Financial assistance and public education available to help prevent basement flooding
To help protect the health and safety of employees, and contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community, Utilities Kingston is suspending non-critical programs and services, until further notice. The Preventative Plumbing Program has been suspended. If your existing application is being placed on hold, we will communicate with you directly. Applications can be submitted, but action will not be taken at this time.
For the ninth year, Utilities Kingston is offering the Preventative Plumbing Program for financial assistance and the Flood Facts public education campaign. These initiatives help residents prevent basement flooding and sanitary sewer back-ups in their homes and neighbourhoods.
Every neighbourhood is at risk of basement flooding, even if it’s never happened before. By offering education and financial assistance, we’re helping our customers adopt preventative measures that will reduce the likelihood of sewage backups and basement flooding in their neighbourhoods.
Financial assistance offered
Homeowners: get up to $3,000 through Utilities Kingston’s 2020 Preventative Plumbing Program. You may use the funds to install sump pumps, backwater sanitary valves and other eligible measures, including disconnection of illegal plumbing connections.
Participants benefit from a free in-home visit that provides advice to reduce the risk of basement flooding. Interested? Find details and an easy-to-use online application, email or call 613-546-0000.
Did you know? Since the Preventative Plumbing Program began in 2012, $3 million in financial assistance has helped nearly 2,000 Kingston homeowners, including with the removal of more than 200 illegal connections to the sanitary sewer.
Know your “Flood Facts” to prevent basement flooding
The Flood Facts public education campaign consists of a comprehensive information package (available online), and traditional and social media that offer residents a series of 18 “Flood Facts” that explain how to reduce the likelihood of sewer back-ups in your neighbourhood. These include the following:
- Having a plumber regularly inspect your sewer lateral.
- Disposing of kitchen fats, oils and greases (FOGs) in your Green Bin and not down your drain. TIP: Utilities Kingston, in partnership with Kingston Fire & Rescue and City of Kingston, is offering free, fully-compostable FOG cups to local residents.
- Checking your sump pump and sanitary backwater valve for proper operation and following the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
- Ensuring your downspouts are clear of debris so water routes safely away.
- Reducing your use of water on rainy days.
See Utilities Kingston’s “Flood Facts” for more tips to help reduce the risk of basement flooding.