If you’re looking for the solution to your problem and keep seeing talk of backwater valves, you may be wondering what, exactly, they are. A backwater valve is what’s used to prevent sewage from the local sewage system from entering your home system. How does that work and why is it necessary? Let’s dig into the details.
How Does a Backwater Valve Work?
The first thing you may be wondering is how exactly a backwater valve works. It’s actually fairly simple. In laymen’s terms, it turns your sewage main into a one-way exit. The cover of the valve will only open one direction. That means any sewage that presses against it from the other side will only push it more firmly shut.
Why Is a Backwater Valve Necessary?
A backwater valve is a huge necessity when it comes to safety, hygiene, and keeping your home undamaged. Because backwater is full of other people’s waste, having it back up into your home is a huge hazard, especially if it overflows. Not only is it gross, a backup will introduce tons of foreign bacteria into your home. You also can’t rule out the presence of parasites and disease – both common presences in sewage systems. A backwater valve keeps all of this gross matter from gaining access to your home. We think that’s pretty important.
Signs Your Home Needs a Backwater Valve
Many homeowners don’t realize they need a backwater valve until it’s too late. But your plumbing system often gives you warning signs long before a major sewage backup occurs.
Here are some clear indicators that your home could benefit from a backwater valve:
- Recurring basement drain backups after heavy rain or snowmelt
- Gurgling noises from toilets or sink drains during storms
- Foul odours rising from basement fixtures
- Older home construction (pre-2000s) with no documented valve installation
- Neighbourhood flooding history or municipal sewer overloads
If you’ve experienced any of these, installing a valve is a smart preventive measure that could save you thousands in flood restoration.
What Happens During a Local Backup?
Remember how we said that when your local sewage backs up, it closes the valve? Because of this, if your local area has a sewage backup, your own home may have its own. That’s because, while local sewage isn’t able to get in, your sewage also can’t get out. Fortunately, it would take you a while to fill your own pipes all the way up with sewage. Therefore, you only need to do a little bit of damage control, mostly regarding water usage.
As soon as you catch wind that there’s a local sewage clog, you’ll want to minimize water usage. This helps to ensure you don’t flood your own house while you’re waiting for the local sewage problem to be solved. As you can’t be positive how long it will take them to solve the problem, it’s best to be cautious.
- Don’t take any showers or baths
- Don’t run washing machines or dishwashers
- If you don’t have a dishwasher, save washing by hand for later too, as it often uses up even more water than dishwashers
- Keep sink use to the bare minimum by washing hands quickly and turning off the water while you lather with soap
- Refrain from flushing the toilet unless you’ve pooped or there’s a few uses worth of toilet paper waiting to be flushed (we don’t need to add more clogs to the mix)
How Do I Install a Backwater Valve?
Backwater valve installation is quite intensive and can only really be done by a professional. It involved digging a trench and messing with some of the biggest pipes in your sewage system. Therefore, you don’t want to DIY this. Plus, it’s quite a dirty job. Fortunately, you can count on Leaquida Waterproofing to serve you anywhere in Toronto. Give us a call if you’re interested in backwater valve installation and we’ll make it happen!
Types of Backwater Valves and How to Choose the Right One
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to backwater valves. Different homes — and plumbing systems — call for different designs. The most common types include:
- Standard Inline Valves: Installed directly in the main sewer line. These are automatic and shut when water tries to flow backward.
- Combination Cleanout Valves: These combine protection with access for cleaning or inspections.
- Manual Gate Valves: Rare in residential setups, but sometimes used in areas with extreme flood risk where manual control is preferred.
Choosing the right valve depends on factors like your plumbing layout, sewer line access, flood history, and municipal code requirements. A professional assessment is key to making the right choice.
Backwater Valve Maintenance: What You Need to Know
A backwater valve isn’t just “set and forget.” To stay protected, you need to maintain it regularly:
- Inspect the valve twice a year — especially before spring and fall
- Clean out debris like hair, paper, or sediment buildup
- Ensure the flap opens and closes freely
- Watch for slow drainage, which may indicate blockage near the valve
- Schedule professional cleaning every few years
A neglected valve can fail silently — leaving your home vulnerable at the worst possible moment. Regular upkeep is simple, affordable, and essential.
Why Homeowners Across Toronto Trust Leaquida Waterproofing
Leaquida Waterproofing is trusted by homeowners across Toronto and the GTA for one reason: we know how to prevent disasters before they start.
- Our backwater valve services include:
- City-permitted installation that meets local plumbing code
- Knowledge of rebate programs that may help cover the cost
- Clean, efficient excavation with minimal disruption to your property
- Expert valve selection based on your home’s layout and flood risk
- Support beyond the install, including maintenance and upgrades
Stop sewage backups before they start. Contact us today to schedule your backwater valve consultation.
FAQ
Yes, like any mechanical part, a backwater valve can fail if not properly maintained. Debris buildup or a damaged flap can cause the valve to get stuck open or closed. Annual inspection and cleaning are key to keeping it reliable.
In newer homes, it’s often required by building codes and may be visible as a capped access pipe in your basement floor. If you’re unsure, a plumber can inspect your main sewer line to confirm whether one is installed.
No, a backwater valve only prevents sewage from flowing into your home from the municipal system. It won’t stop clogs or overflows caused by blockages inside your own plumbing system — those still require internal inspection and repair.
In many parts of Toronto, yes — especially in areas at high risk of basement flooding. In fact, homeowners may be eligible for city rebates when installing approved backwater valves to reduce flood risk.
Not really. When the valve is shut due to external pressure, your own sewage can’t exit either. That’s why water use must be minimized during a local backup event to avoid overwhelming your home’s internal system.
Costs vary based on your home’s layout and sewer access, but homeowners should expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,000 in Toronto. However, city subsidies can significantly offset this investment — making it more affordable and worthwhile.
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