Sump pumps and backwater valves in Orléans
Heavy spring melt and summer storms put a lot of water into Ottawa's sewers. When a sewer is overloaded, water can back up through floor drains into basements. Many Orléans homes were built before today's standards and don't have a backwater valve or a backup sump pump.
What each device does
- Sanitary backwater valve. A one-way valve on the sewer line that closes if sewage tries to flow back into your home.
- Storm backwater valve. Does the same job on the storm (foundation drain) connection, where the house has one.
- Sump pump. Collects groundwater from the weeping tile in a pit and pumps it away from the foundation.
- Battery backup. Keeps the sump pump running during a power outage, which is often exactly when storms hit.
City of Ottawa Residential Protective Plumbing program
The City offers rebates for new protective plumbing devices through the Residential Protective Plumbing program. According to ottawa.ca (checked Oct. 11, 2026):
| Device or work | Maximum rebate |
|---|---|
| Building permit (plumbing work only) | 100% of the current permit fee |
| Indoor sanitary or storm backwater valve | $1,000 |
| Outdoor storm backwater valve | $2,500 |
| Primary or secondary sump pump with battery backup, existing pit | $1,500 |
| Primary or secondary sump pump with battery backup and a new pit | $3,000 |
Key conditions the City lists:
- The property is a residential unit in the City of Ottawa.
- Built before January 1, 2004 for a storm backwater valve rebate, or before January 1, 2012 for a sanitary backwater valve rebate.
- The work is complete and the application received within 12 months of the building permit date.
- The City rebates the lesser of the maximum or the actual cost.
- Rebates are not available for maintenance, repair or replacement of existing devices.
- Funding is first come, first served, up to the City's annual budget (By-law 2025-89).
You apply with proof of ownership, the paid itemized invoice and permit documents. A building permit is required for installing these devices.
Sources: ottawa.ca, Residential Protective Plumbing program, By-law No. 2025-89, RPPP FAQ (PDF). Program details can change, so confirm on ottawa.ca/rppp before you start.
Typical price ranges (published sources)
HomeStars lists sump pump installation at $850–$2,350 Canada-wide, while Ottawa reviews report a much wider spread ($3,000 to $20,000, based on a small number of jobs) (HomeStars Canada, HomeStars Ottawa). These are typical ranges, not our prices. Backwater valves usually mean breaking the basement floor, so finished basements and pipe depth drive the cost.
Signs your home may need one
- Your basement has flooded or had a floor-drain backup before
- No visible backwater valve access cover near the main drain
- A sump pump with no battery backup, or one that is 7–10+ years old
- Your street floods during heavy storms
Get a personal quote from photos
Send us:
- A photo of the main floor drain and the area around it
- A photo of the sump pit (lid off) and pump, if you have one
- The approximate year your home was built (helps with rebate eligibility)
A licensed plumber reviews every request and replies with a personal quote. No automatic estimates and no obligation. This is a small pilot, so we can't promise a response time.