What is a backwater valve used for?

A mainline backwater valve can help prevent sewage in an overloaded main sewer line from backing up into your basement. Placed directly into the sewer lateral in your basement , the valve automatically closes if sewage backs up from the main sewer.

Where should a backwater valve be installed?

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.

How much does it cost to install a backwater valve?

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.

Is a backwater valve worth it?

Benefits of a Backwater Valve The primary benefit of having a backwater valve put into your home or building is that it can help prevent any potential flooding. Having the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is secure can be worth it to have one installed.

How does a backwater valve work?

How does a backwater valve work? A backwater valve is a one-way valve with a flap. Under normal conditions, the flap is open and allows water and sewage to exit your home. When water or sewage starts to flow back up the drain pipe, the flap closes and blocks the flow from making its way back into your home.

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.

Do backwater valves fail?

How do backwater valves most often fail? … Some homes experience damage from sanitary and/or storm sewer backup even though they have a backwater valve in place. In particular, if a backwater valve is not properly maintained, sanitary waste and/or storm water can back up into a home during an extreme rainfall event.

How do you install a backflow valve in a basement?

Can a backwater valve be installed outside?

Backwater valve outside installation (exterior) 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.

How long do Backflow devices last?

How often does my backflow preventer need to be tested? Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly needs to be tested annually and rebuilt every 5 years. Double Check Valve (DCV) assembly needs to be tested every 3 years.

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.

Does my house have a backwater valve?

How do I know if my home has 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.

What is the best backwater valve?

The Best Sewer Line Backflow Preventers

How do I stop my basement sewer from backing up?

How to Prevent a Sewage Backup in the Basement

  1. Don’t pour grease down the drain. …
  2. Dispose of paper products properly. …
  3. Install a new plastic pipe or cut tree roots. …
  4. Install a backwater prevention valve. …
  5. Sewage pump maintenance.

Why does my toilet back up when it rains?

Rainwater is either draining back into the sewer pipe and causing the overflow, or the pipe is sufficiently damaged that waste cannot pass through, instead draining into the soil, which becomes waterlogged during heavy rainfall. The waste water then backs up and flows into the lowest drains in your home.

How do you maintain a backwater valve?

What is the difference between a check valve and a backwater valve?

A check valve is usually used to prevent liquids from contaminating a clean water supply, for example. A backwater valve is often intended to protect your sewage line, though. … It allows for more secure water flow when less pressure is applied. It also doesn’t sacrifice protection against backflow.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backup?

Unfortunately, when it comes to standard homeowners policies, sewer line coverage remains limited. However, if the sewer damage in your home is unexpected or sudden and related to the peril that is being covered, then your homeowner’s Insurance will be responsible for covering it.

How do you know if you have a sewage backup?

Warning Signs of a Sewage Backup

  1. Sewage-Like Odors Coming From The Drain. The purpose of your drains is to transport wastewater away and outside of your house. …
  2. Bubbling Drains Or Toilets. …
  3. Slow Draining in Multiple Fixtures. …
  4. Clogs In Multiple Drains At Once. …
  5. Sewage Coming Out Of a Cleanout Pipe.

Why does my basement drain keep backing up?

What Causes a Sewage Backup? Clogs, buildups in pipes from grease, or improperly flushed items, such as paper towels or single-use wipes, are common causes of sewage backup. Damage to the sewer lines can also cause a sewage backup because it prevents water from flowing correctly.

Can you snake through a backwater valve?

A back water valve is an appliance that requires accessibility. It may foul and need to be serviced. Therefore it is usually covered by a box with a removable lid when set in a finished floor. You can not run a drain snake through it as the cable will be trapped by the flap of the one way valve.

Can you have a backwater valve without a sump pump?

So should you get a sump pump or backwater valve? Well, the best answer is to get both, one for emergencies and the other for even bigger emergencies. If you have neither, you’ll need at least the backwater valve, unless your home is below the water table, then you’ll also need a sump pump.

How do you install a backflow valve?

Is a backwater valve the same as a backflow preventer?

Backwater valves differ from backflow prevention devices in one key aspect: backwater valves are designed to protect you from the public water system, and backflow preventers are designed to protect the public water system from you. … Without these devices, our water systems could not operate.

How much does it cost to install flood control system?

The cost to residents to install their own flood control systems would vary widely, but would generally fall within the $6,000 to $12,000 range, according to the presentation from Burke Engineering.