What is a Backwater Valve?
A backwater valve is a valve that you can install on your sewer line and is intended to allow only one way out of your house to flow water or sewage. There is always a sudden heavy rainfall that can overwhelm the town sewer lines, causing water or sewerage flow back to home. If you have a backup sewer system and you have a backwater valve in place, sewage can not flow back into your house.
Prevent basement floods and sewer backflow with a backwater valve
Whenever a sudden downpour occurs, there is a danger that your basement may experience an issue with water backup. If clean rainwater backs up in your cellar, it is critical, but attempt to imagine dirty sewage flooding your cellar, destroying all it touches. Luckily, by installing a backwater valve, you can assist avoid this.
Backwater valve installation will help to protect your plumbing system against the backflow of water from sanitary and storm drain pipes. Drain pipes are at risk of having city sewer water back up the drain during times of flooding caused by such events like extreme weather conditions.
These sewer backups can not only be health hazards but are also at times a major disaster in terms of water damage, and can be very costly to repair. One of the most effective ways to prevent the problem of sewer backup is to install what is referred to as a mainline backwater valve; this is a valve that is specifically designed to protect your home against sewer back up through your drain pipe.
This is incredibly important as many homes that do not have this valve installed, and are in areas prone to flooding, experience regular basement floods. The installation of this valve can put a stop to basement flooding once and for all.
Does your home need a backwater valve installed?
We are often asked, “Do I need a backwater valve installation?” If your home is newly constructed there is a good chance that it has already had a backwater valve, as it is required now by law on all new houses. However, if you have an older home, then a high chance of not having one, especially if you experience flooding from your drain during stormy weather. We’ve had the opportunity to perform quite a few backwater valve installations in Toronto; we can assess your situation to determine if a valve will be a good decision for your home. A simple phone call to us and we can help you to determine if this is the case or not.
Only a fully licensed plumber should install a backwater valve as it is a process requiring a permit with the city. As of the writing of this page, the only approved backwater valve eligible to be installed in the Province of Ontario is the Mainline full port backwater valve.
We are extremely experienced in the installation of this reliable valve and if you have any questions about the process, whether you can have one installed or not, simply use our contact page and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.
Does the backwater valve need maintenance?
Regular maintenance is important and an annual inspection is recommended. It must be determined that all the parts of the valve are able to move freely and there are no obstructions or problems with the function of the valve. It may be necessary to clean out the valve to make sure that no debris is present or has accumulated inside. Again, we are highly experienced in the maintenance of backwater valves and can both assess the integrity and maintain these valves should you require these services.
Retrofit installation considerations
A building that requires a valve to be retrofitted will involve some labor. It is necessary to uncover the building’s sewer line which requires some excavation and removal of concrete around the area of installation. After the installation process has been completed the backwater valve must be accessible for future inspections so a removable cover will also be installed. Some manufacturers specify that the nearest branch connection upstream from the backwater valve should not be closer than 24” because of flow turbulence.
You may be eligible for a rebate on your valve installation
There exist rebates provided by the City of Toronto and the City of Vaughan to assist with the cost associated with some backwater valve installation. Should you be applying for this rebate we will assist you in claiming it and expedite the process by taking pictures, recording video, and providing all documentation necessary.
