Knowledge Builders

what is a backwater prevention valve

by Minerva Green Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What is a backwater prevention valve? A backwater valve is a backflow prevention device used to prevent outbound water through a dwelling's drain pipes from re-entering -- "back flowing"—into a home. The valve contains a flap that allows water to exit the home, but closes to prevent the back flow into the home.

The backwater valve is designed to automatically shut to prevent leakage out of the plumbing fixture if sewage from an obstructed public sewer backs up the owner's drain line.

Full Answer

What should you know about the backwater valve?

The cost to retrofit a backwater valve can range from $1,000 to $2,000. There are subsidies available in some municipalities to assist with the installation of backwater valves. See the links at the end of this article. The risk of water backup increases if there is a basement in your home, or if the ground floor is less than a foot above ...

How much does a backwater valve cost?

A backwater valve is a backflow prevention device used to prevent outbound water through a dwelling's drain pipes from re-entering -- 'back flowing'—into a home. The valve contains a flap that allows water to exit the home, but closes to prevent the back flow into the home.

Do backwater valve actually work for new houses?

Protect Your Home with a Backwater Valve. from Backwater-Valve.com. All Orders must be placed online by Credit Card, but you may phone Greg at 330.836.9393 for info. ( 9 AM - 4 PM EST Monday - Friday or Voicemail anytime) Email: [email protected]. copyright 2004 - 2022 Backwater-Valves.com.

Do you need a backwater valve?

A backwater valve prevents your basement from flooding – it is a specific device that’s installed in basements to prevent the backflow of sewage back into the drain. It’s a simple mechanical device that automatically blocks a pipe when water flows against it. For residential buildings, it’s installed where the home connects to the city ...

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Is a backwater valve necessary?

Backwater valves are an important part of any homeowner's plumbing system. A backwater valve ensures floods and sewage does not come back up into your basement, causing flooding and damage to your home. They usually work using gravity so, once installed, the device will work on its own to keep your home dry.Feb 7, 2014

Where does a backwater valve go?

The backwater valve should be installed under the floor of your basement, attached to the main sanitary sewer close to where it leaves your house. It can sometimes be located in your front or back yard depending upon where the city sewer lines are located.Jan 28, 2020

Is a backwater valve the same as a backflow preventer?

Much like a backwater valve, a backflow preventer will only allow water to flow in a single direction. But unlike a backwater valve, its aim is to prevent the water from leaving your system rather than entering it.

How do you know if you have a backwater valve?

If you aren't sure, take a look around your basement — backwater valves are usually located in the floor and have a cover that can easily be removed for maintenance. The cover itself is likely round, but there may also be a rectangular panel on top. If you have a sump pump, the backwater valve is likely close by.Oct 12, 2017

How do you install a backwater prevention valve?

Insert backwater valve device fully into drain pipe opening until the device drain cover is resting on the floor. Secure the Device by fully tightening TWO screws which will splay the expandable rubber side seals against the adjacent drain pipe wall while simultaneously anchoring the Device into place.May 23, 2019

How do I stop my sewer from backing up?

How to prevent a sewer backup
  1. Flush only toilet paper.
  2. Keep sewer lines clear of tree roots.
  3. Do not plant trees or bushes near sewer lines or laterals.
  4. Hire a professional to install an exterior cleanout.
  5. Avoid putting fat, grease and oil down the drain.
  6. Line or replace old pipes.
  7. Install a sewer backup valve.
May 20, 2021

Do I need a backflow preventer in my basement?

Keep the RPZs out of the Basement

To keep our drinking water safe and to prevent contamination, your backflow prevention device should be outside and above ground. This significantly decreases the risk of cross-connections. The type of backflow preventer you have does not matter as much as where you install it.
Sep 11, 2019

Where do you put a sewer backflow preventer?

A sewer backflow valve can be installed in the main sewer pipe outside of your home or in the basement at the farthest exit point from the home. The device is installed downstream to prevent sewage from flowing into your sewer pipe above the device.Feb 24, 2016

Can a backwater valve be installed outside?

Backwater valves can be installed on the outside of a building. In these cases a high slope on the sanitary sewer lateral must be present in order to obtain proper installation.

Does every house have a backflow preventer?

Are Backflow Preventer Devices Required? For residential properties, backflow prevention isn't required in most homes. However, if your home has an irrigation system, your local municipality could require that you have the device installed.

How much does it cost to install a backwater valve?

between $150 to $250
Installing during the initial construction is naturally much cheaper, and can be installed for between $150 to $250. When retrofitting, some concrete will need to be removed to access the main sewer line. The cost to retrofit a backwater valve can range from $1,000 to $2,000.

Can I plug my basement floor drain?

Floor drain. Test balls, twist plugs or pressure plugs can be installed to seal floor drains but will not let water flow in either direction. If plugs are not available, a flexible rubber ball that is just larger than the pipe diameter can be used in an emergency but will need to be braced in place.

What is a backwater valve?

A backwater valve (sometimes called a backflow or sewer backup valve) is a valve you can install on your sewer line and is designed to allow water...

What can I do to maintain my backwater valve?

You should check at least annually to remove any debris that could clog the valve and to make sure all moving parts have free movement. Most valves...

What is a backwater valve's life expectancy?

Your backwater valve should last many years with the proper maintenance. Follow the manufacturer'ss recommendations, and at a minimum, have the val...

What will my home insurance provider want to know?

Your house insurance provider may want to know if there is a backwater valve installed in your home, especially if your home is located in an area...

What is a backwater valve?

A backwater valve is a one-way or check valve that allows sewage to flow in only one direction. It is installed on the main sanitary line that is a passage way for waste water from drains in your house into the municipal sewer line. Backwater valves aid in preventing sewer backups into your home. During heavy rainfall or when a municipal waste ...

How to protect your home from sewer backup?

One of the most critical ways to ensure the protection of your home from sewer backup is by installing a backwater valve. CONTACT US. A backwater valve is a one-way or check valve that allows sewage to flow in only one direction. It is installed on the main sanitary line that is a passage way for waste water from drains in your house into ...

Does insurance cover sewer backup?

It will protect your home from a sewer backup but will also ensure that your insurance policy remains valid. Often, homeowners feel that having an insurance policy is sufficient protection. However, in the event of a sewer backup, the insurance assessor will check the condition of your backwater valve, and if it is found to be clogged up ...

What, exactly, does the backwater valve do?

A backwater valve is a small device that a plumber puts on the water pipe coming into your home. The goal of this device is to prevent contamination of the water. When water comes into your home, it's meant to go one way only so that your family's water isn't contaminated.

When does backflow happen?

If there is a break in the main line coming into your home, or if a fire hydrant is being used in the neighbourhood, then backflow might become an issue.

Where does the backwater valve go?

The good news is that you only need one of these devices, and it goes on the main water line coming into your home from the city water line. This device allows for water to flow in, but it won't swing backwards, so even if the water backs up, the device closes off, so the water in your Oakville home is still safe for drinking .

Do I need a backwater valve?

The short answer is yes. It's not even really a question of if you absolutely need one, but why wouldn't you want one? This device keeps the drinking water in your home clean, so it just makes sense to make sure your home has a functioning backflow preventer.

What if the backflow preventer stops working?

If you are experiencing issues with the water pressure in your home or the water coming out of your taps is dirty, then you might have an issue with the backwater valve. If you aren't sure, calling in a professional plumber is a great start to see if you need to do any maintenance or update any parts.

What is a backwater valve?

A backwater valve prevents your basement from flooding – it is a specific device that’s installed in basements to prevent the backflow of sewage back into the drain. It’s a simple mechanical device that automatically blocks a pipe when water flows against it. For residential buildings, it’s installed where the home connects to ...

What is backflow preventer?

Backflow prevention devices are used primarily in commercial and industrial plumbing systems as a failsafe against water, often sewage or greywater, from re-entering the municipal water lines. You will also often find these backflow preventers connected to apartment building water lines.

What is the best way to protect your home from sewage flooding?

Backflow prevention devices and backwater valves are the most effective way to protect your home from sewage floods. They’re often simple, mechanical devices that are both inexpensive to purchase and easy to install. If you need a backflow prevention device, be sure to contact a trained and certified plumbing expert.

What is the worst thing that can happen to your home?

One of the absolute worst things that can happen to your home or business is a sewage flood. These occur when sewage comes back up through your pipes and floods your basement, bathrooms, and other rooms.

Does insurance cover basement flooding?

You will also have to deal with your insurance company, who may or may not cover the water and sewage damage.

Why does my basement flood?

There are lots of reasons you might experience a basement flood: heavy rains, spring run off from a rapid snow melt, a sewage back up, a broken pipe or even a washing machine overflowing. The amount of water could be minimal and confined to a small area, or it could be several inches deep covering your entire basement.

What is a Backwater Valve?

This valve is installed on the sewage line where it connects to the city sewage line (mains). It stops sewage from coming back up your line and appearing in your basement floor drains, shower drains or toilets. It senses the change of flow direction and closes when a reverse flow is detected.

What is a Backflow Prevention Valve?

So, in a nutshell, the difference between a backwater valve and a backflow prevention valve is:

To Install Or Not To Install

Depending on which municipality you live in there are different legislative requirements relating to backwater valves and backflow prevention valves. Backwater valves are recommended but not legislated but check with your insurance company if you can obtain rebates if you install backwater valves.

What is a backwater valve?

Definition of backwater valve: as used here a backwater valve is a check valve installed on a building drain to prevent backup should the drain line receive floodwaters from outside the building, such as due to area flooding or a septic or sewer line backup.

What is stand pipe?

A stand pipe is a short section of pipe that when screwed into the basement floor drain will prevent water from coming in through the drain. However, if there is enough pressure in the sewer system, the sewage will rise through the wash machine drain connection, utility sink, and basement bathroom fixtures.

Is it bad to flush a septic system?

We discuss some of these items for homes served by private septic systems. at NEVER FLUSH INTO SEPTICS. It's a good idea to keep those same items out of drains connected to a municipal sewer as well.

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1.Backwater Valves | How They Work, Costs and Repairs

Url:https://www.squareone.ca/resource-centres/getting-to-know-your-home/backwater-valve

19 hours ago The cost to retrofit a backwater valve can range from $1,000 to $2,000. There are subsidies available in some municipalities to assist with the installation of backwater valves. See the links at the end of this article. The risk of water backup increases if there is a basement in your home, or if the ground floor is less than a foot above ...

2.What is a Backwater Valve? - Backwater Solutions Canada

Url:https://backwatersolutions.com/what-is-a-backwater-valve/

13 hours ago A backwater valve is a backflow prevention device used to prevent outbound water through a dwelling's drain pipes from re-entering -- 'back flowing'—into a home. The valve contains a flap that allows water to exit the home, but closes to prevent the back flow into the home.

3.Do I need a Backwater Valve? - What is a Backflow …

Url:https://mckennaplumbing.ca/blog/what-is-a-backwater-valve.html

21 hours ago Protect Your Home with a Backwater Valve. from Backwater-Valve.com. All Orders must be placed online by Credit Card, but you may phone Greg at 330.836.9393 for info. ( 9 AM - 4 PM EST Monday - Friday or Voicemail anytime) Email: [email protected]. copyright 2004 - 2022 Backwater-Valves.com.

4.Difference between a Backwater Valve and Backflow …

Url:https://onetorontoplumbing.com/2016/difference-backflow-prevention-device-backwater-valve/

12 hours ago A backwater valve prevents your basement from flooding – it is a specific device that’s installed in basements to prevent the backflow of sewage back into the drain. It’s a simple mechanical device that automatically blocks a pipe when water flows against it. For residential buildings, it’s installed where the home connects to the city ...

5.Backwater Valves for Sewage Backflow Prevention

Url:https://makeitright.ca/holmes-advice/home-safety-maintenance/backwater-valves-for-sewage-backflow-prevention/

1 hours ago Remove the 3” Device from the 4” Adapter and discard the Adapter. Insert backwater valve device fully into drain pipe opening until the device drain cover is resting on the floor. Secure the Device by fully tightening TWO screws which will splay the expandable rubber side seals against the adjacent drain pipe wall while simultaneously ...

6.Should I Install A Backwater Valve Or BackFlow …

Url:https://rooterteam.ca/should-i-install-a-backwater-valve-or-a-backflow-prevention-valve/

1 hours ago So, in a nutshell, the difference between a backwater valve and a backflow prevention valve is: Backwater valve: this stops sewer water from entering your system if the city’s lines are full. Backflow prevention valve: this stops your dirty/contaminated water from finding its way into the clean water supply of your town or city.

7.Sewer Backup Prevention: Guide to Backwater Valves, …

Url:https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Sewer_Backup_Prevention.php

1 hours ago How to use backflow prevention valves, backwater valves, or main drain check valves on the building drain protect against sewer backups. That said, our last suggestion is the best solution - a check valve (properly referred to as a backflow prevention valve or in some areas a "backwater valve") can be installed on the main building drain can ...

8.What is a sewer backwater valve and who is required to …

Url:https://pw.lacounty.gov/general/faq/index.cfm?Action=getAnswers&FaqID=IyNNMzEK&Theme=

15 hours ago What is a sewer backwater valve and who is required to have them? Answer: Most properties have been built so that an obstruction in the public sewer will not cause a sewage backup into the property. If a sewage backup problem occurs, it is usually due to roots or debris in the owner s drain line (the pipe which connects the property to the ...

9.Videos of What Is A Backwater Prevention Valve

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