🎉 Great News for Plano Homeowners!
The Great Update Rebate is a real, active City of Plano program that can give you up to $5,000 per year toward cast iron pipe replacement and other home improvements. Here's everything you need to know.
What is the Great Update Rebate?
The Great Update Rebate is a City of Plano program launched in 2014 to help homeowners maintain and improve older homes. With very little land available for new construction, Plano's City Council decided to invest in keeping existing neighborhoods thriving.
The program provides:
- Up to $5,000 per year in rebates
- 25% back on exterior improvements (including plumbing)
- 10% back on interior improvements
- $1.5 million allocated for the program citywide
Since 2014, Plano homeowners have invested over $6.9 million into their homes through this program, with approximately 260 homeowners participating in recent years.
Does the Great Update Rebate Cover Cast Iron Pipe Replacement?
Yes! Cast iron pipe replacement qualifies as an exterior improvement, making you eligible for the 25% rebate rate. Here are the specific plumbing projects that qualify:
✅ Covered Plumbing Projects
- Sewer line repair or replacement (including cast iron to PVC)
- Water line repair or replacement
- Underground pipe leak remediation
- Exterior lead or galvanized steel pipe replacement
- Cast iron drain line replacement (exterior portions)
Real World Example
| Project | Cost | Rebate (25%) |
|---|---|---|
| Full sewer line replacement | $20,000 | $5,000 |
| Cast iron to PVC conversion | $26,000 | $5,000 (capped) |
| Water line + sewer line | $35,000 | $5,000 (capped) |
Note: Even though 25% of $26,000 is $6,500, the maximum annual rebate is capped at $5,000.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Great Update Rebate, you must meet ALL of these criteria:
Property Requirements
- Location: Must be within City of Plano limits
- Home Age: 30 years or older
- Property Type: Single-family home, duplex, townhouse, or condo
- Maximum Value: ≤ 85% of FHA single-family mortgage limit for Collin County
- 2024 FHA limit: $563,500 × 85% = $478,975 max property value
Owner Requirements
- Owner-occupied — no rental, vacant, or tenant-occupied properties
- Current on property taxes
- Current on homeowners insurance
- Ownership documented with County Appraisal District
Project Requirements
- Minimum investment: $20,000 OR 10% of appraised market value (whichever is less)
- Completion deadline: 4 months from start date (extensions available case-by-case)
- Must result in a livable unit
Use the City of Plano Eligibility Map to verify your address qualifies before investing time in the application.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
⚠️ CRITICAL: Apply BEFORE Starting Work!
Do NOT begin any work, make deposits, or purchase materials before receiving your official "Notice to Proceed" letter. Projects started before approval are automatically disqualified.
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Check the Eligibility Map
- Confirm your home is 30+ years old
- Verify your property value is under the maximum
- Ensure you're current on taxes and insurance
Step 2: Get Contractor Bids
- Get written estimates from licensed contractors
- Ensure bids meet minimum project threshold ($20,000)
- Verify contractors are familiar with the rebate program
- Note: Many Plano plumbers know this program well
🔧 Need a contractor estimate for your application?
Connect with Plano/Dallas-area plumbers familiar with the Great Update Rebate.
Find Plano-Area Plumbers →Step 3: Complete Application Package
Download the Great Update Rebate Application (PDF) from the City of Plano website.
Required documents:
- Completed application form
- Proof of property ownership (from County Appraisal District)
- Current property appraisal showing market value
- Formal bid/estimate from your contractor
- Proof of current taxes and insurance
Step 4: Submit and Wait for Approval
- Submit complete application to City of Plano
- Wait for review and approval
- Receive your Notice to Proceed letter
- ONLY THEN can you start the project
Step 5: Complete Project and Request Rebate
- Complete all work within 4 months
- Keep all invoices and receipts
- Submit completion documentation
- Receive your rebate check (typically within weeks)
Stack Multiple Plano Rebates for Maximum Savings
The Great Update Rebate is just one of several programs Plano offers. You can potentially combine multiple rebates for the same project:
Additional Plano Plumbing Rebates
| Program | Maximum Rebate | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve) Rebate | Up to $500 (50% of cost) | Home built before Jan 1, 2013 |
| High Efficiency Toilet Rebate | Up to $225 (3 toilets) | Home built 1994 or earlier |
| Rain/Freeze Sensor Rebate | Up to $75 | City of Plano water account |
Example: Maximizing Your Savings
If you're doing a complete plumbing overhaul in Plano, you could potentially receive:
- Great Update Rebate: $5,000
- PRV installation: $500
- 3 efficient toilets: $225
- Total potential rebate: $5,725
What the Great Update Rebate Does NOT Cover
Be aware of these exclusions:
❌ Ineligible Improvements
- New pools, hot tubs, spas, water features
- Most landscaping (except case-by-case approval)
- Sprinkler systems without smart controllers
- Detached structures (ADUs, garage enclosures)
- Improvements covered by condo HOA
- Carports and similar exterior additions
❌ Ineligible Properties
- Rental properties
- Investment properties
- Vacant homes
- Homes less than 30 years old
- Properties over the maximum value threshold
Not in Plano? Other Texas Programs
If you're not in Plano, don't worry—other Texas cities have similar assistance programs:
Austin
- Austin Housing Repair Coalition: Grants up to $30,000 for major repairs
- Minor Home Repair Program: Smaller repairs for income-qualified homeowners
- Austin Energy Rebates: Water efficiency upgrades
Houston
- Homeowner Assistance Program: Repairs for low-income seniors and disabled residents
- CDBG Funding: Through Harris County Community Development
Dallas
- Dallas Housing Authority Programs: Income-qualified repairs
- CDBG Home Repair: Through city community development office
Statewide Options
- Texas Bootstrap Loan Program: Low-income family housing
- FHA 203(k) Loans: Roll repairs into mortgage refinance
- USDA Rural Development: Rural area housing repairs
See our complete guide to grants and financial assistance for cast iron pipe replacement →
🔧 Find Plano-Area Plumbers Who Know the Rebate Program
Connect with licensed specialists experienced with the Great Update Rebate application process. Get the documentation you need.
View Plano Companies → View Dallas CompaniesTips from Real Plano Homeowners
Based on Reddit discussions and homeowner experiences:
"You have to apply before starting on the project. Definitely check out Plano's website on the Great Update Rebate program first to get the necessary forms, info on eligibility, etc."
— r/plano Reddit user
"We just had In-House Plumbing come by today and sent us a reasonable estimate. They are more than familiar with Plano and thus, the rebate program."
— r/plano Reddit user
Pro Tips
- Work with experienced contractors who know the Plano rebate process
- Apply early — funding is limited ($1.5M city budget)
- Combine projects to maximize your $5,000 annual cap
- Keep meticulous records of all costs and receipts
- Ask about timeline extensions if needed — they're granted case-by-case
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the application process take?
Most homeowners report receiving their Notice to Proceed within 2-4 weeks. Plan accordingly when scheduling your contractor.
Can I apply every year?
Yes! You can receive up to $5,000 per 12-month period (from the date of your Notice to Proceed). Many homeowners tackle different projects each year.
Is this taxable income?
Consult a tax professional, but rebates for home improvements are generally not considered taxable income by the IRS.
What if my project costs less than $20,000?
The minimum is $20,000 OR 10% of your appraised value, whichever is less. So if your home is appraised at $150,000, your minimum project cost would be just $15,000.
Contact Information
City of Plano Neighborhood Services
- Website: plano.gov/930/The-Great-Update-Rebate
- Application: Download PDF Application
- Eligibility Map: Check Your Address
The Bottom Line
The Great Update Rebate is a legitimate, well-funded program that can save Plano homeowners real money on cast iron pipe replacement. With up to $5,000 back annually on exterior plumbing projects, it's worth the application effort.
Key takeaways:
- ✅ Real program since 2014 with $1.5M in funding
- ✅ Up to $5,000/year (25% of exterior projects)
- ✅ Cast iron pipe replacement qualifies
- ⚠️ Must apply BEFORE starting work
- ⚠️ Home must be 30+ years old and owner-occupied
If you're a Plano homeowner facing a $20,000+ cast iron pipe replacement, this rebate could save you $5,000. That's real money back in your pocket.
Related Articles
- Complete Guide to Grants for Cast Iron Pipe Replacement in Texas
- Does Insurance Cover Cast Iron Pipe Replacement?
- How to Finance Cast Iron Pipe Repair
- Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Cost by City
Last updated: February 2026. Information verified from official City of Plano sources. Always confirm current requirements directly with the city.
Find Plano Plumbers Who Can Help With Great Update Rebate
Connect with licensed Plano specialists experienced with rebate and grant programs. Many can help you navigate the application process to maximize your $5,000.
✓ All specialists are licensed & insured • ✓ Free estimates available