Vancouver Backwater Valve Installation And Repair Services

Your expert Vancouver plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver BC can put in a backwater valve for your home, as well as repair and maintain the device you already have. To set up an appointment for any of our Vancouver backwater valve services, give us a call at.

Vancouver Backwater Valve Installation And Replacement Services

Our licensed plumbers are often called in by homeowners for clogged drains or sewer line repairs, but we believe in preventative plumbing solutions to prevent these issues. While we’re a quick phone call away if you require immediate plumbing repairs, we encourage our customers to take steps to prevent needing repairs in the first place. One way in which they can do this is by taking advantage of our Vancouver backwater valve service.

To prevent the flow of water during heavy rainfall from going back up your drain pipes, we’ll install this permanent fixture to your private sewer lateral. This installation project requires the expertise of a qualified plumber, which all of our licensed and insured team members are.

To professionally, minimally-invasively, and efficiently install your backwater valve, your professional plumber may take the following steps:

1. Sewer line inspection. First, we need to determine the correct location for your backwater valve. If you live in an older home, we’ll also take this opportunity to ensure that your drain lines and sewer system are still in great shape. To do this, we’ll insert a plumbing video camera into your sewer cleanout. The camera has a sensor on it, so we’ll leave it at the location where we decide to place the valve and then use a device to pick up the signal from above ground. This will help us determine where to dig a single hole rather than digging an entire trench.
2. Backwater valve installation. There are several different types of valves available, each with different pros and cons. Our plumbing team will advise you on the best value for your home to ensure you get the correct type put in. To install your new valve, we’ll replace the current plumbing infrastructure with new PVC piping attached to the valve. Some valves come with a cleanout for access, while others do not. If yours does not, we’ll add a cleanout for you.
3. Clean up. Before filling in the hole, we’ll add housing around your backwater valve so that you can access it for repairs and maintenance at any time. Then, we’ll fill in the hole and clean up any other messes we’ve made.

Unlike some of our other services, our Vancouver backwater valve service requires a consultation with our customers. In advance of your service appointment, we’ll take a look at your property and discuss your concerns to ensure that we have all the information we need to make the best flood mitigation recommendations for you.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing Of Vancouver BC, We’re Not Your Standard Plumber

In a city as big as Vancouver, it can feel like plumbers are a dime a dozen. The truth is that not all plumbers are created equal. While plumbers must be certified, it can be difficult to know whether your plumber has taken the time to understand your problem and has done the repair or installation according to current best practices without cutting corners.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we strictly adhere to plumbing codes and take the time to ensure that you receive quality workmanship every single time. Our workmanship and some of our parts are backed by warranties, so you don’t just have to take our word for it. Plus, we’ll provide you with upfront pricing and will never charge you for overtime, so you’ll know exactly how much you’ll pay for our quality services before agreeing to work with us.

Vancouver Backwater Valve FAQs

What Is Fixture Isolation?

The term ‘fixture isolation’ is used by plumbing professionals to describe a method used to prevent a plumbing fixture from producing backflow into a freshwater or wastewater line. It is usually used to describe backflow preventer devices and backwater valve installation projects, as both of these devices ‘isolate’ part of the plumbing system.

Is It Really Worth It To Get A Backwater Valve In Vancouver, BC?

Deciding whether to invest in a Vancouver backwater valve service depends on where your home is located, as well as whether or not you have a basement. If your risk of basement flooding has been a concern in the past, you already have a sump pump for flood mitigation, and you’ve experienced your fair share of heavy rainstorms, this installation service is likely worth it.

Getting a Vancouver backwater valve service is one of the most effective preventative measures you can take to avoid a sewage backup. When heavy rainfall occurs, raw sewage can flow back through your property’s main sewage pipe and into your home through any of your building drains, including your basement drain and shower drains. While some property owners have sewer backup insurance, many do not. Many insurance providers will cover some water damage but won’t cover the raw sewage cleanup or restoration.

How Can I Tell If My Property Already Has A Backwater Valve?

Backwater valves should be fairly easy to find if you have one. They’re generally located within basements and are covered with a flap or panel to allow you to access them to make repairs and clean them. If you have a sump pump, your backwater valve should be located close by. Otherwise, your Vancouver plumber is happy to be of service!

What’s The Difference Between A Backflow Preventer And A Backwater Valve In Vancouver, BC?

A backwater valve acts as a one-way gate that prevents wastewater from the city’s main sewer line from backing up into your home’s drains. A backflow prevention device prevents contaminants on your property from flowing back into the city’s freshwater line and contaminating the city’s freshwater supply. Backflow preventers are usually installed in outdoor faucets.

What’s The Difference Between A Backwater Valve And A Check Valve?

Backwater valves and check valves refer to the same thing. There are several different types of backwater valves, which include:

• Double check valves
• Flapper valve
• Ball float
• Butterfly valve
• Swing check valve
• And more

Both of these types of valves ensure that wastewater only flows in one direction—away from your home.

How Long Does A Backwater Valve Last?

A well-installed backwater valve typically has a lifespan of between five and ten years, but regular maintenance can help your device last even longer. A Vancouver backwater valve replacement service will cost much less than your initial installation service, as your floor will not need to be dug up again. Instead, the old device can simply be swapped for a new one.

Can I Put In My Own Backwater Valve In Vancouver, BC?

No. You need a certified plumber to put in a backwater valve in Vancouver, BC. You’ll also need to obtain a plumbing permit from the city for any upgrades or changes to your plumbing system, including a backwater valve installation.

If the wrong type of valve is put in, or the right valve is installed incorrectly, you could end up with severe damage to your property, as well as to the city’s sewer line. Fortunately, our professional team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver BC has all the knowledge and expertise to correctly install the right device in your home.

How Long Does Your Vancouver Backwater Valve Installation Service Take?

It’s difficult to say how long your Vancouver backwater valve installation service will take until we’ve assessed your property and sewer system. Additionally, sometimes our video camera inspection reveals damaged pipes, tree root intrusions, or other issues that require immediate attention. If these unexpected problems come up, we’ll always discuss them with you first before going ahead with any additional repairs or installations.

At the beginning of each appointment or during the consultation phase, we provide our customers with an expected project timeline. Rest assured that our team will work efficiently to get your installation completed as quickly as possible without compromising on the quality of workmanship.

Where Should I Install A Backwater Valve?

Your backwater valve will be installed at the very end of your lateral sewer line—the main sewer pipe on your property that connects your home’s drains to the city’s main sewer line. Ideally, this device will be installed at the very beginning of the lateral line, as close to your home’s waste pipes as possible.

Do Backwater Valves Fail?

Nothing is completely foolproof, including backwater valves. If your device fails, it’s usually due to one of the following reasons:

• A lack of maintenance. If objects get stuck in your device, it may not close properly, therefore allowing a sewer backup to occur.
• Improperly sealed valve cover. Even if your device may be functioning correctly, you could still end up with groundwater in your basement if your valve cover is loose or not properly shut. Though sewage isn’t an issue, water damage is still a concern.
• Foundation drain connected to sewer. If you’re still experiencing flooding and backups after getting a device installed, your foundation drain may be connected to the city’s main sewer line. This isn’t typically a problem in new homes, but it could be an issue for older homes. During the video camera inspection, we’ll look to make sure that there are no connections between where we plan to place the valve and the city’s main sewer line. If you do have a foundation drain connected to the main line, we’ll disconnect it.

How Can I Maintain My New Backwater Valve?

Regular maintenance and annual backwater valve inspections are key to ensuring that your device works accordingly for as long as possible. Proper maintenance is also usually a warranty requirement for manufacturers.

Maintenance can be done on your own or with the help of our professional plumbers. To maintain your device, all you need to do is take the time to clean it every six months to a year. To clean it out, take the following steps:

1. Apply gloves, a mask, and safety goggles.
2. Remove the valve cover and the cap on your valve.
3. Using your hands, remove any clogs, such as toilet paper.
4. Using warm water and a toilet brush, gently scrub the inside of your device. Dump a bucket of water in it to rinse it out.
5. Replace the cap and secure the cover.
6. Safely dispose of removed clogs and cloves, change your clothing, and wash your hands thoroughly.

Getting a regular inspection done by a certified plumber is also strongly recommended before the rainy season. Though there are many different types of devices, they all have small parts that can experience wear and tear, such as rubber O-rings. A plumbing professional can inspect your system and replace these small parts as needed.

If you’re not too keen on cleaning your Vancouver backwater valve yourself, we can clean it out while performing an inspection. Although this may seem unnecessary, remember that the measly cost of a regular inspection and cleaning service is much less than the cost of cleaning up a sewer backup!

Inquire About Our Vancouver Backwater Valve Installation, Repair, And Maintenance Services Today!

As a Vancouver homeowner, you know just how much of a risk regular rainfall can be to your property. Protect your home from flooding and sewage backups by inquiring about our Vancouver backwater valve installation and repair services. We’ll help you determine whether this service or another of our flood mitigation services is right for you.

To get in touch with our expert plumbers or to book an appointment, feel free to give us a call today. You can also fill out our only job estimate request form with your project details, and we’ll call you back with information on available consultation appointment times.