What is a backwater valve and why your home needs one now!
At Trouble Shooters, we believe in helping our customers mitigate risk. If we are in a home without a Toronto backwater valve install we always recommend putting one in. These devices are one of the only ways to reduce the risk of basement flooding.
How a Toronto Backwater Valve device works?
A backwater valve is a simple device that gets installed on your main drain line leaving your basement and going to the city side. Your main drain is where any water goes once it goes down the toilet, sink, laundry, etc. The device is a small box that has a cap on the top to access the inside components. Inside it is a flap that is normally down and allows wastewater to flow OUT towards the city. When the city side becomes overwhelmed and the wastewater starts to back up through the main drain line, this flap lifts up to cover your drain and prevent the sewer water from back up into your basement.
Why Install a Backwater Valve?
The wastewater that can potentially back up into your home is hazardous. It is the accumulation of what you and your neighbours flush down your drain and rainwater. Decomposing food, grease, garbage remnants from the street, excrement, etc. – none of which you would want in your basement. This can cause mold growth and contaminate your valuables, not to mention, if left long enough, will contaminate your home’s construction materials. This wastewater is hazardous and should be avoided at all costs.
Professional Toronto Backwater Valve Installations
Trouble Shooters is a local plumber in Toronto and has done an extensive number of Toronto backwater valve installs for residents of our community. Installing a backwater valve is a multipart project that requires a City permit and a final inspection from a City appointed inspector. Our team is very familiar with this process and can complete every aspect of this job with efficiency and professionalism.
Toronto Backwater Valve Rebate Program
If you are a resident of Toronto you are entitled to the Backwater Valve Rebate Program! However, the work must be completed by a licensed plumber, be inspected by a City appointed inspector, and have all the necessary paperwork filled out.
The City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program offers a financial subsidy of up to $3,400 per property to install flood protection devices (backwater valves).
Eligible backwater valve work:
- Installation/ install a backwater valve on main drain
- Replacement of existing backwater valve
- Installation of alarm for backwater valve
Available subsidy = 80% of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $1,250 regardless of the number of devices installed at the property, including eligible labour, materials, permit and taxes. All work must be carried out by a plumber, licensed by the City. Learn more from the City here.
