Why a backwater valve matters
- Heavy rain can overload municipal sewers and push water back up house laterals
- The floor drain and basement toilet are the first places backup appears
- Insurance companies often ask whether you have one
- It protects a finished basement or basement apartment
Installation step by step
A normally open backwater valve is installed in the main building drain inside the basement, downstream of all house fixtures. The floor is cut, the old pipe is opened, and the valve is set level with an access lid at floor height for cleaning.
- Locate the main drain and plan the cut.
- Break the concrete and excavate to the pipe.
- Install the valve level, with proper fittings and support.
- Backfill, pour new concrete and fit the access cover.
Brampton permits and possible subsidies
A plumbing permit and inspection through the City of Brampton are normally required. The City has offered financial help for flood protection devices in the past; check the current program terms before booking, as eligibility and amounts change. Our paper on the subsidy explains what to look for.
Tools, access and testing
| Tools we bring | Submersible pump, check valve, saw for the floor slab |
|---|---|
| What we open | Sump pit, discharge line, backwater valve lid |
| What we test | Float switch cycles, alarm, battery runtime |
Where in Brampton we do this
We take backwater valve installation calls right across the city, including Mount Pleasant, Credit Valley, Peel Village, Fletcher's Meadow and the streets around them.
Questions we get
Will I be able to use my plumbing during a storm?
When the valve closes, water from your fixtures cannot leave either. During a backup, use as little water as possible until it reopens.
