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Home > Services > Residential Services > Wastewater Services > Sanitary Back Flow Preventer
Sanitary Back-Water Valve
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The sanitary back-water valve is designed to protect basements from flooding caused by flooded sewers during severe weather events. Homes with a back-water valve installed can significantly reduce the risk of basement flooding and prevent damage to the home.

The City of Vaughan introduced the Back-water Valve Subsidy Installation program to assist owners with the cost of installing an approved back-water valve. The City will cover up to a maximum of $750 including eligible labour, materials, permit fees and taxes. Keep in mind that the back-water valve must be installed by a certified plumber. All subsidies are subject to available funding and provided on a first-come-first-served basis.
 
To apply for the Back-Water Subsidy Program please fill out the application form (PDF).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I install a 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.

 
How does a back-water valve work?
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.
 
Does the City of Vaughan provide a subsidy for back-water valve installations?
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.
 
Does the subsidy apply to homes that are currently under construction?
No. Homes in the planning stages or those currently under construction do not qualify for this subsidy program.
 
Does the City recommend a contractor/plumber to install a back-water valve?
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.
  
How do I know if the plumber/contractor is certified?
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 collegeoftrades.ca to verify trade qualification status.
 
Do I need to obtain a permit to install a back-water valve?
Yes. A plumbing permit is required to apply for this subsidy program.
 
Where do I obtain a plumbing permit?
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.
 
How much does a plumbing permit cost?
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.
 
What documents are required to apply for a permit?
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.
 
Where can I purchase a back-water valve?
Back-water valves are typically purchased through the contractor hired to complete the installation. They can also be purchased from the hardware store.
 
Does the back-water valve installation need to be inspected by the City?
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.
 
How do I request a plumbing inspection?
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.
 
How do I apply for the subsidy program?
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.
 
If the homeowner, a family member, neighbour or friend installs the back-water valve, is the homeowner still eligible for reimbursement?
No. The back-water valve must be installed by a certified plumbing professional.
 
Can I include the cost of my restorations?
No. Tthe subsidy does not cover any interior (paint, drywall, flooring, etc.) or exterior restorations required to complete the back-water valve installation.
 
Does a back-water valve require maintenance?
Yes. Back-water valves need to be flushed. Please refer to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance program for more information.

​ 

 

 Contact Information

 

Environmental Services

Phone: 905-832-2281

Fax: 905-303-2005

Email: service@vaughan.ca

Location: 
Joint Operations Centre
2800 Rutherford Rd.

Vaughan, ON 
L4K 2N9
 
Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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 Related Links

 
  • Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF) projects
  • How to disconnect a downspout
  • How to empty pools properly
  • Inflow and infiltration
  • Sewer backup
  • Spills and hazardous material
  • Stormwater Services
  • Wastewater infrastructure
  • What not to flush
 

 Additional Resources

 
  • I Don't Flush Campaign
  • Sanitary Back-Water Valve Application (PDF)
  • Sewer Use By-law 130-2022 (PDF)
  • Sewer Use By-law FAQs (PDF)
  • Water and Wastewater Financial Services Department
  • York Region and Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program
  • York Region Disposal of Fats, Oils and Grease Disposal brochure (PDF)
  • York Region Hazardous Waste Depot
  • York Region Industrial Disposal of Fats, Oils and Grease brochure (PDF)

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