Sewer systems utilize gravity to flow through into specific wastewater treatment plants. However, when storm flushes and debris get their way into the sanitary sewers and mainline storm sewers, sewers may back up into business and homes. The moment these sewer systems get overwhelmed, sewage is going to back up. Grease and tree roots in homes’ sewer lines can also cause backups, which can be very inconvenient for homeowners. Fortunately, backwater valve Hamilton is always there to help resolve the problem.
What You Should Know About Backwater Valve Hamilton
What Are Backwater Valves?
Backwater valves or backflow valves are devices that reduce the probability of sewage flowing into your home or business when the main sewer line system is overwhelmed and starts backing up.
Backwater valves let water from sinks, toilets, and bathtubs flow out of the home or business into the main sewer line. But if water starts flowing backward from the pipes of the city and into yours, backwater valves have flaps that close and ensure that water doesn’t enter your home.
How a Backwater Valve Prevents Flooding
Mainline backwater valves can help avert sewage in an overwhelmed main sewer line from entering your home. The valves are placed straight into the sewer lateral in your basement and will automatically close in case sewage happens to back up from the primary sewer.
How to Tell If your Home has a Backwater Valve
Experts highly recommend homeowners install backwater valves. Indeed, these devices are also slowly becoming a requirement in some municipalities. For those with new homes, a backflow valve may have been set up during construction. You can find out if your home has a backwater valve by looking around the basement of your home.
Backwater valves are typically installed in the flow. They feature a cover that you can easily remove for maintenance. So, you’ll likely see this cover around. Additionally, you can tell if your basement has a backflow valve by looking around for a rectangular panel found on top. If you can see a sump pump, then you should know that your home has a backwater valve.
You should know that all backflow valves aren’t equal. For that, some types aren’t recommended. While these valves may prevent flooding, they let sewer backup pressure buildup under the floor of your basement. That can potentially damage your home.
Ways to Keep your Backwater Valve in Perfect Condition
Each backflow valve is different and must be maintained as per the recommendations of its manufacturer. Nevertheless, some important steps can be taken to ensure your valve is performing smoothly, including:
- Before a heavy storm or at least after every two months, open the cap and clear any debris available. As you do that, it’s recommended that you put on protective gear, including eyewear and gloves.
- Flush the backwater valve with a garden hose or bucket of clean water to get rid of any debris
- For stubborn debris and grease, utilize a scrubber to clean the valve.
- After the valve is clean, restore the cap and ensure it is secure
Why You Should Install a Backflow Valve
Backflow valves are a sure way of preventing flooding in your basement. They prevent a dangerous sewer backup plus the expensive repairs that may come with it, these valves can also save you a lot of money.
Some insurance companies offer great discounts for homes with backwater valves installed. Additionally, some municipalities provide rebates to homeowners who set up backflow valves.
Conclusion – How to Install a Backflow Valve
Backwater valves must be set up by licensed plumbers. These professionals are going to dig into the floor of your basement and extract a small piece of the pipe that takes wastewater into the sewer from your home (sewer lateral). They will then replace that piece with a backwater valve.
They may also need to disconnect the foundation of your drain eaves through downspouts from the home’s sewer system and weeping tile. Since every drainage system and home is different, your plumber needs to get in touch with your local authority for an inspection and get the necessary permits before setting up the system.
