rebates subject to the following:
Your home is connected to the City’s sewer system
Your property is not subject to any contraventions, work orders or outstanding municipal requirements
No outstanding municipal fines, tax payments, or fees
Downspouts have been disconnected from the City sewer system
As the Property Owner, provide the necessary documentation required in the application forms, and comply with program requirements
You have obtained any necessary permits for the New Installation
As the Property Owner, ensure the new installation adheres to the Building Code Act
You agree to sign a release form in favour of the City
More details provided in the City By-law 2018-20 [PDF].
What Rebates Are Available?
Private Plumbing Protection MeasureMaximum RebateBackwater Valve (Indoor) – Installed on Sanitary Lateral$1,750Backwater Valve (Indoor) – Installed on Storm Lateral$1,750Backwater Valve (Outdoor) – Installed on Storm Lateral$2,000Weeping Tile Disconnection and Redirect to Storm Lateral$3,000Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation$5,000Storm Lateral – Reline & Repair$2,500Sanitary Lateral – Reline & Repair$2,500
How to Apply?
Application process:
New Installation (measures implemented after May 1, 2018)
Step 1: Property owner(s) need to consult with a licensed plumber to determine which measures may provide basement flood protection and to confirm eligible rebate(s) amount.
Step 2: Property owner(s) submit a building permit application to the City and Building Department issues the permit.
Step 3: Property owner(s) hire licensed plumber to complete the installation.
Step 4: Building Department inspects completed installations.
Step 5: Property owners submit rebate application form including invoices to Environmental Services.
Step 6: City issues rebate cheque to Property owner(s).
Download New Installation Application Package [PDF].
Retroactive Installation (measures implemented between May 1, 2017 and May 1, 2018)
Step 1: Property owners confirm eligible rebate amount for completed work
Step 2: Property owners submit rebate application
Step 3: City’s consultant inspects completed works and recommends any additional measures
Step 4: City issues rebate to Property owners
Step 5: Property owners follow process for new installation for additional measures
Download Retroactive Installation Application Package [PDF].
Additional Resources
Pilot Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program Presentation to Council
By-Law 2018-20 Pilot Private Plumbing Protection Rebate [PDF]
Selecting a Contractor
The City of Markham is not affiliated with any contractors engaged in completing plumbing protection works under the rebate program. Property owners are encouraged to learn the steps in hiring a contractor and to ask questions to find the best candidate for any home or property project. Tips can be found from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
For more information, please contact the City of Markham at 905.477.5530
