Home Flood Prevention

Jun 07, 2023

Floods can happen anywhere and anytime, especially during heavy thunderstorms. They can damage your home and your belongings. Sewer back-ups occur when the storm or sanitary sewers become too full and the sewage flows backwards into residents’ homes.

It is more common for this to happen with sanitary sewers that have downspouts, weeping tiles, foundation drains, or sump pumps connected to sanitary sewers. The rainwater from these sources drains into the sanitary sewers and quickly over-fills them during large storms. In these situations, sewage will enter the basement, flowing up through floor drains and other plumbing fixtures.

By taking the right steps and being prepared, you can help keep your home safe from the effects of flooding.

If your basement floods, please call 3-1-1. Operators will help forward your concern to the appropriate specialists and make sure someone follows up with you, as needed.

The City of Burlington has implemented the Home Flood Protection Program to help homeowners reduce their risk of basement flooding and minimize damage if flooding occurs. The program offers homeowners up to 50 per cent of the cost of Home Flood Protection Assessments which aim to find potential ways that water/sewage can enter your home. These assessments are done by a trained third-party assessor and can be completed in-person or virtually based on homeowner preference.

Subsidized in-person assessments cost $237.50 + HST (Regular price: $475 + HST). Subsidized virtual assessments cost $212.50 + HST (Regular price: $425 + HST). Please note that a maximum of 20 applicants can benefit from this subsidy.

Register for the Home Flood Protection Program

Since the 2014 flood, the City of Burlington has offered a Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program to provide residents with financial support for improvements done in homes or businesses to reduce the risk of basement flooding. This program is open to Permit Applications received prior to December 31, 2020.

Between 2014 and 2021, the City of Burlington refunded $393,612 in building permit fees with an additional $80,000 approved for 2022 and 2023.

If multiple items of work are proposed (i.e. backwater valve, sump pump, and repair/replacement of a sanitary line) only one building permit application form is required and the location and details of all work can be shown on the same floor plan.

In order to apply for a permit to install a backwater valve the following documents must be provided:

The permit fee for a backwater valve will not be charged.

In order to apply for a permit to install a sump pump the following documents must be provided:

The permit fee for a sump pump will not be charged.

Note: A sump pit and sump pump must be installed in the basement to collect water from the weeping tiles and remove it to the exterior, and a building permit will be required for the installation of a sump pump.

In order to apply for a permit for repair/replacement of a sanitary line with the installation of a backwater valve, the following documents must be provided:

The permit fee for a repair/replacement of a sanitary line will not be charged.

Halton Region's Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program offers financial support for residents who make improvements to prevent stormwater from entering the wastewater system and reduce the risk of flooding from sewer backup. The program makes it easier and more affordable for residents to make improvements.

Available subsidies include:

You may also qualify for financial assistance from Halton Region if your basement flood is the result of a sanitary sewer backup and Regional staff determine that:

This program covers the cost of downspout disconnections for residents living in specific areas of Burlington. To learn more visit the Halton Region website, or dial 311.

Learn more about the Voluntary Downspout Disconnection Program

The Government of Canada provides 10 tips to make your home flood-ready and other online resources that help prevent flooding in your home.

View the Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA) instructions and safety tips on how to avoid dangerous and potentially fatal electric shocks when flood water contacts electrical systems. The ESA outlines:

Learn how to find the right licensed contractor when hiring someone to do electrical work.

Contact Us

Halton Region 1151 Bronte Rd.Oakville, ON L6M 3L1Phone: 311General Phone: 905-825-6000Email Halton Regionhalton.caMap this location