Ontario Plumbing Rebates & Grants:
What You Can Claim in 2026

Most Ontario homeowners leave money on the table when upgrading their plumbing systems. Federal grants, utility rebates, and local programs exist specifically to offset the cost of energy-efficient upgrades — but they are only useful if you know they exist and how to access them.

Why Rebates Exist — and Why They Matter

Federal and provincial governments, along with natural gas and electricity utilities, offer rebates to encourage homeowners to switch to more energy-efficient equipment. The logic is straightforward: efficient appliances reduce demand on the grid and gas infrastructure, which benefits everyone.

For St. Thomas and London homeowners, this means that upgrading to a qualifying tankless water heater or heat pump water heater can come with meaningful financial assistance — directly reducing what you pay out of pocket for the upgrade.

The Main Programs Available to Ontario Homeowners

Which Upgrades Qualify Most Often?

Not every plumbing upgrade qualifies for rebates. The programs are specifically designed around energy efficiency improvements. Here is what tends to qualify most consistently:

Local Notes: St. Thomas & London

Both St. Thomas and London are served by Enbridge Gas for natural gas, which means the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program applies directly to homeowners in both cities. If you are upgrading a gas water heater to a high-efficiency tankless or heat pump unit, this is the first program to check.

For electricity-based upgrades, St. Thomas homeowners are typically served by Entegrus, while London homeowners are served by London Hydro. Both utilities periodically offer their own rebate programs on top of provincial and federal programs — it is worth checking their websites directly for current offers.

Homeowners in smaller communities across Southwestern Ontario — Aylmer, Tillsonburg, Woodstock, Dutton, and others — should check with their local utility provider, as coverage and available programs vary by municipality.

How to Actually Claim a Rebate

The process varies by program, but the general steps are consistent:

1. 01

   Check eligibility before you buy

   Confirm the specific model you are purchasing is on the program's eligible equipment list. Not all high-efficiency units qualify — the model number matters.

2. 02

   Book a pre-upgrade energy audit (if required)

   The Canada Greener Homes Grant requires an EnerGuide evaluation before and after the upgrade. Book this first — you cannot claim retroactively without the pre-audit.

3. 03

   Have the upgrade professionally installed

   Most programs require installation by a licensed contractor. Jumbo Plumbing provides all required documentation including permits, inspection records, and installation receipts.

4. 04

   Submit your claim with documentation

   Gather your invoice, model number, installation date, and any required inspection certificates. Submit through the program's online portal or by mail.

5. 05

   Receive your rebate

   Processing times vary. Federal grants can take several weeks to months. Utility rebates are often faster. Keep copies of everything.

How Jumbo Plumbing Helps

When you book a water heater installation or upgrade with Jumbo Plumbing, we will let you know which programs your chosen unit qualifies for and what documentation you will need. We provide complete installation records, pull all required permits, and ensure the work passes inspection — all of which are typically required to submit a rebate claim.

We do not process rebate applications on your behalf, but we make sure you have everything you need to do it yourself. And if you are not sure which unit to choose, we can walk you through the options that qualify for the most programs.