If you own a home in London, Ontario and you have ever dealt with basement flooding — or even worried about it — the City of London wants to help you pay for flood protection. The Basement Flooding Grant Program covers up to 90% of eligible costs for sump pump installation, backwater valve installation, weeping tile disconnection, and more. Depending on what your home needs, that could mean thousands of dollars back in your pocket.
The problem is, most homeowners do not know the program exists. And of those who do, many make simple mistakes that cost them their eligibility. This guide walks you through everything — what the grant covers, who qualifies, how to apply step by step, and the pitfalls to avoid.
At Jumbo Plumbing, we help London homeowners every week with the exact installations this grant covers — sump pump installation, backwater valve installation, and weeping tile disconnection. We have walked hundreds of customers through this grant process, and we know exactly what the City looks for in an application.
The bottom line
London homeowners can receive up to 90% reimbursement for sump pump installation, backwater valves, and related flood prevention work. A typical sump pump + backwater valve installation that costs $5,000 could leave you paying only $500 out of pocket after the grant. You must apply before starting any work.
What Is the London Basement Flooding Grant Program?
The City of London Basement Flooding Grant Program is a municipal initiative designed to help residential property owners reduce basement flooding risk by funding the installation of flood prevention devices. The program covers 90% of materials, labor, permits, and HST for eligible work, up to the maximum limits per device category.
The program is administered by the City of London Environmental Services — Water and Environment Division, Sewer Engineering. It is funded by the city and has been active for several years, helping hundreds of homeowners across London protect their basements from flooding.
Because the grant requires work by a licensed plumber or drainage contractor, choosing the right contractor is as important as choosing the right equipment. The City will reject applications where work was completed by an unlicensed handyman or DIY installation. Working with a licensed plumbing contractor in London ensures your installation meets code and qualifies for reimbursement.
What the Grant Covers (And How Much)
| Eligible Work | Grant Coverage |
|---|---|
| Sump pit and pump (with weeping tile disconnection) | 90% — max $4,000 |
| Additional weeping tile disconnection | 90% — max $2,400 |
| Backwater valve | 90% — max $1,800 |
| Sump pump battery backup (with new pump) | 90% — max $1,400 |
| Storm private drain connection (main to property line) | 90% — max $7,000 |
| Storm building sewer (property line to dwelling) | 90% — max $3,000 |
| Sewage ejector and holding tank | 90% — max $6,000 |
| Sump pump for reverse grade driveway | 90% — max $4,000 |
Note: Battery backup only qualifies when installed alongside a new sump pump. The program does not cover maintenance, repair, or replacement of existing equipment. New installations only. New weeping tile installation, crack repairs, and waterproofing services are also not covered.
Who Qualifies for the London Basement Grant?
Not every homeowner in London automatically qualifies. The program has specific eligibility criteria designed to target properties that are genuinely at risk of basement flooding.
Not sure if your home qualifies? Jumbo Plumbing offers free on-site assessments for London homeowners who are considering grant-eligible flood prevention work. We can inspect your basement, evaluate your weeping tile connection, and tell you exactly which devices would make sense for your property — before you spend time on the application.
You may qualify if:
- You are the homeowner of a residential property in the City of London
- Your basement has experienced flooding, or your property is located in an area prone to flooding due to the city sanitary main
- Your basement has flooded due to weeping tiles that are gravity-connected to the storm sewer system
- You have significant sump pump surface discharge issues (erosion, icing on sidewalks, or pooling on streets)
- You meet all conditions outlined in the Basement Flooding Grant Program By-law A.-7562-160
- You have not commenced any construction related to the grant application before receiving approval
Properties that are NOT eligible:
- Condominiums (other than vacant land condominiums)
- Non-residential properties (institutional, industrial, or commercial buildings)
- Homes in subdivisions registered after 1996 (for sump pump discharge issues only)
- Infill developments and homes with additions that caused the discharge issue
- Properties where homeowner-initiated landscaping or grading changes (including pool installations) caused the problem
Important rule for semi-detached homes:
For semi-detached dwellings, both sides of the structure must disconnect weeping tiles simultaneously to receive any grant funding. If only one unit applies and completes the work, neither side is eligible for reimbursement.
How to Apply: The 6-Step Process
The application process is straightforward, but every step matters. Missing one detail or skipping ahead can cost you your grant. Here is exactly what to do.
- 01
Get Two Itemized Quotes from Licensed Contractors
Contact at least two licensed plumbers or drainage contractors to assess your property and provide detailed, itemized cost estimates. Each quote must explicitly separate labor costs, material costs, permit costs, and individual device costs. The City will use these quotes to evaluate your application. At Jumbo Plumbing, we provide fully itemized quotes that break out every cost line the City requires, and we are happy to be one of your two quotes for the grant application.
- 02
Contact Sewer Engineering to Review Your Plan
Before submitting your application, contact the City of London Sewer Engineering Division to review your proposed remedial measures. They will confirm which devices are appropriate for your property and situation. Email sewers@london.ca or call 519-661-CITY (2489) ext. 5489.
- 03
Submit Your Application Package
Download the complete application package from the City of London website. Complete page 1, attach your two itemized quotes, and submit everything to the City for review. You can submit by email to sewers@london.ca or by mail to: Sewer Engineering Division, 9th Floor, 300 Dufferin Avenue, P.O. Box 5035, London, Ontario N6A 4L9.
- 04
Wait for Written Approval (Up to 4 Weeks)
The City will review your application, verify your eligibility, and assess your proposed work. Approval typically takes up to four weeks. Do not start any work until you receive written confirmation from City staff. Starting work before approval voids your eligibility.
- 05
Complete the Work, Pull Permits, and Pass Inspection
Once approved, hire your licensed contractor to complete the installation. Your contractor must pull all required plumbing and building permits from the City. After the work is finished, contact the Building Division to schedule a mandatory inspection. Email building@london.ca or call 519-661-4555. Jumbo Plumbing pulls all permits for you, coordinates inspections, and ensures every installation passes the first time.
- 06
Submit Your Paid Invoice and Receive Your Rebate
Complete page 2 of the application and submit it along with your paid invoice and closed permit documentation. Send everything to sewers@london.ca or by mail. A reimbursement cheque is issued within 2 to 6 weeks of receiving your complete documentation. You must submit within 6 months of your initial grant approval.
Critical Rules You Cannot Ignore
Apply before starting any work
This is the most common mistake. Both programs require written approval before any construction, concrete cutting, or plumbing work begins. Retroactive applications are completely ineligible. If you have already started work, you cannot receive the grant.
Use a licensed contractor only
DIY installations and handyman work do not qualify. All work must be completed by a licensed plumber or drainage contractor. Permits must be pulled and inspections must be passed. Save every receipt and document. Jumbo Plumbing is a fully licensed London plumbing contractor, and we handle permits, inspections, and all documentation for every grant-eligible installation.
Keep all documentation organized
You will need your paid invoice, permit records, and inspection sign-off to submit your claim. Create a folder for your grant paperwork and keep copies of everything. Jumbo Plumbing provides all required documentation as part of every installation.
Watch the 6-month deadline
After approval, you have six months to complete the work, pass inspection, and submit your final documentation. If you miss this window, your grant expires and you must reapply.
The 5 Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Their Grant
Starting work before applying
Both programs require written approval before any construction begins. If you start early, you are automatically disqualified.
Using a single quote instead of two
London requires two separate itemized quotes from licensed contractors. One quote is not enough, and the quotes must break out labor, materials, and permits separately.
Hiring an unlicensed contractor
DIY installations and handyman work do not qualify. You need a licensed plumber or drainage contractor with proper permits and inspection sign-off. The City will reject your application if the work was not completed by a licensed professional. Jumbo Plumbing is fully licensed in London and provides all permit and inspection documentation as standard practice.
Missing the 6-month deadline
After you receive grant approval, you have six months to complete the work, pass inspection, and submit your paid invoice. Miss this window and the grant expires.
Forgetting semi-detached rules
For semi-detached homes, both units must disconnect weeping tiles simultaneously. If only one side does the work, neither side receives grant funding.
What the Grant Does NOT Cover
Understanding what is not covered is just as important as knowing what is. Homeowners who expect the grant to cover unrelated work are often disappointed. However, many of these uncovered services are still worth doing — and Jumbo Plumbing offers them as part of our complete basement protection services.
- Maintenance, repair, or replacement of existing sump pumps or pits
- New weeping tile installation (only disconnection and redirection is covered)
- Basement waterproofing or foundation crack repairs
- General plumbing repairs unrelated to flood prevention
- Landscaping or grading work
- Work completed by unlicensed or DIY contractors
- Retroactive work that was already started before approval
If you are dealing with an active leak or suspect hidden water damage, our leak detection service can identify the source before it becomes a flood. Early detection is often the difference between a small repair and a major basement restoration.
What Does This Actually Cost You? A Real Example
Here is a realistic breakdown of what a typical London homeowner might pay for a standard sump pump installation with weeping tile disconnection and a backwater valve — after the grant.
Every home is different. Your actual costs will depend on your basement layout, the condition of your existing plumbing, and how much work is needed. The important point is this: a $6,000 flood prevention system can cost you less than $1,000 after the grant. That is an investment that pays for itself the first time it prevents a flood. Jumbo Plumbing provides transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees — and we make sure every quote is formatted for the City of London grant application.
How Jumbo Plumbing Helps You Navigate the Grant
The grant application process is not complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Jumbo Plumbing handles the technical side so you can focus on getting your application submitted correctly.
When you book a sump pump installation, weeping tile disconnection, or backwater valve installation with us, we will:
- Confirm your property qualifies for the London Basement Flooding Grant Program
- Provide detailed, itemized cost estimates in the exact format the City requires
- Pull all required plumbing and building permits from the City of London
- Complete the installation to municipal code and inspection standards
- Provide all documentation you need for your grant claim — paid invoice, permit records, and inspection sign-off
We do not submit the grant application on your behalf — that step is between you and the City — but we make sure you have every piece of paperwork and every detail you need to do it successfully. Most of our customers who apply receive their full grant reimbursement.
London vs. St. Thomas: How the Programs Compare
If you live near the border between London and St. Thomas, or you are comparing options, here is how the two programs stack up side by side.
Both programs are excellent. The key difference is that London covers backwater valves at 90% while St. Thomas covers them at 50%. If you are installing both a sump pump and a backwater valve, London's program may save you more money. Jumbo Plumbing serves homeowners in both London and St. Thomas, and we help customers apply for whichever grant program applies to their municipality. Not sure which program you qualify for? Give us a call and we will point you in the right direction.
Additional Resources and Related Programs
The London Basement Flooding Grant is not the only program available. Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for these additional programs. For a complete overview of all Ontario plumbing rebates and grants, read our full guide on Ontario plumbing rebates and grants.
Related Reading from Jumbo Plumbing
Want to learn more about keeping your basement dry and your plumbing in top shape? Here are more guides from our knowledge hub:
Sump Pump Spring Checklist
A quick maintenance guide to make sure your sump pump is ready before the spring thaw hits.
Basement Spring Flood Prep for Ontario
Everything Ontario homeowners should do before the rainy season to prevent basement flooding.
Sump Pump & Flooding Grants Guide
The complete comparison of St. Thomas and London grant programs for flood protection.
Ontario Plumbing Rebates & Grants
A full list of every provincial and municipal rebate available for plumbing and water heater upgrades.
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Ready to Protect Your Basement?
Jumbo Plumbing installs sump pumps, disconnects weeping tiles, and installs backwater valves across London and Southwestern Ontario. We will make sure your installation qualifies for the City of London Basement Flooding Grant and provide all the documentation you need to claim your reimbursement.