Inline Backwater Valves - Flood Protection
Inline back water valves are just like what they sound like. A valve that goes in your sewer line that closes when water tries to go back through it. They only allow water to pass one way through them and that is the direction water normally flows in “downhill”, if the water tries to come back up the line as in the case of what happens during a back up the valve closes and the water is stopped.
Where do they get installed?
These types of valves are a lot harder to install then the floor drain style of backwater valves. In most cases you have to break open the basement floor, locate your drain line that you want to protect and cut in the valve. There is only one way to install a valve properly and that is with the direction the water normally flows in. If you do it wrong, nothing will drain. Test before closing the floor!!!
2 ways to protect!
There are two methods of installing a inline backwater valve to prevent sewer back ups in your house. The first method is to install it only on the basement plumbing lines (like in the case if you have a washroom in the basement) and this works very well doing this along with the floor drain valve in preventing sewer backups. Doing it this way, when there is a back up you will hear noises coming from your upstairs drains because the water has no where to go downstairs when ever you use them, this will inform you of the blockage so you can get it fixed, and you will not get any sewer back ups.
If you are are unable to find your basement plumbing lines, you can install a valve on your main line leaving your house and prevent the sewer from backing up there. Yes your whole house will be protected but there is a down side. If the valve closes that is installed on the main line leaving your house and you do have a basement washroom, your upstairs lines will drain into your basement when used, causing a very small back up, usually in your basement shower or toilet. Its a small price to pay if you can’t find the basement line and on a positive note at least its only your backup your dealing with cleaning up, not your neighborhoods.
Please note
If you install backwater valves you can still get flooded from rain water and tomorrows post will cover sump pits and pumps which you have to use with backwater valves to insure your home is safe. It is also highly recommended to call in your local plumber if you are unsure of exactly what to do and consult with them before installing a backwater valve. You may not even need an inline valve if you don’t having any plumbing in your basement and a good plumber, or me could easily tell you that!
If your not sure, just visit the asking Collin page and I will be glad to help.
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