Local Family- Owned Plumbing & Drain Service Since 1974.
Local Family- Owned Plumbing & Drain Service Since 1974.
Quick Answer: A backwater valve prevents basement flooding by allowing wastewater to flow out of the home normally, and closing when wastewater tries to flow backward from an overloaded sewer system. This prevents sewage from backing up through connected plumbing fixtures into the basement. Professional installation, inspection, repair and maintenance can provide an important layer of protection for homeowners worried about basement flooding.
A backwater valve is a simple mechanical device that is installed on your main sewer line, most often in the basement floor where the line exits your home. If the city sewer system is overwhelmed during heavy rain, the valve will automatically close and stop sewage and dirty water from flowing back into your house. Without one, that same surge has nowhere else to go but back up through your basement drains.
It’s a simple device, but when properly installed and sized, can save a homeowner from what would otherwise be a nightmare basement flood.
Even a strong mainline backwater valve wears out eventually. A cracked valve cover or a clogged Basement Backwater Valve Burlington can prevent the system from closing properly, which allows wastewater to find its way back into the home. Harb Plumbing inspects the system, explains exactly what’s gone wrong, and gives you clear, honest options — whether that’s a simple repair or a full replacement. We’re upfront about backwater valve installation cost from the start, so you know what to expect before any work begins.
If you are unsure whether you have a valve, look for a capped access point on your basement floor near the main drain. If you can’t find one, a licensed plumber can tell you quickly.
The operation of a backwater valve is relatively straightforward.
During normal operation of the plumbing, the wastewater leaves the house via the sewer line. The valve stays open to let the wastewater flow through the system.
Problems can occur if the sewer system is overloaded or if a blockage affects the sewer line. Sometimes the wastewater tries to flow backward.
The backwater valve is designed to close if back flow happens . This helps prevent wastewater from backing up into the basement through the plumbing system. This simple function turns a basement backwater valve into a basement flood protection element that Burlington homeowners should consider.
Harb Plumbing handles all aspects of backwater valve installation, including digging, installing the valve, and properly sealing the system according to local code requirements. We also explain exactly how the valve works and what ongoing maintenance to expect so you understand your protection well after we’ve left. A simple installation can often be done in one day, but more complicated projects may take longer.
Basements are particularly vulnerable to flooding from plumbing issues due to low-level drains or plumbing fixtures. If the sewer system backs up with wastewater, it can get in through basement drains or other plumbing tied into the system.
Backwater valves are a line of defense against basement flooding from sewage backups and sewer overloads, according to Harb Plumbing. The company offers backwater valve solutions for homeowners in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Mississauga.
No. A backwater valve is a device designed to help prevent sewage or wastewater from flowing backward into the sewer system. It does not serve the same purpose as a sump pump .
Harb Plumbing said a sump pump helps with groundwater and a backwater valve helps prevent sewage backup. These systems address different sources of basement water and can be used as separate elements of a home’s overall water-protection plan.
Because backwater valves are part of the plumbing system of the home, they need to be installed properly.
Professional Burlington Plumbers can evaluate the current plumbing system, decide on the best installation technique, install the valve, and explain how the system functions.
Harb Plumbing offers professional backwater valve installation, repair and maintenance services in Burlington. The company also teaches homeowners what to expect when a valve needs to be repaired or replaced.
Also, professional service can be helpful when homeowners are not sure whether their existing valve is working properly.
A Basement Backwater Valve Burlington can offer an important extra level of protection against sewage and waste water flowing the wrong way through a home’s plumbing system. The valve allows normal wastewater flow but can help prevent reverse flow. That can help reduce the risk of sewage entering a Burlington basement during a sewer backup or sewer overload.
But installation is only part of the solution. The valve also needs to be accessible, serviced and functioning correctly.
If you are worried about sewer backup, or want to find out if your Burlington home could use a backwater valve, Professional Burlington Plumbers can check your existing plumbing system, and discuss the options available.
Tell us the details of your upcoming project and we’ll provide you with an honest price.
