In Windsor, approval and plumber licensing come before subsidy work.
Windsor's program can cover several flood-prevention measures, but work completed without approval is not eligible and the plumber must be licensed with the City of Windsor.
City rebate summary
Windsor offers up to $3,500 per property, lifetime maximum, for approved basement flooding protection work on private property.
Before starting work
Apply through MyWindsor before starting work and wait for City approval.
Main eligibility risk
Completing work before approval.
What Work May Be Covered
Backwater valve and sump pump
Up to $3,500.
Sump pump with overflow and floor drain disconnection
Up to $2,000.
Backwater valve
Up to $1,450.
Foundation drain disconnection, dye testing, or camera inspection
Up to $400.
Sump pump overflow only
Up to $300 with existing sump pump required.
What To Do Before Starting Work
- 1Apply through MyWindsor before starting work and wait for City approval.
- 2Hire a plumber licensed with the City of Windsor.
- 3Have the plumber obtain the required permit.
- 4Complete the work and pass the City's final inspection.
- 5Upload a paid-in-full invoice for final review and subsidy payment.
Mistakes That Can Kill Eligibility
Completing work before approval.
Hiring a plumber who is not licensed with the City of Windsor.
Missing final City inspection.
Assuming a tenant can receive payment directly rather than acting as an authorized agent.
Treating the lifetime maximum as available for every separate job.
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. | Often requires a 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
- Windsor says a plumber licensed with the City must complete the work.
- The plumber should obtain the required permit.
- Final eligibility is confirmed only after inspection approval.
Estimated Cost Range
Planning range before Windsor subsidy
Backwater valve
$2,500-$5,500+ depending on access, excavation, and restoration.
Backwater valve and sump pump package
$5,000-$10,000+ depending on scope and discharge needs.
Camera/dye testing
$250-$800+ depending on assessment depth.
Windsor's subsidy is capped by eligible work category and final inspection approval.
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, and photos required by the city.
- 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
Can I use any plumber in Windsor?
For the subsidy, Windsor says the plumber must be licensed with the City of Windsor. Ask for licence confirmation before signing.
Can I start the job and apply later?
No for subsidy purposes. Windsor says you must apply before starting work and that work completed without approval will not be eligible.
What is the maximum Windsor subsidy?
Windsor lists up to $3,500 per property as a lifetime maximum, with category caps for specific improvements.
Disclaimer
FloodValve Pros Ontario is not affiliated with any city or municipality. We do not guarantee rebate approval. Homeowners must confirm eligibility with the official city program before starting work.