A basement can be a very useful part of a home but can be prone to sewer backups. If there is heavy rainfall, this could cause the municipal sewer lines to overflow. This can cause a build-up of wastewater in your home’s drainage pipes. As a result, sewage can enter your basement through your drains, toilets and other plumbing. This can cause a lot of damage to your flooring and possessions, cause bad smells and can be costly to clean up. Choosing a backwater valve installation in Vaughan will protect your home by preventing wastewater from entering your plumbing system. If you have had basement flooding in the past or just want to prevent it from happening, learning more about how backwater valves work, installation process and how it can affect your home insurance can help you to make an informed decision.
What is a Backwater Valve
A backwater valve is a plumbing device that is installed onto your sanitary sewer line. Normally, the toilet, sink, shower and washing machine waste will escape via your drainage system and into the municipal sewers. The backwater valve simply allows this to happen. However, during heavy rainfall or if there is a blockage in the sewer system, you’ll notice wastewater travelling in the opposite direction. To help prevent it from entering your home, the flap inside the backwater valve will close. Once pressure returns to normal, the flap will open again, and normal drainage will occur.
Where Will My Backwater Valve Go?
A backwater valve is usually fitted to an easily accessible part of your sanitary sewer line. In most existing homes, this will be installed below your basement floor. It will depend on your plumbing setup and what you want to protect.
Having a backwater valve fitted in the correct place will protect your basement fittings connected to the sewer line however, it will not protect all your drains. A plumber will need to inspect your drainage system.
Why Do I Need A Backwater Valve In Vaughan?
During heavy rainfall and quick melting of snow, the pressure on the municipal sewers can increase. This can cause sewage to enter your home’s plumbing. If you have plumbing fittings in your basement, it is important to know why you would need a backwater valve. Here are 4 reasons why you may want to have a backwater valve fitted.
1. Heavy Rain Can Cause Pressure On Sewer Lines
During heavy rainfall, the municipal sewer system can become overwhelmed, causing pressure to increase on connecting sewer lines. This will cause wastewater to travel backwards. The backwater valve will shut to help prevent sewage from entering your basement.
2. Basement Drains Are More Likely To Be Affected
In most homes, the plumbing fittings in your basement will be the lowest point in your drainage system. This means your basement drains, toilets, and showers will be more likely to be affected.
Having a correctly installed backwater valve will help protect the fittings connected to the protected sewer line.
3. Older Sewer Lines Can Require Extra Protection
Homes that are older can have old connections, worn pipes and drainage issues. This can increase the chances of a backup. The backwater valve will not fix any damaged pipes or blockages but can offer extra protection from sewage travelling backwards.
4. Basement Repairs Can Be Costly
Sewage can contain many contaminants, making it more difficult to clean up.
Damage can occur to your carpets, drywall, insulation, furniture and electrical items. It may be necessary to have them professionally cleaned.
Signs Your Home In Vaughan May Need A Backwater Valve
If you’re experiencing some of these plumbing issues, then it may be time to take a closer look at your sewer system.
Your basement has flooded in the past – If sewage has backed up multiple times, it can show that your property may be prone to flooding.
- Gurgling drains – If your toilets and sinks are making unusual noises, it can show there is some issue with your drainage.
- Multiple slow drains – If multiple fixtures are draining slowly there may be an issue with your main sewer line.
- Bad smells – If you’re getting bad smells from your basement drains it can show there is an issue with your drainage.
- Water coming up your drains – This can be a sign you’re currently experiencing a sewer backup. This should be dealt with quickly.
These symptoms do not always mean you need a backwater valve installed. There may be an issue with your sewer line being blocked or damaged.
How Is A Backwater Valve Installed?
Installing a backwater valve in an existing home will involve gaining access to your sewer line and fitting the valve. Here are the key steps involved:
1. Inspect The Sewer Line
Your plumber will inspect your current drainage system. This includes your main sewer connection and basement fittings.
They may use a drain camera to see if there are any blockages, cracks or damage to your pipes. This will help them decide where to install the backwater valve.
2. Decide On The Correct Valve And Permits
Your plumber will decide on the correct valve to use based on your plumbing and Ontario Building Code requirements. They will also decide if you need a plumbing permit and if your home will need inspected by the municipality.
3. Gain Access To The Sewer Pipe
For a typical basement installation your plumber will mark where they will be working. They will cut into your concrete floor.
Carefully they will dig down to expose your sewer pipe. Giving them enough room to work.
4. Install The Backwater Valve
The correct section of piping will be removed and the backwater valve fitted. Your plumber will ensure it is installed in the correct direction, piping is connected and aligned correctly. They will also ensure there is an easily accessible inspection pit.
5. Test And Replace Floor
Your plumber will test the valve to ensure everything is working correctly. Once any inspections have been carried out they will refill the hole and replace your concrete floor. Ensure you have access to your cover.
Will A Backwater Valve Prevent All Flooding In The Basement?
A backwater valve will help prevent sewage entering your home. However, there are many ways water can enter your basement. This can include:
- Cracks in your basement walls and foundations.
- Bad landscaping.
- Basement windows and window wells.
- Pressure from groundwater around your foundations.
- Incorrectly directed downpipes.
- Depending on your property you may need extra protection.
Backwater Valve Subsidy In Vaughan
The City of Vaughan offer a Back-water Valve Subsidy Installation Program. This can help eligible homeowners to cover some of the costs of installation. Eligible homeowners can claim up to $750 towards approved costs. This can include:
- Backwater valve and materials.
- Qualified plumbing work.
- Applicable permits.
- Taxes on eligible work.
Please note this is subject to eligibility criteria set by the city and availability of funds. Please check the latest criteria to see what you can claim.
How Will A Backwater Valve Affect My Home Insurance?
Sewer backup insurance is an important part of your home insurance especially if you have a finished basement.
Unfortunately this is not always covered under a standard home insurance policy. Sewer backups can be an optional extra or have specific terms and conditions. However having a backwater valve can help in a few ways.
1. May Help You Claim For Sewer Backup
Some insurers will require extra measures to be in place to help protect against flooding. This is due to the property being seen as a higher risk.
A correctly installed backwater valve can help meet this requirement. Please check with your insurer to see what types of valves and documentation they require.
2. May Help Reduce Insurance Costs
Some insurers will take into account preventative plumbing measures. Having a backwater valve can help you qualify for a discount or may affect your coverage. However this is not guaranteed and can vary from insurer to insurer.
3. Helps Reduce Risk Of Damage
Sewer backups can cause damage to your flooring, furniture, walls and personal items.
Even if you have insurance to cover some of these items you may still have to pay a deductible, have limitations and pay for restoration. Having a backwater valve will help reduce the risk of this damage occurring by preventing sewage from travelling backwards in the protected pipe.
Please note that installing a backwater valve will not guarantee you will get insurance or a reduced rate. Please contact your insurer to see what coverage you have and if there are any requirements.
How Often Should I Service My Backwater Valve?
A backwater valve will need to be regularly inspected to ensure it is working correctly. Dirt, grime and blockages can build up around the flap, causing it not to shut correctly. Here are some basic tips.
- Book an annual inspection – Have a plumber come out to check the backwater valve and moving parts.
- Keep it clean – Prevent any blockages by keeping it clean.
- Check the flap – Look for any visible damage or sticking.
- Leave the inspection pit open – Do not permanently cover the inspection pit.
- Have it repaired if needed – Have a plumber come out to fix any leaks, damage or issues.
One thing to remember is that if the backwater valve closes during a sewer backup, you will not be able to drain wastewater from your home via the protected pipe.
Protect Your Basement With Backwater Valve Installation
Sewer backups can cause a lot of damage, especially if the wastewater gets into a finished basement. By having a correctly installed backwater valve, you will help protect your home by preventing sewage from travelling in the opposite direction. If you have had sewer backups in your home, older drainage connections or have plumbing fittings in your basement it is a good idea to have a professional inspection. Vaughan Plumbing & Sewer can inspect your existing sewer line, advise on the best valve for you and fit it to help protect your property. Contact Vaughan Plumbing & Sewer today to book a backwater valve inspection and get a clear estimate on installation.
