Vancouver Backwater Valve Installation And Repair Services

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!