Financial Assistance Programs for Plumbing Repairs, Services, and Upgrades in Hamilton
Maintaining a safe and functional home is crucial for the well-being of every homeowner. Unfortunately, plumbing issues can arise unexpectedly, leaving homeowners in Hamilton, Ontario, with the burden of costly repairs, services, or necessary upgrades.
However, there is good news! The City of Hamilton offers several financial assistance programs designed to support residents in addressing plumbing-related challenges. On this page, we will explore some of these programs, empowering homeowners to access the help they need to maintain their plumbing systems efficiently.
Ontario Renovates Program
The Ontario Renovates Program, funded by the provincial and municipal governments, aims to improve the accessibility and quality of housing for low and moderate-income homeowners.
This program offers financial assistance to eligible homeowners in Hamilton for necessary repairs, accessibility modifications, and energy efficiency upgrades. While the program does not specifically target plumbing repairs or upgrades, homeowners can use the funds for plumbing-related improvements within the broader scope of the program’s guidelines.
You may be eligible for Ontario Renovates homeowner assistance if:
- applicants must own and occupy the home, which requires work, as their sole and principal residence;
- maximum total household gross annual income at or below $60,000;
- the assessed value of the home must not exceed $300,000;
- the mortgage, property taxes, and home insurance must be paid up-to-date; with no arrears owing.
The Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Program provides homeowners with financial incentives for making energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. While primarily focused on energy-related improvements, the program does offer rebates for certain plumbing upgrades that contribute to water conservation and efficiency.
Upgrading to low-flow fixtures, installing water-saving appliances, improving insulation around pipes, or investing in rainwater harvesting systems can all be eligible for rebates, helping homeowners save money on both their utility bills and plumbing upgrades.
These homes DO NOT qualify for the program:
- Homes not space-heated by Enbridge Gas, where the owner is not the primary resident (rental units).
- Multi-unit residential buildings (MURB) with more than 3 storeys or larger than 600 m2.
- Homes built less than 6 months ago.
- Mixed use buildings where less than 50 percent of the building is residential living space.
- Homes that have already gone through the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) or Canada Greener Homes Grant (CGHG) programs and maxed out their incentive at $10,000 for Enbridge space-heated customers, and $5,000 for non-Enbridge customers.
- Homes that have already started work on the upgrades before they conduct their pre-retrofit energy assessment.
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Secondary/Garden Suites
If you own a secondary or garden suite in Hamilton and require plumbing repairs or upgrades, the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Secondary/Garden Suites (RRAP) can be an excellent resource.
This program provides forgivable loans to homeowners for eligible renovations, including plumbing repairs, aimed at improving the safety and habitability of secondary dwelling units. By accessing this program, homeowners can address plumbing issues in their secondary suites and ensure the well-being of their tenants.
Eligibility for this program requires:
- The existing home must meet all applicable zoning and building requirements.
- The suite’s tenant must have an income at or below the established limit which is based on the location of the community.
- The new unit must be for a senior or an adult with a disability.
The City of Hamilton Emergency Repair Program is designed to assist low and moderate-income homeowners who require immediate repairs to correct hazardous conditions within their homes.
While the program covers a broad range of emergency repairs, plumbing-related issues such as burst pipes, major leaks, or sewer backups are included. Through this program, eligible homeowners can receive financial assistance in the form of a forgivable loan or grant, helping them address urgent plumbing concerns promptly.
Eligibility
- You must be current recipients of Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- You must own a home in Hamilton that is their sole and principal residence with a Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) Tax Assessment valued at or below $330,000
- You must have confirmation of home insurance and be able to prove they have exhausted all insurance(s) and funding sources as a remedy for the emergency prior to applying to this program
- Your property must be registered in your name(s) and mortgage, property taxes, and utilities must be up-to-date
Ontario Electricity Support Program
The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) is a province-wide initiative that provides eligible low-income households with ongoing monthly credits to help reduce their electricity bills. While not specifically targeting plumbing repairs or services, this program indirectly assists homeowners by relieving some financial strain, allowing them to allocate their funds towards plumbing repairs or upgrades.
These Programs Are Meant To Help You!
The City of Hamilton Emergency Repair Program is designed to assist low and moderate-income homeowners who require immediate repairs to correct hazardous conditions within their homes.
While the program covers a broad range of emergency repairs, plumbing-related issues such as burst pipes, major leaks, or sewer backups are included. Through this program, eligible homeowners can receive financial assistance in the form of a forgivable loan or grant, helping them address urgent plumbing concerns promptly.
Eligibility
- You must be current recipients of Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- You must own a home in Hamilton that is their sole and principal residence with a Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) Tax Assessment valued at or below $330,000
- You must have confirmation of home insurance and be able to prove they have exhausted all insurance(s) and funding sources as a remedy for the emergency prior to applying to this program
- Your property must be registered in your name(s) and mortgage, property taxes, and utilities must be up-to-date
