Backwater Valve Repairs
One of the more severe and unexpected occurrences is a house flooding. Throughout the seasons, there are a number of times that your home is exposed to a flood, this is especially true if your basement has no protection. With an unprotected basement, a single rainstorm can result in a house flooding, due to water backing up into your home. This water backup is the result of the city’s sewer lines being filled up, meaning that the water has nowhere to go except back towards your home. There is a solution for this, which comes in the form of a backwater valve.
What is a backwater valve?
A backwater valve is a water backup prevention device that stops water from re-entering your property during heavy rainfalls. The device uses its valve which has a flap to direct water out of your home. This means that wastewater cannot enter your property and it is forced away from your home. The valve works its magic when your main sewer line has an overflow of water. Flotation devices on the valve make it open and close to allow water to leave your home without backing up. Once your main sewer line is no longer full, the valve opens up and allows the water to flow normally.
The backwater valve is one of the best devices to prevent water from backing up into your home. It also works with a number of home appliances such as your sinks and toilets, to redirect water backup. The valve can be easily monitored as it has a clear cover to check if it is working correctly. The valve can also be manually adjusted through its transparent cover if it is required to do so.
How does the installation process work?
Installing a backwater valve is a simple process. The valve is installed directly onto your sewer line, so that it can direct water and sewage to and away from your home. In rare cases, the valve may be installed on the outside of a home, using a special support pipe in the installation. Many of the newer homes already contain a backwater valve or they can be installed into your home. The retrofitting process is significantly more expensive than initially installing a valve, as retrofitting can cost up to $2000 while initial installation will only cost $150-250.
Many newly constructed homes require the installation of a backwater valve, however there are some exceptions. If your home is 24” above the nearest sewer manhole, then backwater valve installation is not required for your home, as you are not susceptible to street-level flooding.
Before you install a valve you need to:
- Research if you need any municipal permits for valve installation
- Ensure that your drain and downspouts do not connect to weeping tiles and the sanctuary sewer near your home
- Make sure that your home’s drain and downspouts are not connected to any weeping tiles or sewer
- Contact Crystal Drain & Plumbing to determine if backwater valve installation is needed for your home
- Unless you are a trained professional, do not attempt to install the valve on your own
- Disconnect any eavestroughs that may be connected to your sewer system and drain them away from your home
To install a backwater valve following the initial construction of your home, you will need a municipal plumbing permit. Our team will be able to provide you with the backwater valve installation once you have obtained this permit. The valve itself will be installed directly on your basement’s sewer line to stop water from backing up once the main sewer line is overwhelmed. The plumber will dig into the main sewer line from the main floor drain. After this, they will cut a piece of the sewer line and place the valve into it. The valve will then be ready for immediate use to prevent water backup.
To install a backwater valve for your home today, contact Crystal Drain and Plumbing today!
How often should I check on my backwater valve?
Even after a single rainfall, your backwater valve can absorb a significant amount of debris. To maintain the performance of your backwater valve, you perform routine checkups on it every 2-3 months. Here are some steps you can follow to inspect and clean out your backwater valve:
- Remove the cleanout plug and get a close look of the top of the valve.
- Use a flashlight to investigate any debris buildup in the valve.
- With a scrubber and other cleaning supplies, clean out your valve.
- Investigate the condition of the o-ring and replace it if it is worn out.
- Check if the gate of the valve is opening and closing correctly.
- Once you are done, you can reattach the cleanout plug.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your backwater valve remains in effective working condition.
Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program
With the unpredictability of the weather, a heavy rainstorm could strike at any time. Luckily, The City of Toronto has created a subsidy program for the installation of flood prevention devices. The program provides single-family, duplex or triplex residential home owners with subsidies of up to $3400 for the installation of flood prevention devices.
The subsidies that include backwater valves are:
- Installation of Backwater Valves: 80% of invoiced costs, up to $1250 provided in subsidies
- Installation of Backwater Valves and Sump Pump: 80% of invoiced costs, up to $2800 provided in subsidies
What should I do if my backwater valve breaks down or stops working?
If you maintain your backwater valve with checkups and cleanouts every 2-3 months, your backwater valve is unlikely to malfunction. However, Crystal Drain & Plumbing will provide you with reliable installation and inspection service of your backwater valve. If you have any questions or are experiencing any issues with your backwater valves, we recommend that you contact us.
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Backwater Valve
According to Toronto building code, new buildings need backwater valves installed. In fact, Crystal Drain & Plumbing can get it done!
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