Backwater Valve Maintenance
How often to check a backwater valve, the safe steps a homeowner can take, what never to do, and how upkeep ties in with the Region of Durham loan program and your insurance.
5 min read
Backwater Valve Installation Near Me
Backwater Valve Installation in Durham Region
A backwater valve is a one-way door on your sewer line. When the municipal sewer surcharges in a storm, it closes and keeps sewage out of your basement. We handle the permit, the installation and the inspection.
What is backwater valve installation?
A backwater valve is installed on the main sanitary drain in the basement floor. Under normal conditions wastewater flows out freely; when the municipal sewer backs up during heavy rain, the valve flap closes and stops sewage from entering the home. Hayes Plumbing installs backwater valves across Durham Region, handles the plumbing permit and municipal inspection, and can supply the invoice and inspection record that the Region of Durham's basement flooding loan program asks for.
What this service includes
- Backwater valve installation on existing homes
- Plumbing permit and municipal inspection handling
- Invoices and inspection records for loan or insurance paperwork
- Annual backwater valve inspection and cleaning
- Pairing with sump pump and battery backup for full basement protection
“Just had Hayes plumbing in to fix 2 clogged sinks in master bathroom and to fix 2 water taps in basement. I called, very pleasant on the phone and plumber was here quickly. He was courteous and professional and everything was done right! thank you for the great Job! definitely recommend Hayes Plumbing”
Duane N.
Oshawa, ON • Hayes Plumbing customer
Signs you need backwater valve installation
If you notice any of these, it is time to call.
Call (905) 576-3043- You have had sewage back up through a basement drain or toilet.
- Your street or neighbours have flooded during heavy storms.
- Your insurer has asked about sewer backup protection.
- You are finishing the basement and want to protect the investment first.
Our backwater valve installation process
Assess
We locate the main drain, confirm the valve position and check whether floor drains and fixtures are correctly protected.
Permit
We pull the plumbing permit required for the work.
Install
A section of the basement floor is opened, the valve is installed with an access lid, and the floor is patched.
Inspect and document
The municipal inspection is scheduled and passed, and you receive the invoice and inspection record that loan or insurance paperwork may ask for.
Trusted for backwater valve installation across Durham Region.
Call to book a visit or a free in-home estimate.
Family owned in Oshawa since 1961
Registered and accountable
Registered plumbing technicians, WSIB certified, BBB accredited and members of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce.
Written pricing
Free in-home estimates and the price in writing before any work starts.
Local since 1961
Founded in Oshawa by Brian Hayes in 1961, with seven fully stocked service vehicles across Durham Region.
24/7 live operator
A real person answers emergency calls around the clock and dispatches from Oshawa.
What does backwater valve installation cost in Durham Region?
Our backwater valve guide places installation for an existing home in Durham Region at about $2,000 to $5,000, depending on floor access, pipe depth and the permit. The Region of Durham's Basement Flooding Loan Program has offered owners whose basement flooded from a sanitary sewer backup an interest-free loan of up to $3,000 for an approved backwater valve and sump pump, repaid on the water bill; confirm the current terms with the Region. We provide a free in-home estimate and a written quote before we cut the floor.
Backwater Valve Installation across Durham Region
We are your plumber in Oshawa, and we dispatch from our shop at 448 Ritson Rd. South to:
Plumbers in our other service areas
Backwater Valve Installation FAQs
Common questions about backwater valve installation in Oshawa and Durham Region.
Look for a round access lid in the basement floor near the floor drain or where the sewer line leaves the house. If you are unsure, a camera inspection confirms it.
Not easily. In Durham Region the installation needs a plumbing permit and an inspection, and it involves cutting into the main sewer line, so it is a job for a plumbing professional. The Region's basement flooding loan program also requires a licensed plumber. Done wrong, it can cause leaks, blockages and code violations that affect insurance.
A quality valve lasts 15 to 25 years with maintenance. The rubber flap may need replacement every 5 to 10 years, and an annual inspection catches wear early.
It protects against sewer backup specifically. Groundwater through foundation cracks or a failed sump pump needs a sump pump and grading solutions, which we can combine with the valve.
Yes. Sewer backflow valve is another name for a backwater valve: a valve on the main sewer line that closes when sewage flows back from the municipal sewer, so it cannot come up through your basement drains. It is different from a backflow preventer, which protects the drinking water supply and is covered by our commercial backflow testing service.
Sources
Local rules, programs and figures on this page come from these sources.
- Region of Durham: Basement Flooding Loan Program noticemedia-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com
- Region of Durham: Basement Floodingdurham.ca
Guides about backwater valve installation
All guidesWhat Is a Backwater Valve? A Guide for Durham Region Homeowners
Sewer backups are one of the most damaging and unpleasant plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face. If you live in Durham Region, a backwater valve is one of the most effective ways to protect your property. This backwater valve guide for Durham Region homeowners covers what these devices do, why they matter in our area,
7 min read
Basement Flood Prevention Valve Checks in Oshawa
Learn what to check for basement flood prevention valve checks Oshawa and when to call Hayes Plumbing for service in Oshawa and Durham Region.
6 min read
Need backwater valve installation now?
Call (905) 576-3043 for friendly service from Oshawa's plumbers since 1961.