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Downspout Disconnection Program

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Page Summary

In the event of heavy rainfall, downspouts that are connected to the Region's sanitary sewer system (in the ground) can increase the risk of basement flooding.

Other Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidies

About downspouts

Downspouts are the pipes connected to your eavestroughs that collect water from your roof and direct it to the ground or to a drain below ground. 

Why is it important to disconnect downspouts?

Downspouts that discharge into the ground and empty into the wastewater system (sanitary sewer) can directly contribute to basement flooding by overloading the wastewater system with rain water during heavy rainfall.  

It is important to ensure all downspouts discharge overland, a suitable distance from the house foundation. Disconnecting downspouts can significantly reduce the amount of rainwater that gets into the sewer system, which will reduce the risk of sewer backup and basement flooding.

Connected downspout

A downspout that is attached to your house and enters into the ground.

Disconnected downspout

A downspout that is attached to your house and discharges to the lawn or other permeable surfaces at a suitable distance away from the outside wall.

Diagram animating the differences between a direct connection of the downspout and weeping tile to the sanitary serwer system increasing potential for basementflood and one discharging rainwater to the lawn or other surface. Weeping tile is disconnected in this example and a sump pump forces water away.

Financial support

Halton Region’s Downspout Disconnection Subsidy covers 100% of costs incurred for materials and invoiced contractor labour charged to disconnect downspouts, up to a maximum of $500.

Eligibility criteria

  • This is a one-time subsidy per property.
  • The residence where the work is undertaken must be located in Halton Region.
  • The residence where the work is undertaken must have municipal wastewater services (not on a septic system).
  • All work must have been completed after July 1, 2016 – any work completed on or before July 1, 2016, is not eligible for this subsidy.
  • Please review the full Terms and Conditions in the subsidy application form before beginning work to disconnect your downspouts.

Application requirements

Application must include:

  1. Before and after photos of the downspouts pre and post disconnection.
  2. A sketch that marks the approximate location around your home of each disconnected downspout. An example sketch is shown on page 4 on the application form.
  3. Number of downspouts that have been disconnected as part of this application, and number of downspouts, if any, that remain connected.
  4. Itemized invoice showing paid in full, specifically listing any materials and labour (if performed by a contractor*), and identifying specifics of each component of repair/work. This is especially important if you are applying for more than one subsidy.  
  5. *If the work is completed by the homeowner and not a paid contractor, include receipts for materials only.

Please note: If the work is performed by the homeowner, labour and travel costs incurred by the homeowner are not included in the downspout disconnection subsidy.

Invoice Requirements

Invoice MUST include:

  • Details of work completed.
  • Itemized specific costs to determine eligible costs, such as CCTV videos, inspections and specifics about repair/installation (examples: spot repair, backwater valve installation and building permit).
  • Shows that the invoice is paid in full.

View example invoice (PDF file)

Apply to the program

  1. Download the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program application form (PDF file) and the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program waiver form (PDF file) .
  2. Submit completed Application Form and Waiver along with the required documentation, electronically. Ensure submission completeness by following the Check List included on page 3 of the Application Form. Errors or omissions will delay approval of the subsidy.
  3. Scan and email your completed submission to basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca
  4. Upload larger files, such as CCTV video, to our online Dropbox platform (external link)

For assistance with using Dropbox

Please see Dropbox instructions and example below:

Where Dropbox requests “Your Email”

Insert Applicant’s email address

Where Dropbox requests “Subject”:

Insert Applicant’s last name, followed by address

Where Dropbox requests “Message”

Insert brief description of each file you are attaching such as "Invoice"

Where Dropbox requests “Password”

This is not a required field.   If you do create and include a password for your Dropbox account, please email the password to basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca to allow staff to view and process your submission.  Without the password, staff cannot view your Dropbox files.

Where Dropbox requests “Expire Date”

This is not a required field.  If you add an expiry date, it will prevent Halton staff from seeing the file past the expiry date.

Where Dropbox requests Recipient “Email”

Please insert the following email address: basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca

See Dropbox online form example

Additional options for subsidy submission include the following:

  • Mail to:
    Halton Region Public Works
    c/o Water and Wastewater Program Ambassador
    Woodlands Operations Centre
    1179 Bronte Road, Oakville, ON L6M 4G3
  • Drop off in person:
    Place submission in the black mail box located in front of the sliding doors at the main entrance to Halton Regional Centre, located at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville (Google Maps link) 

Note: Woodlands Operations Centre is currently closed to the public.

drop box location in front of HRC

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