PROTECTIVE PLUMBING PROGRAM (3P) Protect your home from sewer back-ups Call us to see if you are eligible for the program!
Program Overview Backwater Valves... Provide protection against backflow of sewage into the house. This allows for free flow of air and outflow of sewage. Backwater values must be approved for use under the Ontario Building Code. The Protective Plumbing Program (3P) was implemented in 2009 as part of the City s strategy to deal with basement flooding. The program provides the following financial assistance to residential property owners: A maximum of $2,000 in grant funds to undertake improvements that will help protect the home from basement flooding due to a sewer back-up. Backwater Valve Normally Open A maximum of $2,000 in an interest bearing loan in order to complete improvements that may be in excess of the $2,000 grant. Program availability continues to be subject to funding as determined by Hamilton City Council and may be discontinued at any time without notice. Property owner must contact three (3) drain repair or plumbing contractors who are qualified, insured and licensed to work in the City of Hamilton to obtain three (3) formal written quotes.
Under this program, property owners are required to have an assessment and closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection completed, and may then undertake one or more of the following three plumbing improvements: Installation of an approved backwater valve Installation of a new sump pit and pump in conjunction with an approved backwater valve Disconnection of downspouts The assessment and CCTV inspection are required in order to help ensure that the works undertaken are the most appropriate for the home, and that you receive the protection you need. All works with the exception of downspout disconnections must be completed by either a plumbing contractor, or a drain repair contractor who is licensed in the City of Hamilton. Backwater Valves... That are installed deeper than 2 feet below ground can be serviced with the installation of an Adapt-a- Valve which provides above ground access. Adapt - a - Valve
Protective Plumbing Program (3P) Who is Eligible for the Program? If you can answer yes to ALL of the following questions then you are eligible for the program. YES YES YES NO Is this a residential home? NO Do I own the home? NO Have I verified that this property has NOT received a 3P grant in the past? The 3P program provides a one-time grant of up to a maximum of $2,000 PER PROPERTY. If you purchased your home after October 1, 2009 it is important to verify with the City whether or not a grant was issued for your property in order to determine your eligibility. What costs will be Eligible for funding? A total of $2,000 may be applied to one or more of the works listed below. You may also apply for the City s 3P loan program for any of the following expenses that are in excess of the $2,000 grant. Installation of an approved backwater valve (Maximum $2,000) Installation of a NEW sump pit and pump in conjunction with an approved backwater valve (Maximum $2,000) Assessment and CCTV inspection (Maximum $500) Disconnection of downspouts (Maximum $40/downspout to a maximum of $200) The cost of a building permit required to do the work will be reimbursed in addition to the grant. who is eligible to complete these works? The assessment and CCTV inspection, installation of backwater valves or sump pumps in conjunction with backwater valves must be completed by: A Plumbing Contractor licensed to work within the City of Hamilton, meaning they have a valid City of Hamilton Master Plumber license and a valid City of Hamilton Plumbing Contractor License A Licensed Drain Repair Contractor, meaning they have both a Drain Installer Master s License and a Drain Repair Contractor s License When hiring a contractor you should ask to see their license and insurance and if possible references.
Will this prevent future flooding events? Causes of basement flooding vary greatly. This program is designed to help homeowners protect their basement from flooding due to sewer backups. There can be no guarantee that you will never experience basement flooding due to a sewer back up or for some other reason. By understanding what the flooding risks are for your specific home and what the recommended measures are to reduce those risks, you will be in the best possible position to make informed decisions on how to protect your home. Backwater valves have proven effective in reducing or eliminating basement flooding due to sewer backup when they are installed properly and maintained regularly. Since the Backwater Valve is a mechanical device it does require cleaning on a regular basis in order to function properly. It is always a good idea to discuss with your contractor what maintenance may be required as well as referring to the manufacturer s recommendations. 1 2 3 What is the process? Part 1 Call 905-546-4426 and speak to a Customer Service Representative to obtain a Service Request Number. The property owner will then be mailed the 3P package which will include an Application Form, Process Guide, Assessment Form, Building Permit Application Form, Loan Application Form and 3P Brochure. Property owner must contact three (3) drain repair or plumbing contractors who are qualified, insured and licensed to work in the City of Hamilton to obtain three (3) formal written quotes. Each quote must be signed by both the property owner and the contractor. Property owner must review, sign, and submit the three (3) signed quotes along with the completed Application Form to the City for review. The property owner is free to choose the contractor of their choice however the grant amount will be based upon the lowest quote submitted. A Confirmation Letter will be sent to the property owner, indicating the amount of the approved grant. Once you receive your Confirmation Letter, you may begin Part 2.
1 2 Part 2 Upon receiving the Confirmation Letter the property owner has six (6) months from the date on the letter to complete the work and submit all required documentation as stated in Step 4 to the City. If the information is not received within six (6) months the property owner will be required to reapply to the grant program. Have the contractor begin work. The approved grant amount may be used towards any combination of the eligible works as listed below. a) Have the contractor complete the Assessment Form and a closed circuit television (CCTV) video of the building s internal drainage system. (maximum $500 reimbursable) Required for all 3P grant submissions. b) Disconnection of downspouts ($40 per downspout for a maximum of $200 reimbursable) c) Installation of an approved backwater valve (maximum $2000 reimbursable) A Building Permit is required. d) Installation of a new sump pit and pump when installed in conjunction with an approved backwater valve (replacement of existing sump pumps are not eligible); (maximum $2000 reimbursable) A Building Permit is required. 3 4 If a backwater valve and/or sump pump have been installed a City inspection is required. Call (905) 546-3950 to schedule an inspection. The Property Owner must submit the following original documentation for reimbursement (no photocopies): a) Completed Assessment Form b) CCTV video (DVD) c) Original Building Permit and Receipt d) Original Contractor Invoice marked paid in full e) *Loan Application (*only if applicable) Please note: Reimbursement will be processed only when all required documentation has been submitted. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks from this time for your reimbursement to be processed. Please submit all documentation to: Protective Plumbing Program City of Hamilton 330 Wentworth Street North. Hamilton, ON L8L 5W2
NEED MORE INFO about the Protective Plumbing Program? Call our Customer Service Representatives Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30 905-546-4426 www.hamilton.ca/water PW-WW-CS-CE-V-011-001 Rev 5