02 Nov What is a backwater valve?

What is a backwater valve?

Do you have a backwater valve in your basement? Have you ever wondered what exactly a backwater valve is? in this article we are going to clarify what a backwater valve is and why you might need one.

The backwater valve is a device that allows water to flow in one direction from your home to the sewer. If any water attempts to flow back towards the backwater valve the device will completely shut down to protect your home allowing no sewage to be able to flow back into your home. In simpler words a backwater valve is a device that lets sewage flow in one direction while not letting it flow backwards. No-one ever expects their sewage water to flow backwards! But it can happen. The most common reason for backflow  is blockages somewhere in the city drain along with surrounding neighbors who continue to use their water systems particularly the ‘out’ pipes to sanitation. The water has nowhere to go and pipes start to fill up due to gravity basements tend to be the first victim when it comes to backflow! Another common occurrence is during and after heavy rain falls making public drainage and sewage systems become over whelmed hence filling and backing up the pipes causing your basement to flood. A backwater valve WILL NOT fix your drains and cannot do their job and save your home from backups if drains have shifted, collapsed, there are tree roots intrusion, or grease deposit in the home drains.

Do you already have a backwater valve in your basement installed?

Majority of our customers are unaware if they have backwater valves installed on their house drains, especially new home owners. Typically backwater valves are installed inside basements as it is much easier to clean, repair, and maintain. Regarding plumbing codes it is the last device on any drain system just before the drain pipe leaves the home. Usually you will find the backwater valve just before the foundation wall in the basement the device should have an access lid but might be covered by hardwoods or tiles. Additionally, backwater valves could be installed outside as well.

If you make the decision to get a backwater valve installed the first thing your plumber should do is a camera drain inspection to locate the pipe and mark the spot where the device should be installed. Then your plumber would apply for city permit, arrange an inspection and once cleared they can proceed with the work. Normally it takes one day, but sometimes due to soil conditions, accessibility of the spot where back water valve is to be installed it may take two days.

A backwater valve will protect your home and won’t let storm waters together with sewage water enter your basement. Now one might understand why installing such a device is a good move, especially with the weather changes over recent years, heavy downpours in short period of time becomes more and more common.

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