Basement flooding can cause serious damage to flooring, walls, furniture, electrical systems, and the foundation of your home. For Toronto homeowners, installing a sump pump is one of the most effective ways to manage groundwater and reduce the risk of basement flooding.
The good news is that eligible homeowners may be able to recover part of the cost through the City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. As of May 1, 2026, the expanded program offers up to $6,650 in total subsidies per property for eligible flood-protection work.
In this guide, we explain how the Toronto sump pump rebate works, who may qualify, how much you can receive, what installation requirements apply, and how to prepare your application.
Contents
- 1 What Is the Toronto Sump Pump Rebate?
- 2 Who Qualifies for the Sump Pump Rebate?
- 3 How Much Is the Sump Pump Rebate?
- 4 What Sump Pump Installations Qualify for the Rebate Program?
- 5 How to Apply for the Toronto Sump Pump Rebate
- 6 Documents Required for a Rebate Application
- 7 Professional Sump Pump Installation in Toronto by POM Plumbing
- 8 FAQ
What Is the Toronto Sump Pump Rebate?
The Toronto sump pump rebate is part of the City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. The program is designed to help eligible homeowners install flood-prevention systems that reduce the risk of basement flooding during heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and periods when municipal sewers become overloaded.
Eligible flood protection work may include:
- Sump pump installation or replacement
- Sump pump alarms
- Battery backup systems for sump pumps
- Backwater valve installation or replacement
- Home plumbing assessments
- Foundation drain (weeping tile) pipe severance and capping
The program covers up to 80% of eligible invoiced costs, subject to the maximum subsidy available for each type of work. For a sump pump installation, the subsidy can cover up to $2,250, while an eligible battery backup system may qualify for an additional subsidy of up to $300.
The subsidy is intended to help homeowners improve their property’s flood protection before a major water emergency occurs. However, the work must meet the program’s eligibility requirements, and applicants must provide the required documentation after the installation is complete.
Who Qualifies for the Sump Pump Rebate?
Not every property or installation automatically qualifies for the program. To be eligible, you generally must meet the following requirements:
You must own an eligible residential property
The property must be located within the City of Toronto and be a:
- Single-family home
- Duplex
- Triplex
- Fourplex
The program is intended for eligible residential properties. Different rules may apply to other property types, such as condominiums, commercial buildings, or larger multi-unit properties.
The work must be eligible under the program
The sump pump must be newly installed or replaced as part of eligible flood protection work. The City does not simply provide a rebate for any plumbing work completed in a basement.
Your property must meet the downspout requirement
The downspouts connected to the property’s eavestrough system must be disconnected from the City’s sewer system, unless the property has received an exemption from the City.
You must have remaining subsidy eligibility
The City applies lifetime maximum subsidy amounts for eligible installations. If your property has previously received funding through the program, you may have less remaining eligibility.
If you are unsure whether your property has already received a subsidy, the City recommends checking your subsidy history before applying.
The work must be properly documented
Applicants must submit the required documents, including an original electronic invoice from the contractor. The invoice must clearly identify the work completed, the property, the contractor, and the amount paid.
Because documentation is an important part of the application, it is best to discuss the rebate requirements with your plumbing contractor before work begins.
How Much Is the Sump Pump Rebate?
Under the expanded 2026 program, eligible homeowners may receive up to 80% of the invoiced cost for eligible sump pump work, subject to the applicable maximum.
The exact amount you receive depends on the invoiced cost, the work completed, the program requirements, and your property’s previous subsidy history.
What Sump Pump Installations Qualify for the Rebate Program?
The City program can support eligible sump pump installations and replacements that are intended to protect a residential property from basement flooding.
A qualifying project may include:
- New sump pump installation
- Replacement of an existing sump pump
- Sump pump alarm installation
- Battery backup installation
How to Apply for the Toronto Sump Pump Rebate
The application process generally takes place after the eligible work has been completed.
1. Confirm your eligibility
Before starting the project, review the current City program requirements. Check that your property is eligible and that you have not already reached the applicable lifetime subsidy limits.
If you have previously received a subsidy, contact the City to confirm your remaining eligibility.
2. Hire a qualified plumbing contractor
Choose a professional contractor who can complete the installation correctly and provide the documentation required for the application.
The installation should comply with applicable plumbing and municipal requirements. Proper installation also helps ensure that the sump pump performs reliably during heavy rain and periods of increased groundwater.
3. Complete the installation
Your plumber will assess the property, determine the appropriate sump pump solution, install the system, and test its operation.
If you are installing a battery backup system, the costs of the pump and backup should be clearly separated on the invoice.
4. Take the required photos
For sump pump installations, the City requires photographs of:
- The installed sump pump
- The exterior discharge pipe
Take clear photos after the work is completed and keep copies for your records.
5. Collect your invoice
The contractor’s original electronic invoice should include:
- The licensed contractor’s name and address
- The property address
- The date the work was completed
- An itemized description of the eligible work
- The cost of each applicable device and installation service
- The total amount paid, clearly marked “paid in full”
If subcontractors were involved, their information and invoices may also be required.
6. Submit the online application
Complete the City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program application online and upload the required documents and photos.
The City reviews each application and determines the final subsidy amount based on the program rules and the submitted documentation.
The City states that it can take up to 10 weeks to receive the subsidy after the application is reviewed.
Documents Required for a Rebate Application
Preparing your documents in advance can help avoid unnecessary delays.
For a sump pump subsidy application, you may need:
- A completed online subsidy application
- The original electronic invoice from the contractor
- Itemized costs for the sump pump and any battery backup system
- Proof that the invoice has been paid in full
- Photos of the installed sump pump
- Photos of the exterior discharge pipe
- Information about the property and property owner
- Additional documentation required by the City, if applicable
Keep digital and printed copies of everything you submit.
It is also important to remember that completing an installation does not automatically guarantee approval. The City makes the final determination based on the property’s eligibility, the work completed, the documentation provided, and the program requirements in effect at the time of application.
Professional Sump Pump Installation in Toronto by POM Plumbing
A properly installed sump pump is an important part of a complete basement water protection system. The right pump must be selected for the property’s drainage conditions, installed correctly, and connected to a discharge system that moves water safely away from the foundation.
At POM Plumbing, we provide professional sump pump installation and replacement services for homeowners across Toronto and the GTA. Our licensed team can help assess your current system, recommend an appropriate solution, and complete the installation with attention to proper drainage.
Protecting your basement before the next major storm can help reduce the risk of costly water damage. Contact POM Plumbing to discuss your sump pump installation or replacement project in Toronto.
Call POM Plumbing: (905) 625-8777
FAQ
Applications may be rejected if the property or completed work does not meet the program requirements. Common reasons include missing documentation, incomplete or unclear invoices, missing photos of the installed sump pump or discharge pipe, ineligible property types, previous use of the property’s lifetime subsidy limit, or work that does not qualify under the program rules. An application may also be delayed or rejected if the contractor’s invoice does not clearly itemize the eligible work and confirm that the invoice has been paid in full.
The City of Toronto states that it can take up to 10 weeks to receive the subsidy after the application has been reviewed. The actual processing time may depend on the completeness of your application and whether additional information or documentation is required. Submitting clear photos and a complete, itemized invoice can help avoid unnecessary delays.
The City of Toronto does not necessarily have one universal annual deadline for all applications. However, the program requirements, subsidy amounts, and available funding can change over time. Homeowners should submit their application as soon as possible after completing eligible work and confirm the current requirements directly with the City. Keep all invoices, photos, and other supporting documents until your application has been submitted and processed.
