Backwater valve rebate

Normal conditions

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Under normal conditions, the backwater valve (flap) stays in open position. This position lets water flow out of the home and into the main sewer system.

During a sewer backup

The main sewer system can back up due to blockages from tree roots and grease, or an overloaded system caused by extreme rainfall.

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When there’s a sewer backup, sewer water starts flowing back towards the home.

The backwards flow of water from the sewer closes the flap on the valve. This flap works as a physical barrier, closing the home's main sewer line and blocking the back flow of sewer water to protect your home.

Once the water returns to flowing normally, the flap will fall open again. Newer models have the option of an alarm to tell property owners that the backwater valve has been triggered. This can help you monitor when wastewater is flowing properly again.

Using water or running the shower, washing machine, or dishwater when the backwater valve is closed (such as during a major rainfall event) may cause basement flooding, as this water will not be able to flow out of the home to the sewer.
 

Backwater valves can be an effective way to stop wastewater from backing up into your basement, but they’re not suitable for all homes.

Before you install, be sure that a backwater valve installation is the right decision for your property.

Considerations:

• A backwater valve must be installed by a licensed professional.
• Backwater valves do not prevent other forms of flooding such as overland rainfall entering windows, weeping tile, or foundation leaks.
• Some older homes may have foundation drain/weeping tile connection to the sanitary sewer. Be sure to hire a certified plumber to ensure that you invest in the right flood prevention methods for your home.
• In some circumstances a sanitary backwater valve is not enough to prevent basement flooding, and other flood prevention measures might also be necessary.
• Only sanitary backwater devices with “normally open” valves are acceptable, as this specific type of valve lets sewer gases exit the home.
• In keeping with the Ontario Building Code, a backwater valve can only be installed on the sanitary building drain that serves one dwelling unit. A basement apartment will require its own valve.
• There are different types of backwater sanitary valves, requiring different installations. A common variety type is called a full-port backwater valve. This type of valve has a clear surface that lets you see if the valve is working properly.

The eligibility requirements for the Peel Region sanitary backwater valve rebate are as follows:

1. Sanitary backwater valve installed at a residential property (singles, semis or townhomes) within the region of Peel after July 16, 2024.
2. Applicant must be an individual, not a corporation or other business entity.
3. Applicant must consult with a licensed contractor to confirm that a sanitary backwater valve is appropriate for the property.
4. Backwater valve installed on the sanitary pipe (lateral) that serves only one dwelling unit. (Multi-unit dwellings or basement apartments sharing a sewer lateral will not be eligible because installing a backwater valve on these types of dwellings does not meet Ontario Building Code.)
5. Sanitary backwater valve must be installed by a qualified contractor who is licensed to operate in your municipality.
6. Applicant must get a sanitary backwater valve building permit from their municipality (City of Mississauga, City of Brampton or Town of Caledon).
7. Once installed, sanitary backwater valve installation must pass inspection by municipal building inspector (City of Mississauga, City of Brampton or Town of Caledon).
8. There is a limit of one sanitary backwater valve rebate per residence every 10 years.
9. Applicant must review and agree to the full Terms and Conditions of the rebate program.
10. It is strongly recommended that all downspouts be disconnected from Peel Region's sanitary sewer system to reduce the risk of basement flooding. If applicant chooses NOT to disconnect downspouts on their property, applicant must sign the "Acknowledgement and Release Form" to be eligible for the backwater valve rebate.
11. Applicant must submit all required documentation with rebate application.

Peel Region may deny any rebate application that does not meet the eligibility requirements.

If you have questions regarding eligibility (or if you installed a backwater valve before July 16, 2024), contact Peel Region at publicworkscustserv@peelregion.ca or 905-791-7800 x4409.

Complete the rebate application form.

To help offset the cost of installing a sanitary backwater valve, Peel Region offers a rebate for 60% of the invoiced amount, up to a maximum of $1,500.00 (including tax).

The Peel Region rebate is only applicable to a backwater valve connected to the sanitary lateral.

If you live in the City of Mississauga and are connecting your backwater valve to the storm lateral, please refer to the City of Mississauga for information regarding its stormwater backwater valve rebate program: Apply for a basement flooding prevention rebate - City of Mississauga.

Contact a contractor to determine if your backwater valve is connected to your sanitary or storm lateral.

Step 1: Review the program eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Discuss backwater valve options with a licensed contractor to determine what is best for your property.

Step 3: Before installing a sanitary backwater valve, apply for a building permit from your local municipality:

• City of Mississauga backwater valve building permit
• City of Brampton backwater valve building permit
• Town of Caledon backwater valve building permit

Step 4: Once your backwater valve is installed, get a building permit inspection approval from your municipal inspector (City of Mississauga, City of Brampton or Town of Caledon).

Step 5: Complete and submit your Peel Region sanitary backwater valve rebate application form and supporting documents. Review the checklist included in Section B of the application to ensure you have completed all application steps and are submitting all required documents.

There are three options available for completing and submitting a rebate application:

• Option 1: email - Download, complete, and save the online application form PDF. Email your completed application file and all required documents to publicworkscustserv@peelregion.ca
• Option 2: scan and email - Print and complete a hardcopy of the rebate application form. Scan completed application and all required documents and email to publicworkscustserv@peelregion.ca
• Option 3: mail in - Print and complete a hardcopy of the rebate application form. Mail the completed application and all required documents to:
  Backwater Valve Rebate Program
  2 Copper Road
  Brampton, ON L6T 4W5
   

What happens next?

• Your application will be reviewed and processed within 5 business days of receipt
• Once approved, a cheque will be mailed to you within 4 to 6 weeks

Complete the rebate application form.

The following resources can help you make an informed decision about installing a sanitary backwater valve.

Websites:

• The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) provides detailed information about protecting your home from basement flooding.
• Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Home Flooding Mitigation Techniques: Backwater Valves

Videos:

• Reducing your risk of basement flooding
• Narrated illustrations on basement flooding
• How to maintain a sanitary backwater valve
• How underground plumbing is set up

If you’ve done your research and feel that a backwater valve is right for your home, arrange an in-depth investigation of your plumbing by a licensed plumber.