By Hola America News
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines property owners can receive up to $1,500 toward eligible plumbing improvements designed to reduce sanitary sewer backups and keep excess water out of the sewer system.
The city’s Private Property Protection Program reimburses 100% of eligible materials and labor costs up to $1,500 per property. Qualifying projects include new backwater valves, certain sump pump installations or redirections, and disconnecting roof leaders from the sanitary sewer system.
The program applies to improvements at existing properties, not new construction. The property must be connected to the sanitary sewer system, and sewer user fees must be current.
City approval is required before work begins. Approved work must be completed by a licensed plumber under a City of Des Moines plumbing permit.
Des Moines will reimburse up to $1,500 of eligible costs
The subsidy covers 100% of the qualifying cost actually paid, up to a maximum of $1,500 per property.
For example, a qualifying $900 project could be reimbursed for up to $900. A qualifying project costing more than $1,500 would still be limited to the $1,500 program maximum.
The reimbursement is paid after the approved work is completed and the required documentation has been submitted.
New sump pumps, backwater valves and drainage changes can qualify
Eligible projects include:
- New sump pump installation or redirection: The pump must carry water from foundation or area drains to a non-sanitary outlet such as a rain garden, storm sewer or ground surface.
- Roof leader disconnection: Downspouts or roof drainage can be disconnected from the sanitary sewer service.
- New backwater valve installation: A valve can be installed on the private sewer service to help protect the property when the public sanitary sewer system surcharges.
Replacing an existing sump pump by itself does not qualify for the subsidy. Work required by the city for another reason is also excluded.
The application must be approved before plumbing work begins
Property owners cannot complete the project first and then apply for reimbursement. The application must be submitted with an itemized estimate from a licensed plumber and a detailed description of the proposed work.
The city reviews the application and issues a pre-approval letter when the proposed work qualifies. Only after that approval can the licensed plumber begin the project.
Applications can be submitted to the Clean Water Program at 1700 Maury St., Des Moines, IA 50317-1046, or by email at [email protected].
Questions about the program can be directed to the Clean Water Program Office at 515-323-8165.
Applications are due June 1, 2028
The city must receive applications by June 1, 2028. Approved work must be completed by June 30, 2028.
After the work is finished, applicants must provide an itemized invoice, proof of payment, the plumbing permit number and a federal W-9 form. Final documentation is due no later than Aug. 31, 2028.
The city processes the reimbursement after the required documents have been received.
Properties that already received the maximum face a 10-year wait
A property that previously received the full program subsidy is not eligible for another subsidy until at least 10 years have passed since the previous payment. That restriction remains with the property even if ownership or use changes.
The program has existed in Des Moines for years, but the current eligibility period was extended through 2028. Recent heavy rain and basement flooding in central Iowa have renewed attention on measures that can reduce sewer-backup risk before another major rainfall event.
Related: Flood watch expired Aug. 15 across Des Moines and Quad Cities
The current Private Property Protection Program application includes the project requirements, deadlines and submission instructions for property owners seeking reimbursement.
The next major deadline is June 1, 2028, when applications must be received. No qualifying work should begin before the city issues its pre-approval.
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