Rebate Programs
As a community plumber , we want to make sure Canadian homeowners are up to date with the programs that help reduce their home maintenance and repair expenses. On this page, we will be posting municipal programs, as they become available.
Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program
Being one of the greenest cities in Canada, 34 per cent of Toronto's area is covered by trees. Many of these trees are located nearby our homes.
Tree roots can easily access the leaking pipe joints to get water - especially during hot weather when there is not enough moisture . The thinest roots would find wet or dripping joints and begin growing into the pipe, getting food from storm and waste water.
Flooding can happen when tree roots, grease, waste, household objects block a sewer connection. It can also happen during heavy rain , when excessive runoff drainage exceeds the capacity of the storm-water drainage system.
Since sewers run underground, they are rarely taken into consideration. Often it is a hard to determine why a home or building’s plumbing system is backing up. The most common problems associated with faulty plumbing and sewer systems:
- tree roots
- large objects (solids) being placed in the toilet
- grease
- debris
- structural defects
- ground conditions
- faulty workmanship
Homeowners who have experienced basement flooding or wish to undertake flood protection activities are eligible for subsidies. The Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program Brochure (PDF) lists the steps to apply. http://www.toronto.ca/water/sewers/pdf/brochure.pdf
Blocked Sewer Connections Grant
Each building, residential, commercial or industrial, has connections to the sewer along the street. A connection consists of two sections. The section from the street sewer to the street/property line is the responsibility of the city. The other section, leading from the street line to the building, is the responsibility of the property owner.
Drain problems are usually a sign of an older sewer system in need of repair or replacement. The sewers leak into the surrounding area and attract the tree roots, with what they need most; water, nutrients and air. Old clay tiles were used at one time, they break down and should be replaced with water-tight PVC piping. Significant trees can have a root system at least 2 or 3 times the drip line.
The City of Toronto's Works and Emergency Services (WES) Department has a brochure entitled "Blocked Sewer Connections -action steps for blocked sewer connections on your property". The general phone number is (416) 396-7372 and the website is www.toronto.ca/sewers. Grant assistance is available if the roots of a City-owned tree are blocking the sewer connection pipe between a home's exterior foundation wall and the property line.
Residential Toilet Replacement Program
Replace your water-guzzling toilet with a new water efficient model. Get money back, save on your water bill and reduce water use.
The City offers Toronto residents a $60 or $75 cash incentive to replace a water-guzzling toilet with a City-selected water-efficient model. Residents must live in detached houses, semis, duplexes (buildings with up to six units), individual condos and townhouses.