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Frequently Asked Questions

Bathroom Fixture Rebate Program Here are some answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Why has Port Coquitlam's Bathroom Fixture Replacement Rebate Program been modified?
The Bathroom Fixture Replacement Rebate Program has been modified to remain inline with updates to the BC Building Code which take effect on October 4, 2010. The new updates will require that HETs be installed during any new construction or renovation project.

As of October 4, 2010, only HETs will be accepted under the Bathroom Fixture Replacement Rebate Program. Receipts for 6.0 litre/flush models will only be accepted if the purchase date is prior to October 4, 2010.
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What are high-efficiency (HET) and dual-flush toilets?
High-efficiency toilets (HETs) have a maximum flush volume of 4.8 litres. Dual-flush toilets are classified as HETs because the number of small flushes (up to 4.1 litres) to full flushes (up to 6 litres) work out to provide an average flush that is less than 4.8 litres. HETs use at least 20 percent less water than the 6 litre models.

The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) provides a listing of HET models in their publication Maximum Performance Testing of Popular Toilet Models (MAP Report) which can be obtained at the link provided below.

Canada Water and Wastewater Association - Free Publications
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How are HETs different from regular toilets?
The main difference is water use. Toilets account for about one-third of the water used in an average home, and older models use 13-20 litres per flush. Over the course of a year, that’s 36,000 more litres than a HET model.

The difference in function is negligible. The newer HETs have also been reengineered to include steeper bowl sides, shallower traps and smaller siphon outlets to reduce clogs and perform more efficiently and effectively. They’re priced similarly to regular toilets and they’re installed in the same manner.

As well, because they feature a smaller tank, HETs also take up less space in your bathroom.
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What is the waste removal threshold?
The waste removal threshold is the grams of solid waste removed from a toilet in a single flush. HETs are available with a variety of waste removal thresholds ranging from 250 to 1000 grams. The Bathroom Fixture Replacement Rebate Program requires a minimum waste removal threshold of 500 grams to ensure the toilet will function as designed.

The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) provides a listing of waste removal thresholds for various toilet models in their publication Maximum Performance Testing of Popular Toilet Models (MAP Report) which can be obtained at the link provided below.

Canada Water and Wastewater Association - Free Publications

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How can simply switching my showerhead save me money?
If you’re still using a regular showerhead, a 10-minute shower can use up to 190 litres of water – water that you’ve paid to heat. Older showerheads generally use 15-19 litres or more of hot water per minute, compared to 9.5 litres per minute for low-flow, or aerating, models. In households with more than one person who shower daily, switching to a low-flow showerhead can add up to considerable savings of hot water.

In addition, low-flow showerheads get you just as clean, are affordable and are simple to install.
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What do I have to do to qualify for the rebate?

  1. First, ensure you meet the program requirements (see below).
  2. Fill out the rebate application – available on this site for download in PDF format, or at City Hall.
  3. Provide a copy of a receipt for each new fixture (both toilet and showerhead), dated after March 1, 2006 and specifying the manufacturer’s name and fixture’s model number.
  4. Drop off your old toilet, along with the application and receipts (or copies), at the City’s Operations Centre, 1737 Broadway Street, from Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. (Map and directions)

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What are the requirements for the Bathroom Fixture Replacement Rebate Program?

  • Port Coquitlam homeowners and property managers are eligible, but they must install both a toilet and showerhead in each applicable bathroom after March 1, 2006.
  • Only detached single-family dwellings constructed prior to September 30, 2005, are eligible. Industrial, commercial and other non-residential properties are not eligible at this time.
  • There is a maximum of two rebates per dwelling.
  • Toilets must be CSA or Warnock Hersey certified, be a HET model, and have a minimum waste removal threshold of 500 grams.
  • Showerhead flows must not exceed 9.5 litres/minute.
  • Applicants must drop off their old toilets and the rebate application at the City’s Operations Centre (1737 Broadway Street).
  • Copies of receipts from the purchases must be submitted with the application.

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Do I need a special permit to change my toilet?
No, a simple toilet replacement in Port Coquitlam does not require a permit. Further, toilets can be replaced by either the homeowner in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, or a licensed plumber.
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Can I keep my old toilet?
No, one of the purposes of this program is to remove higher flushing toilets from homes and not allow them to be introduced back into circulation.
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Can I receive a rebate for a toilet that I replaced several years ago?
Only toilets purchased and installed after March 1, 2006 are eligible for a rebate.
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Is there a time limit to the rebate?
Rebates are available on a first-come first-served basis, until the rebate fund account is spent or the end of the program.
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When will this rebate apply to businesses?
The City recognizes the water savings that could be realized from a similar program for non-residential properties. This program may be expanded in the future.
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How do I know if my toilet uses more than 4.8 litres per flush?

  1. The flush volume of your toilet is printed on the inside of the tank, on a tank label, on the back of the bowl, or on the flush valve.
  2. Measure the length (cm) X width (cm) X depth (cm) of the tank. Example: 33 cm X 19 cm X 22 cm = 13,794 cm3, or 13,794 ml, or 13.794 litre per flush volume.
  3. The flush volume on your toilet may correspond to the age of your home.
    • Houses older than 15 years = toilets use 20 litres or more per flush.
    • Houses from 5-15 years old = toilets use 13 litres per flush.
    • Houses 0-5 years old = typically use 6 or 13 litres per flush.

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Does anybody check the toilet installation?
The City of Port Coquitlam reserves the right to arrange an inspection of your newly installed low-flush toilet and low-flow showerhead.
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Why is water conservation important?
One important reason is that it takes energy and money to treat the water which we use in our showers and toilets. These costs are inevitably passed down to the consumer as they are included in utility bills. Energy is also required to heat water used in showers. By switching to a low-flow showerhead you reduce the amount of hot water needed and save yourself money. Another reason is to prevent the need for further expansions to our drinking water supply system so that our resources can be spent on improving our existing system and water quality.

Your annual utility bill is based on a “User-Pay” system which reflects the water use of your property. Residents who use more water will in turn have higher utility bills.

Saving water also helps the environment. Despite B.C.’s prevalent rainfall, there is a limited amount of drinking water available, especially during the summer season. The more water we use, the more is drained from our watersheds, which also serve as habitat to fish and wildlife.
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What is the deadline to submit the application to receive a rebate on my Utility Tax Bill?
Applications must be received and approved by February 1st in order to be included for that year's Utility Tax Bill.  Applications that have been approved after this date will be included on the following year's Utility Tax Bill.
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Where can I get more information?
Call 604.927.5420 or drop by the Engineering and Operations Department at City Hall, 2580 Shaughnessy Street.
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