Why You Should Install Flood Protection Devices in Your Basement

Being the lowest part of your house, your basement bears the brunt damage when a flood or sewer backup occurs. A flooded basement does not only damage your home’s structure and your possessions, it also has the potential to encourage mold growth. After the recent flooding, the City of Toronto has taken several initiatives to encourage property owners to take the appropriate measures to minimize basement flooding. One of these measures is a financial subsidy of up to $3,200 per property to install flood protection devices, such as a backflow valves, sump pumps and pipe severance and capping.

What is a Sewer Backflow Valve?

A sewer backflow valve is a simple and effective flood protection mechanism for the basement. Placed at the point where the sewer exits the building, the valve allows sewage to flow smoothly out of the building but prevents it from flowing backward in case of an overflow. It is a one-way gate that opens only outwards and closes tightly as soon as there is a reverse flow. Since a single back valve is adequate for the entire building, installation, repair and maintenance is easier and a lot less costly.

The available subsidy to install a backwater valve is 80% of the total invoiced amount of up to $1,250. This includes the cost of the labour, materials, permit and taxes.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a small pump that is installed in a specially constructed sump pit at the lowest part of your basement. The pump pumps the water out of the pit and helps keep the basement dry. It is a standard feature in homes in flood prone areas. However, there are still many households in the Toronto are that neglect to install this simple device. As a result of which their basement can become wet or flooded.

The available subsidy to install a sump pump in your home is 80% of the total invoiced amount of up to $1,750. This includes the cost of labour, materials, permit and taxes.

What is Pipe Severance and Capping?

Pipe severance and capping involves severing and capping the underground storm sewer connection to disconnect your home’s foundation drains from the city’s sewer system to prevent basement flooding by a backed up sewer.

The available subsidy for pipe severance and capping is 80% of the total invoiced amount of up to $400. This includes the costs of labour, materials, permit and taxes.

Am I Eligible for the Subsidy?

To be eligible for the subsidy on these flood protection devices, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Your property must be an existing property and not a new construction.
• It must be a single, duplex or triplex residential property.
• It must comply with all the zoning by-laws of the city.
• You must obtain a permit from the City of Toronto, which reserves the right to decide whether or not your property is eligible for subsidy.
• Where possible, you mush disconnect all eavestrough downspouts from the city’s sewer system.
• The plumbing contractor you have hired must be licensed by the City of Toronto.
• Before starting work, the contractor must carry out a site assessment to determine if your property is suitable for isolating from the city’s sewer system.

How to Apply For the Subsidy:

After your flood prevention work is complete, you must fill out an application form and submit it along with an invoice detailing the breakdown of costs. The subsidy will not be approved without an onsite inspection by the city authority, so you must also schedule an inspection. Installations done without a permit from the City of Toronto are not eligible for subsidy. You must follow the correct application procedures as applications filed improperly may be denied.

ExpressRooter is a licensed plumber in Toronto approved to perform the above services for flood prevention in accordance with the subsidy guidelines. Take advantage of this subsidy and protect your home and your family while saving money on these plumbing services. Contact us today to set up an appointment.