What happens when raw sewage rises through your basement’s floor drains? Slow drip leaks from faucets or drains beneath a sink are one thing (and easily remedied). Backwater valve installation is the only way to solve the significant issue when you flush a toilet upstairs, emptying it into the downstairs toilet.
The Significance of Backwater Valves
If the main sewer line backs up and overflows, a backwater valve will stop water from backing up into your basement. The possibility of a water backup issue in your basement exists whenever there is a sudden downpour.
Moreover, imagine your basement is filled with sewage, which would damage everything it touches. This valve would instantly close when sewage starts to back up from the main sewer line, saving you from incurring unnecessary losses and preventing your hard work from going down the drain. A backwater valve will prevent sewage from backing up into your house.
Is a Backwater Valve a Necessity?
The building and plumbing codes require backwater valve installation for residents of the City of Ottawa. According to the City of Ottawa, backwater valves must be installed in all newly constructed single-family, semi-detached row houses, and townhomes. Some insurance providers might demand documentation of a backwater valve before providing coverage.
Ottawa is one of the Ontario cities that provides subsidies to aid with the expenses. The Home Protective Plumbing Program of the City of Ottawa offers financial support for installing safety plumbing fixtures such as backwater valves, weeping tiles, sump pumps, and storm prevention equipment. Your property qualifies for backwater valves under this rebate program as long as it was constructed before January 1, 2012.
Best Location to Install Your Backwater Valve
The backwater valve needs to be set up in your basement and connected to the main sewer line where it exits your home. It can be in your front or back yard, depending on where the city sewer pipes are positioned.
What Is the Mechanism Underlying a Backwater Valve’s Operation?
The backwater valve uses a one-way flap to stop sewage flow. When a valve is closed, water cannot leak into your house. Hence, significant issues like floods and sewage backup are avoided.
A backwater valve may be necessary for those whose homes are prone to flooding or have basements. Also, if you reside in a region where severe weather occurrences, such as flash floods or snowstorms, are common, consider adding a backwater valve.
Most of the time, grease and oil buildup can clog a sewer line. A backwater valve is quite helpful in this situation to prevent sewage from backing up into your home even if your sewer line becomes clogged.
How Can You Determine Whether Your House Has a Backwater Valve?
Backwater valves are typically put in the basement level, near where the drain piping exits the house.
The location of the house drains can vary depending on whether the residence is on a corner lot. Since the plumbing runs in the same trench, the main water valve and water meter are typically close to one another.
Backwater valves might be concealed because they are typically located in boxes with covers and might be disguised by carpets, boxes, or any floor finishings that might be laid down in the vicinity. The box cover should be approximately 10 by 14 inches in size. Another way of finding out if you have it is by checking your house inspection report, in case you have one.
What Will Your Home Insurance Provider Want to Know?
Suppose your property is situated in an area where there is a significant chance of water backup. In that case, your home insurance company may want to know if a backwater valve has been installed.
The existence of a backwater valve may impact your house insurance premiums. You might even need to install one to be covered for any damage caused by a water backup by some house insurance companies. Both you and your insurance company value keeping your house dry and secure.
The price of installing a backwater valve may be far less than the cost (and hassle) of fixing the damage a water backup has caused to your home and valuables.
