Readers ask: What Is A Backwater Prevention Valve?

A backwater valve is a backflow prevention device used to prevent outbound water through a dwelling’s drain pipes from re-entering — “back flowing”—into a home. The valve contains a flap that allows water to exit the home, but closes to prevent the back flow into the home.

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.

What is the difference between a backwater valve and 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 does a backwater prevention valve work?

How do backwater valves work? A backwater valve allows water from your toilets, sinks, and bathtubs to flow out of your home and into the main sewer system. If water begins to flow backwards, from the city’s pipes and into yours, the flap on the backwater valve will close and stop the water from entering your home.

What is the purpose of backwater valve?

The backwater valve is designed to automatically shut to prevent leakage out of the plumbing fixture if sewage from an obstructed public sewer backs up the owner’s drain line.

Where should a backwater valve be installed?

Plumbing codes require backwater valves when a fixture is installed on a floor that is below the next upstream manhole. The obvious example is the basement floor drain. Less obvious is a first floor fixture in a lot at the bottom of a hill.

Are backwater valves worth it?

While installing the backwater valve may seem inconvenient or expensive, it will ultimately save you thousands in repairs and cleanup. Sewer backups can damage floors, walls, carpet, furniture, and any property in your basement.

Are backflow preventers worth it?

Benefits of Having a Backflow Preventer Backflows tend to redirect contaminated water in homes. Fortunately, you can use a backflow prevention device to address the menace. These preventers will save your family from the pangs of contaminated water. Having backflow preventers is mandatory in most states.

Do I need a backflow preventer on my sewer line?

The main benefit of a backwater preventer is that it stops unwanted backflow from a municipal drainage system or city sewer into your home. Without a properly installed sewer backflow preventer, wastewater can enter your home through the sink, tub, floor drain, and toilets.

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 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.

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 I know if my house has a backwater valve?

Backwater valves are usually located in the floor of your basement. If you know where to find your sump pump, the backwater valve is probably nearby. There may be a rectangular panel on top, but often the compartment itself is clear so that you can see inside relatively easily and the round cap can be removed.

What is a backflow valve in basement?

Backwater valves are also called backflow valves or sewer backup valves. They are one-way valves with a flap that prevents the flow of sewage in the opposite direction. This is vital for preventing the sewage backup from flooding your basement in case of heavy rainfall or flooding.