Utilities Kingston is offering the Preventative Plumbing Program for financial assistance and the Flood Facts public education campaign, following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives are intended to assist residents in preventing basement flooding and sanitary sewer back-ups in their homes and neighbourhoods.
Homeowners can receive up to $3,000 through Utilities Kingston’s 2022 Preventative Plumbing Program to fund the installation of sump pumps, backwater sanitary valves and other eligible expenses that include disconnecting illegal plumbing connections. Free in-home visits are also available to participants, providing advice to reduce the risk of basement flooding.
“Every neighbourhood is at risk of basement flooding, even if it’s never happened before. That’s why we’re pleased to resume this education and financial assistance program,” says Jim Miller, Chief Operating Officer of Utilities Kingston.
Community members interested in benefiting from these programs can go online to find details and an easy-to-use online application, email, or call 613-546-0000.
Some of the 18 “Flood Facts” provided in Utilities Kingston’s public education campaign, to reduce the likelihood of sewer back-ups in your neighbourhood, include:
- 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
Since its launch in 2012, the Preventative Plumbing Program has provided $3 million in financial assistance to help almost 2,000 Kingston homeowners, including with the removal of more than 200 illegal connections to the sanitary sewer.
See Utilities Kingston’s Flood Facts for more tips to help reduce the risk of basement flooding.
