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Ottawa Flooding Subsidy Program - Plumbing Rebates on backwater valve installation, sump pump installation, severing weeping tile and storm sewer connection

Dealing with a flooded basement is one of the most stressful and expensive experiences you can have as a homeowner.  On average, it cost several thousand dollars to repair, with large homes costing over $10,000 in damages.  The best defense to a flooded basement is a good offense, like performing planned preventative maintenance.  When our team is part of process, we look for time and money saving opportunities that do not sacrifice quality.

There are several measures you can take to protect your home and your finances from future flood damage.  The City of Ottawa offers a number of initiatives through the Residential Protective Plumbing Program and additional residential grants.  These funds are meant to help homeowners afford the repairs to keep their plumbing systems robust.  Well-functioning home sewer systems ultimately protect the city sewer’s health. So let’s learn this Program.

Protective plumbing devices will not stop water from entering through:

  • Cracks in walls or window wells,
  • Failed foundation drains or sump pumps,
  • Overflowing eaves troughs and plugged downspouts,
  • Poor foundation drainage,
  • Poor lot drainage, or
  • Water sources inside the house.

There are some simple installations that we can make that are eligible for financial assistance from the City of Ottawa. They are listed as follows:

1. Subsidy on Backwater Valve Installation

This is a unidirectional valve fixed onto the connection between your home plumbing pipes and the city sewer line.  It prevents sewer water from backing up into your home in times of flooding and heavy rainfall.  It is best if this valve is installed by a licensed plumber, like Dr. Pipe Drain and Plumbing Services .  We can inspect, install, or replace the backwater valve on your property.  All our work meets city code standards, and the requirements for Ottawa’s plumbing programs and financial grants.  The subsidy for proper installation of a backwater valve is 80% of the cost, up to $1250.

2. Subsidy on Sump Pump Installation

During heavy rains and storms, your basement may retain water very quickly.  The water that would have collected in your basement is sent to a sump basin located under the basement floor.  When the sump pump turns on, the water is transferred to a location away from the home.  Back-up power may be used for the pump, just in case electricity is disrupted during operation. The city of Ottawa is offering a subsidy of up to $1750, to cover up to 80% of the costs.

3. Subsidy on Severing Weeping Tile and Storm Sewer Connection

Weeping tile is a network of pipes around perimeter of the home, designed to drain groundwater away from your foundation.  Each of these pipes has small holes for water to flow into.  The water is then drained into an appropriate location, like the sump basin attached to the sump pump, or other area away from the house.  As a preventative measure against flooding, we can sever or cap the connections between your weeping tile and storm sewer.  The City of Ottawa has a subsidy that covers up to 80% of this cost, to a maximum of $400.

Is Basement Waterproofing Worth It?

After suffering from severe flood damage in the past, the City of Ottawa attempting a proactive approach.  It is allocating funds to correct plumbing issues before more flooding occurs. Using these Ottawa programs can save you thousands of dollars per residence to ease the financial burden of preventative maintenance.

Residential Protective Plumbing Program

The Residential Protective Plumbing Program (RPPP) helps eligible Ottawa homeowners install protective plumbing devices like sump pumps and backwater valves to prevent flooding from increased water levels in the city’s sewer system.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the RPPP:

  • You must be the property owner.
  • The property must be:
    • Residential.
    • In the City of Ottawa.
    • Built before Jan 1, 2004 (for storm sewer work) or before Jan 1, 2012 (for sanitary sewer work).
    • Connected to City sewers.
  • Property taxes must be up to date.
  • Work must not replace existing devices.
  • Applications must be approved before any work starts.

Application Process

Step 1: Submit Part 1

  1. Download Part 1 of the application.
  2. Consult with a licensed plumber to discuss device options.
  3. Submit your application with the required documents:
    • Proof of ownership.
    • Licensed plumber’s quote and work plan.

Submit the application via email or mail.  

For condominium associations, you need Homeowner Authorization forms signed by all owners.

Step 2: Application Review

The City will review your application and provide an RPPP file number for future communication.

Step 3: CCTV Inspection

Basement Flooding Subsidy Program

Once approved, arrange for a CCTV inspection of the sewer lateral. The inspection must meet the City’s CCTV requirements. The contractor will submit the inspection results to the City.

Step 4: Site Visit

The City will schedule a free site visit to confirm the necessary work. More than one visit may be required.

Step 5: Site Visit Review

Once the visit is complete, the City will confirm the next steps. Do not start work before receiving the Site Visit Review.

Step 6: Installation

Arrange for the installation of approved devices. Make sure the work meets the Ontario Building Code and Ottawa by-laws. Get a building permit and schedule inspections during and after the work.

Step 7: Submit Part 2

Submit Part 2 of the application along with:

  • Building Permit and receipt.
  • Contractor’s invoice marked “paid in full.”
  • Building Code inspection report.

Step 8: Rebate Processing

The City will review the application and process your rebate within 8-10 weeks after approval.

Rebate Payment and Limits

How much are the rebates?

ItemMaximum Rebate Amount
Permit$80
Closed-circuit television video (CCTV) – Sanitary$100
Closed-circuit television video (CCTV) – Storm$100
Indoor sanitary backwater valve only$700
Indoor storm backwater valve only$500
Indoor sanitary and storm backwater valves$1,000
Outdoor storm backwater valve only$1,750
Sump with battery backup power (high gradient or flat roof)$1,250

The City will rebate up to a maximum of each of the individual rebates available at the time of the submission of Part 1 of the application form. Should the cost of the work be less than the amount of the available rebate, the City shall rebate the lesser of the two amounts.

Are there limits to the rebate availability?

Funding is limited. Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. If an application is not fully processed due to insufficient funds, the applicant(s) will be notified and the application will be closed. Applicants may submit a new application once funding becomes available.

Protective plumbing: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw from the program?

The RPPP is a voluntary program and you may withdraw at any time. 

What is protective plumbing?

Protective plumbing prevents water and sewage from entering your home during a backup. These methods can range from installing a sump pump and changing the footing drains around your foundation to installing an approved backwater valve on the sewer pipes connecting your sanitary sewer to the City sewer system. 

What is a backwater valve?

A backwater valve is a device installed on a sanitary or storm sewer lateral. Backwater valves contain a gate to help prevent wastewater or stormwater from entering your home due to increased levels in the sewer system (sewer surcharging) caused by excess rain or snowmelt or a blockage in the sewer system. Under normal conditions, the gate is open or parallel with the sewer lateral allowing wastewater from the home to travel through the lateral to the sewer system. When sewer surcharging occurs, wastewater or stormwater entering the sewer lateral causes the gate to close or become perpendicular with the lateral preventing wastewater or stormwater from entering the home. 

What is a sump pit and sump pump?

A sump pit is a container installed below the basement floor designed to collect excess rain and groundwater conveyed by foundation drains or weeping tile. A sump pump is installed in the sump pit. When the water level in the sump pit increases, the sump pump is activated and pumps the excess water from the sump pit through the discharge pipe to the storm sewer system or safely to the surface away from the home to help prevent basement flooding. 

What is a secondary sump pump?

A secondary sump pump acts as a backup pump supporting the primary sump pump should it fail or become overwhelmed by the volume of water. Given the appropriate sizing and space, the secondary sump pump could be located in the same sump pit as the primary sump pump or be located in a separate sump pit. 

What is battery backup power?

Battery backup power is a secondary power source. If there is a power interruption or power outage (storm event), the battery backup power helps to ensure the continued operation of the primary or secondary sump pump. 

What is a sewer lateral?

A sewer lateral is the pipe that connects your home or business to the main sewer in the street. The property owner is responsible for the portion from the property line to the home or business. The City is responsible for the portion from the property line to the main sewer. 

How does a sewer backup occur?

Excess rain or snowmelt or a blockage in the sewer system can cause an increase in water level or surcharge. A backup occurs when the increased water level (surcharge) pushes water backwards through the service lateral into the home through floor drains, sinks and toilets. 

How do I know if I have a backwater valve installed on my property?

Backwater valves were mandatory in new homes after 2004 (stormwater) and 2012 (sanitary), but some older homes have had them installed retroactively.

If you are unsure of if you have a valve installed on your property, check between the last branch of your sewer line and where the pipe exits your foundation. It may look like a Y-shaped (wye) fitting with the wye branch plugged and pointing upward. If it’s in your yard, it is most likely buried and could be several feet deep. 

Why do I hear an alarm near the backwater valve?

An alarm may be added to a backwater valve to alert you that the valve has been engaged and is restricting flow back toward your basement. When you hear the alarm and when you see that the valve is engaged, it means that the backwater valve is working as it should. Do not shower, flush toilets or wash clothing until the system has returned to routine functioning, as additional water will not flow out of the residence when the valve is engaged. You can resume routine use when the alarm and the backwater valve are no longer engaged.

Do I have to maintain my protective plumbing devices?

Yes, the property owner is responsible for maintaining protective plumbing devices according to the manufacturer’s direction. A protective plumbing device should be maintained periodically or before a forecasted heavy rainfall to ensure it is free of debris, functioning properly, and that cleanout caps and access covers are firmly secured. If you are unsure about the condition of the valve or are not able to complete the required maintenance, a licensed plumber can perform an inspection. 

Will protective plumbing keep water out of my basement?

If properly installed and maintained, protective plumbing devices will prevent water and wastewater from a surcharging event from entering the home.

How Can We Help?

It’s important to know that this program requires work to be completed by a licensed plumbing contractor. By choosing Dr. Pipe Drain and Plumbing Services as your certified plumbing expert, you’ll receive the support needed to make the application process smooth and straightforward. Our expertise can help ensure you qualify for the maximum flooding rebate possible, all while delivering the highest quality plumbing and customer service in Ottawa. Remember, these rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be available indefinitely. Call us today for a complimentary, no-obligation inspection. Together, we can develop a plan to maximize the benefits of the City of Ottawa’s plumbing programs, making your home safer and better!

Why Dr. Pipe Drain and Plumbing?

Our strengths do not only lie in plumbing. We can also help to navigate the insurance companies and city red tape. You will receive all the necessary permits for our jobs. We will guide you through the City of Ottawa rebates for which you qualify.

Our customers love us, and our work is the best quality.  Stop by our testimonials page, then give us a call to set up your free, no-obligation inspection.

You Can Count on Emergency Service from Dr. Pipe

Count on Dr. Pipe’s 24/7 emergency services, if you have any problems with your drains.

Please note that Ottawa plumbers often charge different rates for different plumbing system services. For instance, emergency service on a drain pipe or sewer line costs more than installing a hot water tank. 

Emergency service can be more expensive than regular prevention, but Dr. Pipe is proud of our affordability and reliability with any plumbing service you require.

Dr. Pipe’s Valued Customers Have Spoken Up

You can search the Internet for hours on grease cleaning in the drain pipes in Ottawa when there’s a problem in your kitchen or bathroom in Ottawa as soon as you notice the warning signs.

When you need a plumbing professional, look for customer feedback. Dr. Pipe Drain and Plumbing in Ottawa was built on our five-star ratings, and we’re proud of our 5.0 customer rating on Google Maps.

Dr. Pipe Serves Customers Throughout Ottawa

Homeowners and business owners in Ottawa and surrounding areas trust Dr. Pipe Drain and Plumbing’s exceptional plumbing services.

Our service area includes Barrhaven, Carlington, Emburn, Gloucester, Kanata, Nepean, Old Ottawa South, Orleans, and Vanier.

Give us a call today: 613 791 5777 for a free upfront estimate!