Most homeowners in St. Thomas and London do not know their city will pay for most of a sump pump installation. Both municipalities run active Basement Flooding Grant Programs that reimburse up to 90% of eligible flood prevention work — including sump pump installation, weeping tile disconnection, backwater valves, and more.
The short version
If you live in St. Thomas or London and your basement has flooded — or is at risk — your city may cover up to 90% of the cost to install a sump pump, disconnect weeping tiles, and add a backwater valve. You could receive up to $5,750 in St. Thomas or more in London depending on the scope of work. You must apply before starting any work.
City of St. Thomas
Basement Flooding Grant Program
Program Overview
The City of St. Thomas developed this program to help homeowners prevent basement flooding. The city covers up to 90% of the cost to install a sump pump by disconnecting foundation drains, and up to 50% of the cost to install a backwater valve. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $5,750 in total grant funding.
Source: City of St. Thomas Environmental Services — Wastewater Services Division
Who Qualifies in St. Thomas?
- You are the homeowner of a residential property in St. Thomas
- You have not yet started any construction related to the grant application
- Your basement has flooded, or you live in an area prone to flooding due to the city sanitary main
- Your basement has flooded due to weeping tiles gravity-connected to the storm sewer system
- You have significant sump pump surface discharge issues (erosion, icing on sidewalks or streets)
- You meet all conditions of the applicable by-law
Not eligible in St. Thomas:
Condominiums (other than vacant land condominiums), non-residential properties (institutional, industrial, commercial), homes in subdivisions registered after 1996 for sump pump discharge issues, and homeowner-initiated landscaping changes that caused the problem.
What the St. Thomas Grant Covers
| Eligible Work | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Sump pit and pump (with weeping tile disconnection) | Up to 90% — max $4,000 |
| Additional weeping tile disconnection | Up to 90% — max $2,400 |
| Backwater valve | Up to 50% — max $1,800 |
| Sump pump battery backup (with new pump) | Up to 90% — max $1,400 |
| Storm private drain connection (main to property line) | Up to 90% — max $7,000 |
| Storm building sewer (property line to dwelling) | Up to 90% — max $3,000 |
| Sewage ejector and holding tank | Up to 90% — max $6,000 |
| Sump pump for reverse grade driveway | Up to 90% — max $4,000 |
Note: The backwater valve grant is 50% (not 90%) of cost. Battery backup only qualifies when installed alongside a new sump pump. The program does not cover maintenance, repair, or replacement of existing equipment — only new installations.
How to Apply in St. Thomas
- 01
Submit your application online through the City of St. Thomas customer service form — select "Basement Flooding Grant Program" from the categories dropdown. Paper applications are available by calling 519-631-3262 or visiting Environmental Services at 545 Talbot St., 2nd Floor.
- 02
Do not start any work before your application is reviewed and approved. Starting work before approval disqualifies you from the grant.
- 03
Hire a licensed plumber or drainage contractor to complete the approved work and obtain the required permits.
- 04
Have the work inspected by the City's Building Division. Contact them at 519-631-3262.
- 05
Submit your completion documentation and paid invoice to receive your reimbursement cheque.
City of London
Basement Flooding Grant Program
Program Overview
The City of London's Basement Flooding Grant Program provides financial assistance to property owners who experience basement flooding. The program funds eligible flood protection measures including weeping tile disconnection with redirection to a new sump pump and backwater valves. The grant covers 90% of eligible costs up to the maximums listed below.
Source: City of London — Water and Environment Division, Sewer Engineering
Who Qualifies in London?
- You are the homeowner of a residential property in London
- You have not commenced any construction related to the grant application
- You have experienced basement flooding, or your area is prone to flooding due to the city sanitary main
- Your basement has flooded due to weeping tiles gravity-connected to the storm sewer system
- You have significant sump pump surface discharge issues
- You meet all conditions of the Basement Flooding Grant By-law
Not eligible in London:
Condominiums (other than vacant land condominiums), non-residential properties, homes in subdivisions registered after 1996 for sump pump discharge issues, infill developments, homes with additions causing discharge issues, and homeowner-initiated landscaping or grading changes (including pool installations) that caused the problem.
What the London Grant Covers
| Eligible Work | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| 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: For semi-detached dwellings, both sides must disconnect weeping tiles to receive any grant funding. Battery backup only qualifies when installed alongside a new sump pump. The program does not cover new weeping tile installation, floor/wall crack repairs, or waterproofing services.
How to Apply in London
- 01
Contact licensed plumbers or drainage contractors to assess your property and obtain itemized cost estimates. Then contact the City's Sewer Engineering Division to review the proposed remedial measures.
- 02
Obtain an application package from Sewer Engineering by emailing sewers@london.ca or calling 519-661-CITY (2489) ext. 5489.
- 03
Complete page 1 of the application, attach your cost estimates, and submit to the City for review. Allow up to four weeks for approval.
- 04
Once approved in writing, hire a licensed plumber to complete the work and obtain the required permits from the City.
- 05
Contact the Building Division to inspect the completed work (email building@london.ca or call 519-661-4555).
- 06
Complete page 2 of the application and submit it with your paid invoice to sewers@london.ca or by mail to: Sewer Engineering Division, 9th Floor, 300 Dufferin Avenue, P.O. Box 5035, London, Ontario N6A 4L9. A reimbursement cheque is issued within 2–6 weeks.
St. Thomas vs. London: Quick Comparison
Important Rules That Apply to Both Programs
Apply before starting any work
Both programs require you to apply and receive written approval before beginning any construction. Starting work before approval will disqualify you from receiving the grant.
Licensed contractor required
All work must be completed by a licensed plumber or drainage contractor. DIY installations do not qualify. Permits must be obtained and inspections passed.
New installations only
Neither program covers maintenance, repair, or replacement of existing sump pits and pumps. Only new installations are eligible. The programs also do not cover new weeping tile installation, crack repairs, or waterproofing.
Keep all documentation
You will need your paid invoice, permit records, and inspection sign-off to submit your claim. Jumbo Plumbing provides all required documentation as part of every installation.
Ontario rebates may be available for qualifying upgrades
In addition to these municipal grants, Ontario homeowners may also qualify for provincial and federal rebate programs on energy-efficient plumbing upgrades.
How Jumbo Plumbing Helps With Grant Applications
Both the St. Thomas and London grant programs require work to be completed by a licensed contractor, with permits pulled and inspections passed. Jumbo Plumbing handles all of this as part of every sump pump installation.
When you book a sump pump installation or weeping tile disconnection with us, we will:
- Confirm which grant program applies to your property and situation
- Provide itemized cost estimates in the format required for your application
- Pull all required permits from the City
- Complete the installation to pass inspection
- Provide all documentation you need to submit your grant claim
We do not submit grant applications on your behalf — that is between you and the City — but we make sure you have everything you need to do it successfully.
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Ready to Install a Sump Pump?
Jumbo Plumbing installs sump pumps, disconnects weeping tiles, and installs backwater valves across St. Thomas, London, and Southwestern Ontario. We will make sure your installation qualifies for the municipal grant program and provide all the documentation you need to claim it.