According to Toronto building code, all new constructions need backwater valves installed.
Toronto Municipal Building Codes require that you have a backflow valve installed in an existing house if your plumbing fixtures are lower than the most upstream manhole (number 1 on the picture) on your street.
Home (A) in this example does not require a backwater valve. Home A should not experience basement flooding caused by sewer backups because all the plumbing fixtures and drains are higher in comparison with the first upstream manhole on the street.
If the first floor drains of Home B are more than 24” higher than top of the first upstream manhole, this house should be fine too. However, you should have a backflow valve installed when you install the second floor living space, since the drain fixtures will be lower than the first upstream manhole, resulting in sewage backups.
Home C would also need a backwater valve, because the drain would be located below the first upstream sewer.
You should check your backwater valve every 2-3 months or before a forecasted heavy rainfall. This will ensure that the valve is functioning properly. Debris found in the valve will most likely prevent it from function properly.
Disclaimer: Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.
· Open the cap on the backwater valve and check for any debris.
· Flush the valve with a bucket of water or a garden hose to remove the debris.
· If deposits of grease or other debris remain, scrubbing may be required.
· When completed, ensure that the cap is placed back on the backwater valve and that it is tightly secured.
A backwater valve is installed on the sewer line in your basement for the purpose of preventing sewer lines from allowing water to flow back into the home. If properly installed, the backwater valve will only flow one-way; sewage can flow out, but not back into the home.
The Province of Ontario currently only approves of the Mainline Fullport Backwater Valve for installation on the main sanitary sewer lateral of homes.
Expert licensed plumbers recommend annual backflow valve maintenance checkups. It is important for all the moving parts to have free movement and to clear away any debris.
No. Only Licensed Plumbing Companies may install backflow valves.
Anta Plumbing Inc., a City of Toronto licensed plumbing company installs backwater valves. We will also prepare the installation permit and provide you with guidance about the BACKWATER VALVE INSTALLATION SUBSIDY PROGRAM.
The City of Toronto is constantly working to improve its complex network of underground pipes, sewers, and catch basins. Unfortunately, but these improvements are not enough to guarantee that basement floor flooding won’t happen.
Climate change results in more frequent, more severe storms and homeowners should do what they can to reduce the risks of basement flooding. The City’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program makes it easier for single-family, duplex, or triplex residential homeowners to implement preventative measures by means of a subsidy of up to $3200,00 per property for installing flood protection fixtures such as sump pumps, backwater valves, capping the home’s storm sewer connection, pipe severance, and more.
These are the subsidies available:
Backwater valves: The subsidy equals 80% of the invoiced costs, up to a maximum of $1,250. Costs include the permit, materials, eligible labor, and taxes.
Sump pumps: The subsidy equals 80% of the invoiced costs, up to a maximum of $1,750. Costs include the permit, materials, eligible labor, and taxes.
Backwater valve + sump pump: The subsidy equals 80% of the invoiced costs up to a maximum of $2,800. Costs include the permit, materials, eligible labor, and taxes.
Pipe severance and capping: The subsidy equals a maximum of $400 of the invoiced costs.
The City of Vaughan will determine whether you are eligible for a subsidy, provided your property meets all of the following requirements:
