Toronto covers 80% of a sump pump, up to $2,250.
Toronto subsidizes 80% of a sump pump up to $2,250, plus up to $300 for backup power, under the expanded 2026 Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. The application comes after the work, but contractor licences, downspout status, and original invoices decide eligibility.
City rebate summary
Toronto says that as of May 1, 2026, it is expanding the program and offering up to $6,650 in subsidies per property for eligible work completed on or after November 12, 2025. The sump pump measure covers 80% up to $2,250 for one device.
Before starting work
Confirm the property is a single-family, duplex, triplex, or fourplex residential home in Toronto.
Main eligibility risk
Using an unlicensed contractor or subcontractor.
What Work May Be Covered
Sump pump
80% up to $2,250 for one device.
Sump pump backup power
80% up to $300.
Backwater valves
80% up to $1,600 per device, maximum two devices.
Home plumbing assessment
80% up to $500 for a one-time assessment.
Foundation drain severance and capping
80% up to $400.
What To Do Before Starting Work
- 1Confirm the property is a single-family, duplex, triplex, or fourplex residential home in Toronto.
- 2Verify the contractor and any subcontractors have valid City of Toronto business licences at the time of work.
- 3Confirm downspouts are disconnected from the City's sewer system or that a City exemption applies.
- 4Ask whether backup power is included in the quote, since it is subsidized separately at 80% up to $300.
- 5Plan to keep original electronic invoices from each licensed contractor and subcontractor for the after-work application.
Mistakes That Can Kill Eligibility
Using an unlicensed contractor or subcontractor.
Missing the application deadline for the date category your work falls under.
Skipping the $300 backup power add-on when planning the installation.
Assuming the full $6,650 property maximum applies to a single sump pump.
Discarding original electronic invoices before the application is submitted.
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
- Toronto requires contractor and subcontractor business licences at the time of installation or service.
- Toronto's stated building-permit-and-inspection rule applies to backwater valves; confirm current requirements for sump pump work on the official program page before starting.
- Applications are submitted after the work, with deadlines that depend on the work-date category.
Estimated Cost Range
Planning range before Toronto subsidy
Sump pump installation
$3,500-$8,500+ depending on pit, discharge, alarm, and battery backup.
Backwater valve
$2,500-$6,000+ depending on concrete, depth, permit, and inspection complexity.
Assessment
$300-$800+ depending on plumber scope and reporting.
Toronto subsidy amounts are maximums and do not guarantee eligibility or final reimbursement.
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
How much is the Toronto sump pump rebate?
Toronto subsidizes 80% of eligible sump pump costs up to $2,250 for one device, plus 80% up to $300 for sump pump backup power.
Does the $6,650 maximum apply to one sump pump?
No. $6,650 is the per-property maximum across all measures for eligible work completed on or after November 12, 2025. A single sump pump is capped at 80% up to $2,250, with backup power capped at 80% up to $300.
Does Toronto require a licensed contractor?
Toronto requires your contractor and any subcontractors who performed installation or service to have a valid City of Toronto business licence at the time of work.
When do I apply for the sump pump subsidy?
Toronto's program is application-after-work, with deadlines that depend on the date category your work falls under. Keep original electronic invoices and confirm current deadlines on the official page before starting.
Do I need a building permit for a sump pump?
Toronto's stated building-permit-and-inspection rule applies to backwater valves. Confirm current requirements for sump pump work on the official program page before starting.
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.