Everything You Need to Know About Backwater Valves

Backwater valves are an important part of your home’s plumbing system. They help prevent wastewater from flowing back up into your home through the drains. If you’re not sure if you have a backwater valve, or you need to have one installed, keep reading! In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about backwater valves. We’ll cover what they are, how they work, and why it’s important to have one in your home.

Understanding Backwater Valves

Learning about backwater valves on your property starts with understanding what they are. A backwater valve is a device that is installed in your home’s sewer line. It prevents wastewater from flowing back up into your home through the drains. When the wastewater level in the sewer line starts to rise, the backwater valve will close, stopping the flow of water. This helps prevent sewage backup and flooding in your home.

Certain communities in Ontario mandate backwater valves to be put in all new residences, while others just encourage it. Water and sewage backups are more likely if your property has a basement or the ground floor is less than a foot over street level. As a result, you may want to think about modifying your current plumbing with a backwater valve to protect your property.

Backwater Valve Types

There are two main types of backwater valves: mechanical and non-mechanical. Mechanical backwater valves are the most common type. They use a float to sense when the water level in the sewer line is rising. When the float rises, it activates a mechanism that closes the valve. Non-mechanical backwater valves use gravity to close the valve when the water level in the sewer line starts to rise. However, the Insurance Bureau of Canada advises against using plug-type valves. While they keep water out of your home, they can enable sewage backup pressure to build up beneath your foundation, causing potential structural damage.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

DrainTech Plumbing’s professional plumbers offer comprehensive backwater valve services. Our staff will completely evaluate your home’s plumbing system and verify you have the appropriate backwater valve. We also do routine maintenance inspections to guarantee that your valve is still under warranty and in excellent operating condition. For customers in London, Kitchener, Waterloo, and surrounding areas, we offer a full range of plumbing services, including drain cleaning and pipe repairs. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.

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