Sanitary Back-Water Valve

Installing a back-water valve can help decrease the incidence of basement flooding by reducing the risk of wastewater (sewage) entering your home. Basement flooding can happen during a severe weather event or if the City’s wastewater system reaches its maximum capacity.

Back-water valves are devices installed in the basement where greywater (wastewater, excluding sewage) exits the home. These devices have hinged flaps that only open in one direction. This allows sewage to flow from your home into the City’s system, but prevents it from flowing back into your basement.

Yes. The City provides a subsidy to assist homeowners with the cost of installing a back-water valve. The available subsidy is 50 per cent of the invoiced cost of installing an approved back-water valve, up to a maximum of $750 — including eligible labour, materials, permit fees and taxes. The back-water valve must be installed by a certified plumbing professional. Subsidies are subject to available funding and provided on a first-come-first-served basis.

No. Homes in the planning stages or those currently under construction do not qualify for this subsidy program.

No. It is up to the homeowner to research and hire a licensed professional that meets the requirements of the building permit process. The subsidy is contingent on the back-water valve being installed by a certified plumbing professional.

The back-water valve must be installed by a certified plumbing professional. To qualify for the subsidy, your plumber must be able to provide his/her Ontario College of Trades membership number. Visit Skilled Trades Ontario to verify trade qualification status.

Yes. A plumbing permit is required to apply for this subsidy program.

A plumbing permit can be obtained by visiting Vaughan’s Building Standards department located on the first floor at Vaughan City Hall at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.

Plumbing permits cost $214, which includes a $150 administration fee and a $64 fee for the back-water valve permit. Fees are subject to change without notice.

To apply for a permit, you will need to provide two documents from the manufacturer stating the item number and design of the back-water valve you have purchased and installed. This information can often be downloaded/printed from the manufacturer’s website. You will also be required to fill out an application and pay a fee.

Back-water valves are typically purchased through the contractor hired to complete the installation. They can also be purchased from the hardware store.

Yes. Back-water valve installations need to be inspected by a member of Vaughan’s Building Standards department. The inspection must be conducted before enclosing or covering the work. This will allow the inspector to ensure the installation meets the applicable building code requirements

To request an inspection, call the inspections line at 905-832-8511 and press 0. The line is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All inspections booked prior to 4 p.m. daily will be completed the following day. Any bookings made after 4 p.m. will be considered received the next business day. During high-volume periods, up to 48 hours may be required to complete inspections. The following must be provided when requesting an inspection:

• building permit number
• street address
• type of inspection required
• contact name and telephone number
• preferred inspection date
•  

To request a specific inspection time, contact the inspector between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on the day of your scheduled inspection to confirm a mutual time.

Once the installation of the back-water valve is complete, you may apply for the subsidy program. The following documents must be provided:

• A completed application form (PDF). The application must include a verifiable College of Trades membership number.
• A copy of the invoice. The invoice must show a complete breakdown of all charges as well as the plumbing or drain license number of the contractor, the total amount paid. The invoice must also be marked as Paid in Full.
• A copy of the completed building permit.

Applications must be submitted via mail to:

City of Vaughan – Environmental Services department

Back-water Valve Installation Subsidy Program

2800 Rutherford Rd.

Vaughan, ON L4K 2N9

The application and all supporting documentation must be received within one year of the work being completed.

No. The back-water valve must be installed by a certified plumbing professional.

No. The subsidy does not cover any interior (paint, drywall, flooring, etc.) or exterior restorations required to complete the back-water valve installation.

Yes. Back-water valves need to be flushed. Please refer to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance program for more information.