As plumbers, we often get frantic calls from homeowners that have experienced the tragedy of a flood. Not only is a flood stressful, but it often causes irreparable damage to floors, drywall, furniture and decor. It's heartbreaking for homeowners. The good news is that a flood can often be avoided. If you install the proper tools into your plumbing system, you should be able to prevent a flood -- even if you're in a high-risk area.
We recommend installing a sump pump and a backwater valve. A backwater valve is a relatively new product that few people have invested in; However, everyone that has experienced a flood wishes they had.
We provide backwater valve installation in Etobicoke, Toronto, Vaughan and other surrounding areas.
Having a backwater valve installed not only helps to protect your home and your valuables -- there's also a monetary incentive for doing it. Our team at San-Del Plumbing has been installing backwater valves for years. We will assess your system before taking the time to install your valve into your system carefully. If your home has a basement or if your ground floor falls less than a foot below ground level, you're at a higher risk of flooding.
Have peace of mind knowing that your house is protected from contamination and flooding of raw sewage and stormwater. Trust San-Del Plumbing for your backwater valve installation in Toronto and the GTA.
A backwater valve is a one-way flow control valve installed in a drainage system that, under normal conditions, allows the wastewater to drain out of the system.
In the event that there is a reverse flow of water drainage, the valve will close to protect the home from water damage from the sewage backup. Without backwater valves, thousands of homes are flooded with contaminants such as sewage and stormwater. This costs millions in damages -- all that could have been prevented with backwater valves.
Most frequently, if a home without a backwater valve floods, it is through the floor drains. If you have a finished basement, this will do irreparable damage to the flooring and surrounding objects.
We will recommend some basic maintenance for the backwater valve, as per the manufacturer's guidelines. Furthermore, during a large rainstorm or snowmelt, you should refrain from taking long showers or doing laundry. The backwater valve will automatically close when large amounts of water are present (to avoid flooding within the home), so excessive water usage within the house risks flooding as well.
With that being said, not all backwater valves require ongoing maintenance. However, we recommend always double-checking with a licenced plumber to ensure that you are doing the right thing for your device.
Experts predict intense rainstorms will become more prevalent in Ontario. Installing a backwater valve can help limit the opportunity of basement flooding. The valve reduces the risk of sewage contaminating your home, which often occurs during extreme weather or if the City's wastewater system hits maximum capacity.
Before installing a backwater valve, we will perform a camera inspection and locate to determine where the drain exits the home; this will confirm the location of the install.
Sanitary backwater valves must be installed by a licensed plumber and require ongoing maintenance.
The City of Toronto offers homeowners a subsidy of up to $3400 to install flood protection devices, including a backwater valve.
Click here to learn more about the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program — and be sure to contact our team to learn more about how we can help you get set up with the right flood protection devices for your home!
The available subsidy is 80 percent of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $1,250, regardless of the number of devices installed at the property -- including eligible labour, materials, permit and taxes.
A Building Permit is required to install a backwater valve. The valve must pass inspection by the City of Toronto building inspector to be eligible for the subsidy.
You must also consent at the time of the building inspection or the request of the City:
The Region of Peel offers a Sanitary Backwater Valve rebate of $700 for eligible homeowners. You qualify if:
Contact the Region of Peel directly to confirm your eligibility for this rebate program.
The City of Vaughan provides a subsidy to assist homeowners with the cost of installing a Sanitary Backwater Valve. The available subsidy is 50 percent of the invoiced cost of installing an approved backwater valve, up to a maximum of $750, including eligible labour, materials, permit fees and taxes.
Subsidies are subject to available funding and provided on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Wayne Stevensen
- Alise Luongo
Let San-Del Plumbing help you avoid a flood with the installation of a backwater valve. Our professional plumber team offers free estimates.
Call us today at (416) 876-8700 for more information.
Call NowSubscribe to our newsletter for advice on backwater valve installation and insights from professional plumbers.
San-Del Plumbing provides a range of services such as residential plumbing, drain cleaning, repair services & more across Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Vaughan, and the surrounding regions.