Sump Pump Services – Installation & Repair
A sump pump is a pump that is used to remove water that has been collected in water-collecting sump basin (sump pit), found in the basement of homes. The sump pit also has a cover to prevent debris going in. Sump pumps often work together with an interior waterproofing system, and waterproofing companies like RCC Waterproofing will recommend having both inside your basement to have a full waterproofing system. Failure of the sump pump can quickly lead to floods and a wet basement, so it is good to have a waterproofing contractor come check the health of your sump pump and make sure there are no mechanical failures that could happen.
There are two types of sump pumps, submersible, and pedestal. A pedestal sump pump is mounted above the sump pit and is more visible and loud. A submersible sump pump itself is completely submerged in the sump pit and produces less noise. ABS piping is fitted with the sump pump, outside. In commercial buildings, sump pits are commonly found in the boiler room. Water gets accumulated in the sump pit by natural underground water or from a drain of a waterproofing system that is connected to the pit. The sump pump system is used when the water table is fairly higher than the footing of a home or to divert basement foundation leaks by installing an internal waterproofing system or connecting the external weeping tiles into the sump pit.
The sump pump is like a reverse toilet tank. When the water level in the pit rises to a specific level, the leaver/float attached to the pump will activate and discharge the water outside via ABS piping. There are different horsepower pumps for different pits. The bigger the pit, the more horsepower a sump pump should be. The more powerful the pump the faster the water will discharge from the sump pit. Some sump pumps are also battery activated using a marine deep cycle battery and a secondary sump pump. A Battery backup sump pump provides uninterrupted pumping in the event of power outage or main pump failure; the sump pit will not overflow and flood the basement.
A sump pump is a mechanical device and does require maintenance to keep it running healthy to prevent a wet basement. The typical recommendation is to visually examine the sump pump twice a year. If the sump pump is quite active due to a high water table or lots of rainwater traveling through the waterproofing system, it should be examined more frequently. In colder climate areas with harsh winters, the ABS discharge pipe should be examined outside. If the pipe is full of ice have it immediately replaced because the pump will not be able to discharge the water and eventually burn out. To prevent a frozen pipe, one can install a heat cable inside the ABS pipe similar to heat cables used on roofs to de-ice the shingles. In warmer climate areas examine the ABS discharge pipe outside, at the same time when examining the sump pump inside, and make sure that the pipe is slightly sloped downwards to allow smooth water discharge.
Sump Pump Rebates in Ontario: Get Money Back on Your Installation
Installing a sump pump is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home’s long-term protection — and in many Ontario municipalities, you don’t have to foot the entire bill yourself. Local governments across the GTA and surrounding regions offer financial rebates to help homeowners cover the cost of sump pump installation, weeping tile disconnection, and related flood protection upgrades. Below is a breakdown of what’s currently available in your area.
Why Municipalities Offer Sump Pump Rebates
Ontario’s aging sewer infrastructure was simply not designed to handle the volume of stormwater generated by today’s extreme weather events. When heavy rain overwhelms the municipal system, the burden falls on individual homes — particularly basements. To reduce widespread flood damage and costly emergency response, cities and regions across Ontario have created subsidy programs that financially reward homeowners for taking proactive steps to manage groundwater on their own properties.
Installing a sump pump — especially when paired with a weeping tile disconnection — directly removes groundwater pressure from the municipal sewer network, which is exactly the outcome these programs are designed to encourage.
Ontario Sump Pump Rebates by Municipality
⚠️ Important: All rebate programs require work to be completed by a licensed contractor. Permits and municipal inspections are required in most cases. Programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to available annual funding. Confirm eligibility directly with your municipality before work begins.
City of Toronto — Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program
Toronto’s long-running Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program (BFPSP) includes sump pump installation as a primary eligible expense.
| Eligible Work | Subsidy Program Name | Maximum Coverage / Rebate Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sump pump installation (+ alarm) | Up to 80% of invoiced cost | Up to $1,750 |
| Sump pump battery backup system | Up to 80% of invoiced cost | Up to $300 |
| Foundation drain severance & capping | Up to 80% of invoiced cost | Up to $400 |
| Combined with backwater valve | Up to 80% of invoiced cost | Up to $3,400+ per property |
Eligibility Highlights:
- Single-family, duplex, triplex, or fourplex residential properties within Toronto
- Downspouts must be disconnected from the City sewer system
- Work must be performed by a City-licensed (T94) contractor
- Applications accepted up to two years after eligible work is completed
- Building permit and inspection required
Halton Region — Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program
Halton Region offers one of the most generous flood protection subsidy programs in Ontario, and sump pump installation is a core eligible upgrade — particularly when combined with weeping tile disconnection.
| Eligible Work | Subsidy Rate | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Weeping tile disconnection + sump pump installation | Up to 100% of costs | Included in combined program maximum |
| Backwater valve (interior) | 50% of costs | Up to $1,600 |
| Sanitary lateral lining & repair | 50% of costs | Up to $4,000 |
| Downspout disconnection | Up to 100% of costs | Up to $900 |
| Exterior storm drain disconnection | Up to 100% of costs | Up to $6,500 |
Eligibility Highlights:
- Residential properties within Halton Region (Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills) connected to municipal wastewater
- Increased subsidy values apply for work completed after July 15, 2024
- This is a one-time subsidy per property
- Itemized paid-in-full invoice and building permit inspection confirmation required
- Submit applications to: [email protected]
City of Markham — Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program
Markham’s Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program covers sump pump installation specifically in conjunction with weeping tile disconnection — one of the most effective flood protection combinations available to homeowners.
| Eligible Work | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sump pump installation (with weeping tile disconnection) | Requires pre-approval before work begins |
| Backwater valve installation | Requires pre-approval before work begins |
| Sanitary & storm lateral repair/relining | CCTV inspection required |
Eligibility Highlights:
- Property must be in a known flood-risk area of Markham
- Pre-approval from the City is mandatory before any work begins — no exceptions
- No outstanding municipal fines, taxes, or work orders on the property
- Downspouts must be disconnected from the City sewer system
- Program extended through April 2027 — apply sooner rather than later
- Email pre-approval requests to: [email protected]
Sump Pump Rebate Quick-Reference Table
| Municipality | Subsidy Program Name(s) | Sump Pump Rebate | Combined Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Toronto | Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program | Up to $1,750 | Up to $3,400+ |
| Region of Peel | Various programs like “Backwater Valve Installation Rebate” | Contact municipality | Varies |
| City of Vaughan | Basement Flooding Subsidy | Varies (pre-approval required) | Varies |
| City of Markham | Private Plumbing Protection Rebate | Varies (pre-approval required) | Up to ~$3,500+ |
| Halton Region | Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program | Up to 100% (with weeping tile disconnect) | Up to $8,175+ |
Amounts current as of 2025. Always verify directly with your municipality before proceeding.
How to Qualify: What You Need to Know Before You Start
Getting approved for a sump pump rebate isn’t complicated — but the order of steps matters. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Get pre-approval first (Markham especially). Some programs require you to notify and receive approval from the municipality before any work begins. Starting without it will disqualify your application.
- Hire a licensed contractor. Every program requires installation by a certified, licensed plumbing or drain professional. Work performed by homeowners, unlicensed individuals, or non-permitted contractors will not qualify.
- Obtain all required permits. Building or plumbing permits are required in virtually every municipality. Don’t skip this step — it’s both a legal requirement and a condition of your rebate.
- Keep thorough documentation. You’ll need itemized invoices marked “Paid in Full,” contractor license numbers, permit approvals, and inspection confirmations.
- Disconnect your downspouts. Most programs require or strongly recommend disconnecting eavestrough downspouts from the municipal sewer system as part of your overall flood protection plan.
- Apply as early as possible. Funding is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis each year.
Let RCC Waterproofing Handle It — From Installation to Rebate
At RCC Waterproofing, our licensed team installs sump pump systems that meet the specific requirements of municipal rebate programs across the GTA. We handle the permits, ensure the installation passes inspection, and can guide you through the rebate application process so you capture every dollar you’re entitled to. You can also find out more about Ontario rebates for sump pumps and backwater valve in our dedicated blog post.
Contact us today for a free assessment and find out which rebate programs apply to your home and how much you could recover on your sump pump installation.
A 2 feet diameter and 2-3 feet deep pit is dug out in a specific part of the basement authorized by the homeowner.
Sump pump pit is installed to collect water either from the ground or perforated pipes connected to it. The lid of the pit is installed flush with the floor.
When water is at a specific level in the pit, the sump pump will discharge the water through an ABS pipe that is connected outside.
Some sump pumps are battery activated and will continue to work during a blackout.
Once sump pump system is installed, all broken concrete around sump pit is re-poured.
Annual maintenance is required by the homeowner to make sure sump pump is in working order.
