Edmonton homeowners can get up to $800 back on a backwater valve — if the home was built before 1989 and has a flooding history.
The EPCOR Backwater Valve Subsidy, run with the City of Edmonton, covers up to $800 toward a backwater valve installed by a professional plumber. Two gates decide most applications: the home must have been built before 1989, and the property must have previous basement flooding from sanitary sewer backup or sit in an area with previous neighbourhood flooding. EPCOR currently lists its pre-approval inspection as suspended until further notice, and funding is first-come, first-served — confirm the current status with EPCOR before you start.
City rebate summary
Edmonton's backwater valve rebate is the EPCOR Backwater Valve Subsidy, delivered with the City of Edmonton. It covers up to $800 toward an eligible backwater valve installation. The home must have been built before 1989 and must have previous basement flooding from sanitary sewer backup or sit in an area with previous neighbourhood flooding. The property must have no existing backwater valve, must never have received the subsidy, and must be separately serviced (single family or duplex). A professional plumber must do the installation, and funding is limited and first-come, first-served. EPCOR currently lists the pre-approval inspection as suspended until further notice.
Before starting work
Confirm the home was built before 1989 — this is one of the two gates most likely to disqualify an application.
Main eligibility risk
Assuming a post-1989 home qualifies — the build-before-1989 rule is one of the two gates most likely to disqualify an application.
What Work May Be Covered
Backwater valve installation
EPCOR lists up to $800 toward an eligible backwater valve installation.
A professional plumber must install it, and EPCOR keeps no approved installer list.
Permit and inspection documents
The application requires the City of Edmonton green sticker with permit number and a compliant installation invoice.
EPCOR currently lists its pre-approval inspection as suspended until further notice — confirm the current status with EPCOR before acting on older instructions.
What To Do Before Starting Work
- 1Confirm the home was built before 1989 — this is one of the two gates most likely to disqualify an application.
- 2Confirm the flooding history: previous basement flooding from sanitary sewer backup, or an area with previous neighbourhood flooding. No history, no subsidy.
- 3Confirm there is no existing backwater valve, the subsidy was never received for the property, and the home is separately serviced (single family or duplex).
- 4Check the current status of EPCOR's pre-approval inspection — it is listed as suspended until further notice, and many blog posts still describe booking it by phone first.
- 5Choose a professional plumber; EPCOR runs no accredited or approved installer list.
- 6Keep the green sticker with permit number, the installation invoice with valve model plus GST or Business Licence number, proof of payment, and the completed application form.
Mistakes That Can Kill Eligibility
Assuming a post-1989 home qualifies — the build-before-1989 rule is one of the two gates most likely to disqualify an application.
Assuming any Edmonton address qualifies — the property also needs previous basement flooding from sanitary sewer backup or a spot in an area with previous neighbourhood flooding.
Chasing the pre-approval inspection — EPCOR currently lists it as suspended until further notice; confirm the current status with EPCOR instead of relying on older blog instructions.
Missing the green sticker or permit number — the City of Edmonton green sticker with its permit number is a required document.
Submitting an invoice that is missing the valve model or the contractor's GST number or City of Edmonton Business Licence.
Assuming funding is guaranteed — the subsidy is first-come, first-served and the funding is limited.
Backwater Valve vs Sump Pump vs Foundation Drain Work
| Measure | Best for | Rebate watchout |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary backwater valve | Reducing risk of sewage backup through the sanitary lateral. | Many rebate paths require a municipal permit and inspection. Shared laterals, basement apartments, or the wrong lateral can affect eligibility. |
| Storm backwater valve | Reducing risk of storm sewer backup where the home has a storm lateral connection. | Do not assume a sanitary valve and storm valve qualify under the same program. |
| Sump pump and pit | Collecting foundation drain water and pumping it away from the home. | Discharge location, downspout disconnection, and new vs replacement equipment rules matter. |
| Foundation drain or weeping tile work | Redirecting water away from the sanitary/storm system or correcting drainage at the foundation. | Some programs cover disconnection/capping but not new waterproofing, crack repair, or interior finishes. |
Permit / Inspection / Licensed Contractor Notes
- The application requires a City of Edmonton acceptable green sticker with permit number.
- Confirm the permit path and inspection sign-off with the contractor before installation begins.
- EPCOR currently lists its pre-approval inspection as suspended until further notice — confirm the current status with EPCOR rather than assuming the older phone-booking process still applies.
Estimated Cost Range
What drives backwater valve cost in Edmonton
Valve type and access
The valve model and whether access is interior or exterior change the scope of the installation.
Concrete cutting and depth
Cutting concrete and the depth of the sanitary line drive the labour and materials required.
Permit and restoration
The City of Edmonton permit, the green sticker with permit number, and restoring the excavated area all add to the job.
Edmonton pricing varies with valve type, access, concrete cutting, depth, permit and restoration. No planning range is published for Edmonton because local pricing has not been verified, so get itemized quotes and treat the subsidy as up to $800 applied against eligible cost.
Contractor Checklist
- Ask which rebate program the proposed work relates to: municipal storm, regional sanitary, or no rebate.
- Confirm who applies for permits and who books the final inspection.
- Get an itemized quote that separates labour, materials, taxes, camera inspection, and each flood-prevention measure.
- Ask whether the contractor will provide sketches, licence numbers, invoices, photos, and inspection documents where the official program requires them.
- Confirm the contractor will not start work until pre-approval is received where pre-approval is required.
- Ask how they determine sanitary vs storm lateral connections before recommending a valve.
- Keep every invoice, permit, inspection result, application email, and paid-in-full receipt.
Featured Contractors
Founding slot open
Licensed plumbing profile
- Best fit: backwater valve permits, camera inspection, and sanitary lateral work.
- Profile published only after the contractor confirms licence and service details.
Founding slot open
Flood-prevention assessment profile
- Best fit: sump pump planning, foundation drain work, and homeowner education.
- Manual review before any homeowner lead is routed.
Draft profile option
Waterproofing contractor profile
- Best fit: non-rebate waterproofing issues and broader basement water entry diagnostics.
- No rebate claim is made until the contractor confirms what support they provide.
Official City Links
FAQ
Is there a backwater valve rebate in Edmonton?
Yes. The EPCOR Backwater Valve Subsidy, delivered with the City of Edmonton, covers up to $800 toward an eligible backwater valve installation. The home must have been built before 1989, must have a flooding history, and must meet the other eligibility rules — EPCOR makes the final call.
Which homes qualify for the EPCOR backwater valve subsidy in Edmonton?
All of these must hold: the home was built before 1989; there is previous basement flooding from sanitary sewer backup or the property is in an area with previous neighbourhood flooding; there is no existing backwater valve; the subsidy was never received for the property; and the home is separately serviced (single family or duplex). Confirm the current status with EPCOR before you apply.
Do I need to book EPCOR's pre-approval inspection first?
EPCOR currently lists the pre-approval inspection requirement as suspended until further notice. Many older blog posts still describe booking it by phone first, so confirm the current status with EPCOR before acting on those instructions.
What documents do I need to apply for the EPCOR backwater valve subsidy?
The City of Edmonton acceptable green sticker with permit number; a professional installation invoice showing the valve model plus the contractor's GST number or City of Edmonton Business Licence, with proof of payment; and the completed Backwater Valve Subsidy Application Form. Funding is first-come, first-served — contact FloodPrevention@epcor.com to confirm the current process.
Disclaimer
Independent routing service. Not affiliated with any municipality or rebate program. We do not guarantee rebate approval. Contractors may pay us for placement, lead routing, or introductions. Homeowners must confirm eligibility, timing, permits, inspections, and documentation with the official city or regional program before starting work or applying.