Toronto Backwater Valve Installation
When a sewer line backs up into your home through your drainpipes, it can cause flooding. Basement flooding causes costly damages and repairs, but more importantly, it can cause health hazards for your family. You can prevent sewage from backing up into your home by installing a backflow valve.
Do I Need a Backwater Valve Installed or Not?
According to the Ontario 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.
Check your backwater valve
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.
Follow these steps to clear and maintain your backwater valve
Step 01
Open the cap on the backwater valve and check for any debris.
Step 02
Flush the valve with a bucket of water or a garden hose to remove the debris.
Step 03
If deposits of grease or other debris remain, scrubbing may be required.
Step 04
When completed, ensure that the cap is placed back on the backwater valve and that it is tightly secured.
Where Should the Backwater Valve Be Installed and How Does it Prevent Water Flooding?
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.
Back water valve maintenance
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.
Can I Do A DIY Backwater Valve Installation?
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.
Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program in Toronto
The City of Vaughan will determine whether you are eligible for a subsidy, provided your property meets all of the following requirements:
These are the subsidies available:
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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.
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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.
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Pipe severance and capping: The subsidy equals a maximum of $400 of the invoiced costs.
Back-Water Valve Installation Subsidy Program in Vaughan
The City of Vaughan will determine whether you are eligible for a subsidy, provided your property meets all of the following requirements:
- It must be registered within the City of Vaughan as a single-family residential, duplex, or triplex property. The subsidy applies to existing homes only and not to new homes that are still in the planning stages or currently being built. All eavestrough downspouts should be properly disconnected from the City’s sewer system.
- The installation should be handled by a Toronto plumber who is currently licensed by the City of Toronto.
- The property owner must obtain a plumbing permit from the Building Standards Department and arrange for an inspection.
Get Plumbing Help Near You
When you hire Anta Plumbing, you’re protected by our Service Satisfaction Guarantee: if you’re not completely happy, we’ll send a licensed master plumber back, free of charge, to put things right. That’s how we’ve kept Toronto drains flowing and water heaters humming for 21 years.
Call our team of plumbers in Toronto right now at (416) 231-3331.