Basement flooding rebates in the GTA, 2026
How much Toronto, Mississauga, Peel, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill and Halton pay toward backwater valves, sump pumps and downspout disconnection, and how to apply.
The short version
Most GTA cities pay part of the cost of the plumbing work that stops basement flooding: backwater valves, sump pumps, and disconnecting downspouts and foundation drains from the sewer. Amounts, rules and application steps differ by city, and most programs are first come, first served.
| Where you live | Program | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto, Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough | City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program | $6,650 |
| Mississauga | City of Mississauga Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate | $7,500 |
| Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon | Region of Peel sanitary backwater valve rebate | $1,500 |
| Vaughan | City of Vaughan sanitary backwater valve program | $750 |
| Markham | City of Markham Private Plumbing Protection Rebate | $5,000 |
| Richmond Hill | City of Richmond Hill Backwater Valve Subsidy Program | $1,500 |
| Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills | Halton Region Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy | $6,175 across three measures |
| Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa | Varies by city | Check your city |
Amounts checked against each official program page in September 2026. Programs change and funding runs out, so check the official page before you book work.
What each measure does
Backwater valve: a flap installed in your main drain that closes when sewage flows backwards from an overloaded city sewer. It's the main protection against sewer backup.
Sump pump: collects water from around your foundation and pumps it out, away from the house. A battery backup keeps it running when storms knock out power.
Downspout disconnection: stops roof water from flowing into the sewer or your foundation drains, and sends it onto the lawn instead.
Foundation drain severance or capping: disconnects your weeping tile from the city sewer, usually alongside a sump pump.
Tips for a smooth application
- Check whether your city needs pre-approval before work starts. Mississauga and Markham do.
- Get an itemized quote that lists each measure separately. Mississauga asks for one for pre-approval.
- Use a contractor with the licence your city requires. Toronto requires a City of Toronto business licence.
- Get the plumbing permit and pass the inspection. Most programs require both.
- Keep original invoices and proof of payment.
Program details by city
Toronto, Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough
City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program Maximum $6,650
| Measure | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Backwater valve (up to two) | 80% of the cost, up to $1,600 each |
| Sump pump | 80%, up to $2,250 |
| Sump pump battery backup | 80%, up to $300 |
| Foundation drain severance and capping | 80%, up to $400 |
| Home plumbing assessment | 80%, up to $500 |
For single-family homes up to fourplexes. Work must be done by contractors with a valid City of Toronto business licence, downspouts must be disconnected, and you apply within two years of the installation. Funding is first come, first served. Checked September 2026. Official program page.
Mississauga
City of Mississauga Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate Maximum $7,500
| Measure | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Sump pump | up to $6,000 |
| Storm lateral backwater valve | up to $1,500 |
| Foundation drain capping | up to $1,000 |
| Downspout disconnection | $125 each, up to $500 |
Every measure must be pre-approved before work starts. The pre-approval application asks for an itemized quote with the contractor's details, a diagram and the building permits. Unused amounts can't move from one measure to another. Checked September 2026. Official program page.
Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon
Region of Peel sanitary backwater valve rebate Maximum $1,500
| Measure | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Sanitary backwater valve | 60% of eligible costs, up to $1,500 |
For homes in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. You need a plumbing permit from your city and a passed inspection, and the valve must be installed after July 16, 2024. One rebate per home every 10 years. Checked September 2026. Official program page.
Vaughan
City of Vaughan sanitary backwater valve program Maximum $750
| Measure | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Sanitary backwater valve | 50% of the cost, up to $750, including labour, materials, permit fees and taxes |
Subject to available funding. Installation by a licensed plumber or drain contractor, with a permit. Checked September 2026. Official program page.
Markham
City of Markham Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Maximum $5,000
| Measure | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Indoor backwater valve (sanitary or storm lateral) | up to $1,750 |
| Outdoor backwater valve (storm lateral) | up to $2,000 |
| Weeping tile disconnection, redirected to storm | up to $3,000 |
| Weeping tile disconnection with sump pump | up to $5,000 |
Pre-approval from the City's Environmental Services is required before any work begins. Checked September 2026. Official program page.
Richmond Hill
City of Richmond Hill Backwater Valve Subsidy Program Maximum $1,500
| Measure | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Backwater valve | up to $1,500 |
Subject to available funding. Installation by a licensed plumber or drain contractor, with a permit. Checked September 2026. Official program page.
Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills
Halton Region Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Maximum $6,175 across three measures
| Measure | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Backwater valve | 50% of eligible costs, up to $675 |
| Downspout disconnection | 100%, up to $500 |
| Weeping tile disconnection and sump pump | 100%, up to $5,000 |
Covers Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills. Halton says the program could end at any time. Checked September 2026. Official program page.
Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa
Your city's basement flooding program
Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa have each run their own backwater valve and sump pump programs, with different amounts and intake windows. Check your city's current program before booking work. We'll help you gather the paperwork.
Questions we hear
How much is the Toronto basement flooding subsidy?
Up to $6,650 per property, at 80% of eligible costs, for backwater valves, a sump pump, a battery backup, foundation drain severance and a home plumbing assessment.
How much is the Mississauga basement flooding rebate?
Up to $7,500 from the City, plus up to $1,500 from the Region of Peel for a sanitary backwater valve. The City requires pre-approval before work starts.
Do I need pre-approval?
Some cities, including Mississauga and Markham, require pre-approval before any work begins. Check your city's program first.
Can I get a rebate after a flood?
Yes, if the work meets the program's rules. Adding protection while you restore after a flood is often the best time to do it.
Get a line-item quote
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