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 valve before installation)

(Backwater valve installed in basement floor)

Image courtesy of Square One Insurance Services

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 event

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 plan to implement any of the measures are subject to obtaining necessary pre-approval, building permits and inspections from the City.

Property owners are eligible for rebates subject to the following:

• The property must be located in known flood prone areas, or demonstrate existence of flood risk in the area
• The property is not subject to any contraventions, work orders or outstanding municipal requirements
• No outstanding municipal fines, tax payments, or fees
• The property owner has obtained approval of the work from the Environmental Services Department prior to installation
• Downspouts have been disconnected from the City’s sewer system
• The property owner provides the necessary documentation required in the application forms, and complies with program requirements
• The property owner has obtained building permits for the new installation
• The new installation adheres to the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23 and the Ontario Building Code O. Reg. 332/12, as amended or any successor thereof;
• The property owner signs a release form in favour of the City
• The work is not required as part of other works in meeting Ontario Building Code requirements
• The deadline to obtain the building permit is April 30, 2027 and submit applications for rebate is July 31, 2027.

More details provided in the By-Law 2020-45 (PDF).

What Rebates Are Available?

How to Apply?

The Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program has been extended to the end of April 2027 as approved by City Council. Program eligibility requirements and application process are updated too.

Application process:

New Installation 

1. Property owners determine required work in consultation with qualified contractor and confirm eligible work
2. Property owners fill out the Technical Review Application Form and submit to City for review/approval to the program mailbox plumbingrebate@markham.ca
3. After receiving the initial approval from the City, property owners hire a licensed plumber to conduct CCTV inspection of laterals and submit inspection record to the City for review
   
4. City issue the Technical Review Approval form to property owners to proceed or change the work plan
5. Property owners submit building permit application and upload the Technical Review Application Form and Technical Review Approval Form to the City's building permit online application portal at https://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/home/business/building-permits/building-permit
6. Building Department issues the permit
7. Property owners hire qualified contractor to complete the installation
8. Building Department inspects completed works
9. Property owners submit Rebate Application Form including invoices to Environmental Services Department
10. City issues rebate cheque to property owners

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

• Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program Update April 4, 2022

• By-law 2020-45 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 us at 905.477.5530.