How much is the EPCOR subsidy?

Up to $800 toward an interior or exterior backwater valve, paid by cheque after you apply.

Do I need EPCOR's pre-approval inspection first?

Not right now. EPCOR has suspended the pre-approval inspection requirement until further notice. Every other rule still applies.

Is the subsidy guaranteed?

No. Subsidies depend on available funding and are first come, first served.

EPCOR Backwater Valve Subsidy: Step by Step

Q: What about Sherwood Park?

Strathcona County rebates up to 50% of backwater valve supply and installation, to a maximum of $1,200, for eligible homes built before 1989.

EPCOR pays up to $800 toward a backwater valve for eligible Edmonton homes. Install an eligible model with a professional plumber, pass the City of Edmonton inspection, then apply with your sticker, invoice and form. EPCOR’s pre-approval inspection is suspended for now. In Sherwood Park, Strathcona County has its own rebate of up to $1,200.

Is it worth it?

A backwater valve stops sewage from backing up into your basement through the floor drain. Backwater valves were not required in Edmonton homes built before 1989, so many older homes don’t have one. Many insurers now require a backwater valve for sewer backup coverage.

Who’s eligible

EPCOR’s program targets Edmonton homes that:

were built before 1989,
have had basement flooding from sanitary sewer backup, or
are in areas with previous neighbourhood flooding.

The home must also be separately serviced (a single-family home or duplex), must not already have a backwater valve, and must not have received the subsidy before.

The steps

1. Hire a professional plumber

EPCOR requires a professional plumber to install the valve.

2. Use an eligible valve model

Only these models qualify:

Adapt-a-Valve
Branch Line
Fullport
Retrofit
Top Check Fullport

Confirm the model with your plumber before installation.

3. Pass the City of Edmonton inspection

You need the City’s green inspection sticker, which shows the permit number.

4. Apply to EPCOR

Email EPCOR’s Flood Prevention team (the address is on EPCOR’s subsidy page) with:

a copy of the City of Edmonton green inspection sticker with the permit number,
the paid installation invoice, showing the valve model and the plumber’s business licence or GST number, and
the completed subsidy application form.

EPCOR pays the subsidy by cheque. Subsidies depend on available funding, first come, first served, with no guarantee.

About the pre-approval inspection

EPCOR used to require a pre-approval inspection before installation. That requirement is suspended until further notice. Check EPCOR’s page before you start in case it returns.

Strathcona County (Sherwood Park)

Strathcona County rebates up to 50% of backwater valve supply and installation, to a maximum of $1,200, for single-family homes or separately serviced side-by-side duplexes built before 1989 and served by the County’s sewer system. One rebate per location.

Get permits from the County’s Planning and Development.
Have the valve installed.
Get the plumbing inspection.
Mail or fax the rebate form with your purchase receipt and a copy of the plumbing permit.

Details are on the County’s rebate page.

Other towns

We didn’t find published backwater valve rebates for St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Leduc, Beaumont or Fort Saskatchewan. The City of Fort Saskatchewan recommends that homeowners without a valve consider installing one, and suggests asking your insurer whether it changes your premium. Check with your municipality before booking work.

After it’s installed

In Edmonton, homeowners are responsible for the sewer line on their property, including the backwater valve. Check it periodically following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Ready to book? See backwater valve installation.

Edmonton Backwater Valve Subsidy, Step by Step