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Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation Subsidy

Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation Subsidy

What is Weeping Tile and why is it important to disconnect weeping tile from the wastewater lateral and install a sump pump?

Weeping tile (also known as foundation drain) is a permeable pipe that lies underground around the perimeter of the home’s foundation.  Weeping tile collects groundwater and discharges it away from the foundation of the home.

Weeping tile that is connected to and discharges via the wastewater (sewer) pipe can directly contribute to basement flooding by overloading the wastewater system during heavy rainfall.  It is important to disconnect weeping tile from the wastewater (sewer) pipe and redirect it to a sump pump that discharges the water outside the home and overland, away from the foundation.

Diagram animating the differences between a direct connection of the downspout and weeping tile to the sanitary serwer system increasing potential for basementflood and one discharging rainwater to the lawn or other surface. Weeping tile is disconnected in this example and a sump pump forces water away.


Other Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidies

Sump pump inspection and maintenance

Regularly inspect and maintain your sump pump system to reduce the risk of basement flooding. If you are experiencing issues with your sump pump and do not know how to operate or maintain the sump pump system, please contact the manufacturer or installer.

Here are some tips to help you inspect and maintain your sump pump:

  1. Remove the basin lid and inspect the pump and the area inside the sump pit.
  2. Remove any debris that could hinder the operation of the pump over time.
  3. Pour a bucket of water into the sump basin to raise the float (small cylinder hanging from the pump). Raising the float should turn the pump on and pump water out of the basin.
  4. Locate the discharge end of the pipe (outside the house) and ensure water flows out freely.
  5. Address any issues immediately.

If you followed steps 1 through 5 above and the pump does not turn on:

  • ensure the pump is plugged into a grounded electrical outlet.
  • check the sump basin to see if the float is stuck in one position. If so, adjust so that the float is free to move with the rise and fall of water.
  • unplug the pump and use a flashlight to see if any debris is blocking the pump opening.

Always contact a qualified plumber or drainage contractor if:

  • there is an electrical, float, battery or debris-related concern that affects the operation of the sump pump system.
  • water that was pumped out of the sump pit appears to be draining back into your home.

Financial support

Halton Region’s subsidy for Weeping Tile Disconnection Combined with Sump Pump Installation covers 100% of costs incurred for materials and labour charged to disconnect weeping tile and install a sump pump, up to a maximum of $5,000.

Downspout disconnection

Downspout Disconnection provides additional protection against basement flooding while reducing strain on your sump pump. For optimal performance of your sump pump, disconnecting your downspouts is encouraged. Please see our Downspout Disconnection subsidy for more details on how to qualify for this subsidy.

Eligibility criteria

  1. To be eligible for the subsidy, you must disconnect your weeping tiles from the sanitary sewer and install a new sump pump. Both are required.
     
  2. All work related to the weeping tile disconnection and sump pump installation must:
    • be undertaken by a contractor from Halton’s Authorized Contractors List.
    • have been completed after July 1, 2016—any work completed on or before July 1, 2016, is not eligible for this subsidy.
  3. The residence where the work is undertaken must:
    • be in Halton region; and
    • have municipal wastewater services (not a septic system).

Limitations

  • This is a one-time subsidy per property. Homeowners who previously received this subsidy are not eligible to receive it a second time.
  • Review the Terms and Conditions in the subsidy application form before disconnecting your weeping tile and installing a new sump pump. 

Application requirements

  1. All work must be completed by a contractor from Haltons Authorized Contractors list for the Weeping tile/Sump pump subsidy.  This requirement will not be waived under any circumstances.
     
  2. Application must include:
    1. A copy of the building permit required by, and obtained from your Local Municipality i.e. Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, Town of Oakville or City of Burlington.
    2. Proof that the building permit has passed final inspection by the applicable Local Municipal Building Inspector i.e. Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, Town of Oakville or City of Burlington
    3. Itemized invoice showing paid in full, specifically listing all applicable materials and labour, and itemizing each component of repair/labour. This is especially important if you are applying for more than one subsidy. 

Invoice requirements

Invoice MUST include:

  • Details of work completed.
  • Itemized specific costs to determine eligible costs, such as CCTV videos, inspections and specifics about repair/installation (examples: spot repair, backwater valve installation and building permit).
  • Shows that the invoice is paid in full.

View example invoice (PDF file)

For more information about how you can get on the authorized contractors list, please contact basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca or call 311.

Disclaimer

The work completed by a contractor is based upon an agreement between the homeowner and contractor. The Region is not responsible for any damages, losses or misconduct performed by your chosen contractor. For more details, please reference the Regional Municipality of Halton Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program waiver form. It is recommended that homeowners obtain multiple quotes and request and follow up with the contractor’s references. Please note the Better Business Bureau is also available for homeowners to obtain reliability reports on contractors.

Apply to the program

  1. Download the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program application form (PDF file) and the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program waiver form (PDF file) .
  2. Submit completed Application Form and Waiver along with the required documentation, electronically. Ensure submission completeness by following the Check List included on page 3 of the Application Form. Errors or omissions will delay approval of the subsidy.
  3. Scan and email your completed submission to basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca
  4. Upload larger files, such as CCTV video, to our online Dropbox platform (external link)

For assistance with using Dropbox

Please see Dropbox instructions and example below:

Where Dropbox requests “Your Email”

Insert Applicant’s email address.

Where Dropbox requests “Subject”

Insert Applicant’s last name, followed by address.

Where Dropbox requests “Message”

Insert brief description of each file you are attaching such as "Invoice."

Where Dropbox requests “Password”

This is not a required field.   If you do create and include a password for your Dropbox account, please email the password to basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca to allow staff to view and process your submission.  Without the password, staff cannot view your Dropbox files.

Where Dropbox requests “Expire Date”

This is not a required field.  If you add an expiry date, it will prevent Halton staff from seeing the file past the expiry date.

Where Dropbox requests Recipient “Email”

Please insert the following email address: basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca

online form example (PDF file)

Additional options for subsidy submission include the following:

  • Mail to:
    Halton Region Public Works
    c/o Water and Wastewater Program Ambassador
    Woodlands Operations Centre
    1179 Bronte Road, Oakville, ON L6M 4G3
  • Drop off in person: 
    Place submission in the black mail box located in front of the sliding doors at the main entrance to Halton Regional Centre, located at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville (GoogleMaps link) 

Note: Woodlands Operations Centre is currently closed to the public.

drop box location in front of HRC
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