From home security systems to wiring, electrical, and plumbing system upgrades, there are countless ways for you to protect what might be your single biggest investment ever – your home. One often overlooked but smart addition is a backwater valve – a small device that can make a big difference in preventing sewer backups.
Since this topic can often feel technical and filled with jargon, it’s easy for homeowners to feel overwhelmed. With that in mind, this article will explain how backwater valves work in the simplest terms possible so that you can better understand how they work, their purpose, and whether it’s a worthwhile investment for you to make.
What is a Backwater Valve?
A backwater valve is a device designed to prevent wastewater from entering your home through floor drains or basement plumbing fixtures like sinks, toilets, and showers. It works by stopping water from flowing back into your basement from the municipal sewer system, a problem that can occur when heavy rainfall overwhelms the sewer system.
This valve automatically closes when sewage backs up from the main sewer line, helping to prevent flooding and water damage in your basement. While not always required, backwater valves are highly recommended and may even be required by your insurance company if you live in a flood-prone area.
What Does It Do?
The purpose of a backwater valve is simple: to prevent sewer backups. Installed in your home’s plumbing system, specifically in the drain line leading to the municipal sewer, it allows wastewater to flow out but stops it from coming back in, thus protecting your basement from flooding. Sewer backups can happen when heavy rain overwhelms the sewer system, the municipal sewer system fails, or extreme cold causes the pipes to freeze.
Bear in mind that backwater valves can fail, especially if they are improperly installed or not properly maintained. Rather than thinking of it as a foolproof solution to basement flooding, you’re better off making it a part of your home’s larger flood prevention strategy, which should include regular inspections, routine maintenance, and additional measures like waterproofing.
Backwater Valves and Homeowners Insurance
One of the best combinations a homeowner can have is a backwater valve and sewer backup insurance. This way, in the event your backwater valve fails or is overwhelmed, you won’t have to shoulder the cost of sewer-related damage to your home’s structure, fixtures, or personal belongings alone.
On the other hand, if installing or replacing a backwater valve isn’t an option right now, make sure your homeowner’s insurance includes sewer backup coverage. Given how costly and destructive sewer backups can be, having this coverage is always a wise choice.
How To Know If Your House Has a Backwater Valve
Unless you’ve recently had your home built or a home inspector specifically pointed it out to you, you might not know if your house has a backwater valve. While it’s possible to locate it on your own, it can be challenging without basic plumbing knowledge.
Backwater valves are typically installed in basements, often near the floor drain or low points in the plumbing system, and are located in the drain line leading to the municipal sewer. However, these valves are usually hidden beneath floorboards or inside plumbing boxes. While you can try locating it yourself, you might need to have a plumber come out and confirm whether you have one or not, and if so, if it is installed and functioning as it should.
Backwater Valve vs. Sump Pump
Backwater valves and sump pumps are similar in that their purpose is to protect your home from water-related damage; however, they are not the same thing. Simply put, a backwater valve is designed to prevent sewer backups, while a sump pump is designed to remove excess water from your basement. Here’s a brief breakdown of the key differences.
Backwater valve
- Located in the basement
- Installed in the drain line leading to the municipal sewer system
- Prevents sewer backups
Sump pump
- Located in the basement
- Installed in a specially dug pit, where water naturally collects
- Removes excess water
Is There a Subsidy for Backwater Valves?
It’s not necessarily the valve itself that can be expensive, but the installation, as it typically requires the support of a licensed plumber, excavation work, and even permit fees. As a result, Canada in a Changing Climate estimates that retrofitting an existing home with a backwater valve can cost about $1,400. A new construction home, on the other hand, only costs about $250 to install because the valve is built into the plans for the plumbing system right from the start.
Fortunately, there are subsidies and grants for backwater valves available to homeowners through local municipalities across Canada. These programs can significantly reduce installation costs, sometimes by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Although they are relatively common across Ontario, it’s always worth searching “[Your City Name] backwater valve subsidy program” online or contacting your local municipality to check for available assistance.
- Montreal RénoPlex program
- Toronto basement flooding protection subsidy program
- Ottawa residential protective plumbing program
- Hamilton protective plumbing program
- London basement flooding grant program
- Kingston preventative plumbing program
- Edmonton backwater valve subsidy
- Winnipeg basement flooding protection subsidy program
- City of Moncton backwater valve incentive program
- Charlottetown flood protection rebate program