Do you need a backwater valve?

If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain, or the occasional flash flood, then a backwater valve is absolutely necessary. As mentioned above, sudden heavy rains can cause city sewer lines to back up and into your home.

Do septic systems have backwater valves?

Backwater Valves are a one-way valve which provides back flow prevention for residential and commercial applications whether connected to municipal sewer line or a private septic system. The valve typically installed under the lowest floor containing plumbing fixtures. …

How much does it cost to have a backwater valve installed?

Estimated Cost Having a plumber or contractor install one backflow valve will cost approximately $1,400 for a combined gate/flap valve or about $600 for a flap valve. These figures include the cost of excavation and backfilling.

What is the purpose of a backwater valve?

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.

When should a backwater valve be installed?

Plumbing codes require backwater valves when a fixture is installed on a floor that is below the next upstream manhole. The obvious example is the basement floor drain.

Where does a backwater valve need to be installed?

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. The installation process involves excavating downs to the sewer lateral which can be as deep as 14 feet.

What causes a back water valve to fail?

Backwater valve failure comes from two main factors. Incorrect installation and lack of maintenance. In retrofit situations backwater valves can be difficult to install according to manufacturers specifications because the existing sewer lateral may have an inadequate slope for correct installation.

What do you need to know about backwater protection?

The homeowners are under their own responsibility to provide all low-lying drainage points, especially in the basement, with backwater valve devices. All rooms or courtyard areas under the “backwater level”, which is generally accepted at the level of the upper edge of the road, must be secured.

What’s the difference between a backwater valve and a sewage pipe?

They come in many styles and have very specific installation requirements. They can be a source of frequent problems when they are working and when they are not. A backwater valve is simply a device in the waste pipe that prevents sewage from flowing back into the building.

What does an in line backwater valve do?

An in-line backwater valve is simply a one-way valve installed in your main sewer line below the basement floor slab. This valve allows water and waste to flow out towards the street sewer, but not the other way. If the flow begins to reverse itself, normally only during a major sewer backup or blockage, the valve shuts.

Can a backwater valve be installed inside a house?

The installation depends on the site conditions, the type of drainage point, the type of wastewater, the location of the sewer, the technical regulations etc. Backwater Valves can be installed inside the house in the basement. These systems can also be installed outside assuming our home has a high slope on your sewer lateral.

Backwater valve failure comes from two main factors. Incorrect installation and lack of maintenance. In retrofit situations backwater valves can be difficult to install according to manufacturers specifications because the existing sewer lateral may have an inadequate slope for correct installation.

The homeowners are under their own responsibility to provide all low-lying drainage points, especially in the basement, with backwater valve devices. All rooms or courtyard areas under the “backwater level”, which is generally accepted at the level of the upper edge of the road, must be secured.