What is the Great Update Rebate in Plano, TX?

The Great Update Rebate is a City of Plano program started in 2014 that provides up to $5,000 annually in rebates to homeowners of older properties (30+ years) for home improvements including plumbing, roofing, siding, and foundation repairs. The program helps offset the financial burden of maintaining aging homes.

Can I use the Great Update Rebate for cast iron pipe replacement?

Yes! Exterior plumbing projects including sewer line repair/replacement, water line replacement, and cast iron pipe replacement qualify for the 25% rebate on exterior improvements. You can receive up to $5,000 toward these projects annually.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Great Update Rebate?

Your home must be: (1) located in Plano, TX, (2) 30+ years old, (3) owner-occupied (not rental), (4) current on taxes and insurance, and (5) have a market value at or below 85% of the FHA limit (approximately $479,000 for 2024). Single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, and condos qualify.

How much money can I get from the Great Update Rebate?

You can receive up to $5,000 per year. The rebate is calculated as 25% of exterior improvements and 10% of interior improvements. Minimum project cost is $20,000 or 10% of your home's appraised value, whichever is less.

Can I start my project before applying for the rebate?

NO - this is critical! You must apply and receive a 'Notice to Proceed' letter from the City of Plano BEFORE starting any work, making deposits, or purchasing materials. Projects started before approval are automatically disqualified.

How long do I have to complete my project after approval?

Projects must be completed within 4 months (some sources say 3 months) of the start date. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis if you can demonstrate legitimate need.

What other plumbing rebates does Plano offer?

Plano offers additional rebates: PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve) Rebate up to $500 (50% of cost), High Efficiency Toilet Rebate up to $225 (for up to 3 toilets), and Rain/Freeze Sensor Rebate up to $75. These can stack with the Great Update Rebate.

Is the Great Update Rebate available in other Texas cities?

No, the Great Update Rebate is specific to the City of Plano. However, other Texas cities have their own programs: Austin has the Housing Repair Coalition, Houston has the Homeowner Assistance Program, and Dallas offers similar assistance through CDBG funding. Check your city's website for local programs.

How do I check if my Plano address qualifies for the rebate?

Use the City of Plano's official Eligibility Map at planogis.maps.arcgis.com. Enter your address to verify your property meets age and value requirements. You can also contact the Neighborhood Services Department directly.

What documents do I need to apply for the Great Update Rebate?

You'll need: (1) completed application form, (2) proof of property ownership from the County Appraisal District, (3) current property appraisal value, (4) formal bid/estimate from your contractor, and (5) proof your property is current on taxes and insurance.

Plano Great Update Rebate: $5,000 for Pipe Replacement (2026)

🎉 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

⚠️ Check Your Eligibility First!

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 Companies

Tips 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.

Last updated: February 2026. Information verified from official City of Plano sources. Always confirm current requirements directly with the city.

Plano's Great Update Rebate: Get $5,000 for Cast Iron Pipe Replacement (2026 Guide)