EPCOR offers up to $800 toward the cost of installing a backwater valve in eligible Edmonton homes. Here's how it works as of 2026.
This guide summarizes EPCOR's published program. Details and funding can change at any time. Check EPCOR's Backwater Valve Subsidy page or email FloodPrevention@epcor.com before you rely on it.
Who qualifies?
Your home generally needs to meet all of these:
- Located in the City of Edmonton.
- Built before 1989.
- Separately serviced: a single-family home or duplex with its own sewer connection.
- No existing backwater valve.
- No previous subsidy paid for that address.
- Previous basement flooding from a sanitary sewer backup, or located in a neighbourhood with a history of flooding.
What you'll need to apply
- The City of Edmonton green inspection sticker showing the permit number.
- A paid invoice from a professional plumber that shows the model of valve installed and the company's City of Edmonton business licence or GST number, plus proof of payment.
- A completed Backwater Valve Subsidy Application Form from EPCOR.
Step by step
- Check eligibility against the list above.
- Hire a professional plumber. EPCOR doesn't keep an approved-installer list; any professional plumber can do the work. DIY installs don't qualify.
- Permit: the plumber gets a City of Edmonton plumbing permit.
- Installation and inspection: the valve is installed and the City inspector issues the green sticker.
- Pay and collect your invoice with the details above.
- Submit your documents to EPCOR (FloodPrevention@epcor.com) with the application form.
In 2026 EPCOR has said its pre-approval inspection step is suspended, so you don't need a Flood Prevention visit before installing. Subsidies are paid first-come, first-served while funding lasts, with no guarantee, so apply promptly after your inspection.
Free flood prevention check-up
EPCOR also offers a complimentary Flood Prevention Home Check-up, where an advisor looks at your downspouts, grading, sump and other drainage risks. Call EPCOR at 780-944-7777 or email FloodPrevention@epcor.com to see if you're eligible.
How much does a backwater valve cost?
Most Edmonton installations cost about $1,500–$3,500 before the subsidy, depending on how deep the sewer line is, the floor finish and access. With the full $800 subsidy, many homeowners pay roughly $700–$2,700. See backwater valve installation.
What a backwater valve won't do
It protects against sewage coming back up your sewer line. It does not stop groundwater seeping through walls or surface water from poor grading. Those need working weeping tile, a sump pump, downspout extensions and proper lot grading.