Remember that time you went downstairs to the basement, found puddled water and didn’t worry about the cost? We don’t either! As a homeowner, you worry often about this or that breaking down in your house, resulting in expensive repair costs. Flooding and plumbing bills are no different. They are expensive and the money you’ll pay out goes up faster than the mercury on a hot summer day. Toronto and other cities in the GTA have programs, however, that could take some of the bites out of your plumbing bill.
That Flooded Basement is Going to Get Expensive Fast!
As soon as you spot puddled water downstairs and trace it back to your backwater valve, you know that if you cover 100 percent of the cost yourself it will hurt mightily.
You see, basement flooding isn’t just a matter of mopping up the water and going back upstairs. Something in your plumbing system just broke and, to avoid a ruined basement, you’re going to have to shell out considerable money to have a plumber find the issue and repair it.
Save Yourself Money and Headaches at the First Sign of Trouble
As soon as you notice something’s wrong, find the main water valve and turn it off. Do this before you call a plumber so you reduce the amount of water that comes into your home’s basement.
If you know you’re going to be making changes to your home’s plumbing system, you also know the bill will be hefty, no ifs and or buts about it. You’ll be able to turn to your City’s resources, as well as your plumber, to begin and process your application for a rebate or grant.
The City of Toronto provides a basement flooding protection subsidy that enables homeowners to separate their homes from the city sewer system in order to reduce the risk of basement flooding.
Our weather events are becoming increasingly severe because of climate changes. Snow and rainstorms are heavier, leading to street, home and basement flooding. Even though Toronto is updating its sewer system to accommodate increased snow and water, one storm can result in a disaster for your home. Knowing this, the City provides a one-time financial subsidy of up to $3,400 per home. Funds are to be used to install sump pumps, backwater valves, sever pipes and cap the storm sewer.
The City of Vaughan has a similar program enabling homeowners to separate their home’s plumbing from the city and install a backwater valve. This subsidy pays for 50 percent of the invoiced cost, up to $750 per home.
Priority Lead Water Service Replacement Program
If the pipes that take water into your home are made of (or lined with) lead, you’re exposing yourself and the rest of your family to lead. The City of Toronto has a program that allows you to request it to replace its side of that lead pipe. The City will pay for the replacement of its line; you’ll be solely responsible for replacing the line on your side of the property.
Mississauga Backwater Valve Rebate
The City of Mississauga operates a program that allows homeowners to have a backwater valve installed. The catch is that these families have to have proof of flooding that resulted from a rainstorm.
After you have filled out an application and provided all the necessary paperwork, the City can compensate you for up to $700. This doesn’t sound like much, but when you consider the reduced risk of backflow, it becomes more worth the expense.
Upgrading and repairing plumbing is never fun, but if you can reduce the risk of damaging flooding, it becomes easier to bear.
