Durham and Pickering Flood Protection Programs

Why this matters in Pickering

Pickering has lakeshore and creek-side streets where sanitary sewers can surcharge in extreme rain. Municipalities across Ontario, including in Durham Region, have offered grants or rebates at various times for protective plumbing such as backwater valves, sump pumps and downspout disconnection. The amounts, eligibility rules and paperwork change, so treat any figure you have heard second-hand as out of date until you confirm it.

Sewer backup coverage is typically an add-on rather than a fixed feature of a standard policy.

Slips worth avoiding

• Starting work before checking whether pre-approval is required
• Assuming last year's amount still applies
• Losing the inspection record
• Installing a valve without a permit, which can disqualify the claim and cause trouble with your insurer

Insurance alongside the subsidy

Sewer backup coverage is typically an add-on rather than a fixed feature of a standard policy. Sewer backup and home insurance explains what to ask. For immediate steps during a flood see what to do when your basement floods.

Time to ring a plumber

If you have had water from the floor drain, or you live on a low street near the lake or a creek, a backwater valve installation is the main protective step. We can explain the work, arrange the permit, and give you the paperwork any program asks for.