City of Toronto · BFPSP
Backwater Valve Subsidy Toronto — Up to $3,200
Up to $1,600 per device, max 2 devices. 80% of cost. Building permit + inspection required.
Program facts verified September 4, 2026 against toronto.ca. Programs can change at any time — confirm with the City before signing a contract.
Quick answer
Toronto offers up to $1,600 per backwater valve (max 2 = $3,200 total). Subsidy covers 80% of cost. Building permit + Toronto Building inspection required.
What a backwater valve does
A backwater valve allows wastewater to flow out of your home but blocks reverse flow from the municipal sewer during heavy rain or sewer surcharge events. When the City sewer becomes overloaded, sewage can back up through floor drains, toilets, or basement plumbing. The valve closes automatically, preventing sewage backup.
Important: When activated during a flood event, you cannot use plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, washing machine) — drainage may not flow to the sewer.
Subsidy details
| Per device | $1,600 |
| Max devices | 2 |
| Subsidy rate | 80% of cost |
| Maximum total | $3,200 |
Required documentation
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How much is the Toronto backwater valve subsidy?
Up to $1,600 per backwater valve, max 2 devices per property = up to $3,200 total. The subsidy covers 80% of the invoiced cost, capped at $1,600 per device.
Do I need a permit for a backwater valve?
Yes — a building permit from Toronto Building, plus an inspection by Toronto Building staff. Your contractor should handle the permit application.
Who can install a backwater valve for the subsidy?
A contractor with a valid City of Toronto business licence. Eligible licence types: T94 Plumbing Contractor, T92 Plumbing and Heating Contractor, or T87 Drain Contractor. T85 Building Renovator licence does NOT qualify for backwater valve work.
Outside Toronto?
Most GTA municipalities run their own basement flooding subsidy programs — amounts and eligible work differ city by city. See Mississauga, Markham, Hamilton — see the full Ontario program map or start from the city selector in the calculator.
Related
Program facts verified September 4, 2026 against the City of Toronto BFPSP page (toronto.ca). Programs can change at any time — confirm with the City before signing a contract. ClaimRebate.ca is independent.