Backflow Prevention

Before discussing backflow prevention, we must first define exactly what backflow means. Basically, backflow is a plumbing term for an undesirable flow of water in the reverse direction. Under normal circunstances water will flow down into your drains. However, when you have backflow, the water flows back out of your drain causing expensive and inconvienent flood damage. This can also cause a very serious health risk when your fresh or drinking water supply gets contaminated with dirty sewer water caused by backflow from a sewer.

Your first step in preventing backflow is to call our plumbing experts at DrainCom. We realize the importance of keeping your drains in good working order. We can check your drains on a regular basis with inspection cameras. DrainCom will also clean your drains with drain cleaning equipment or we can wash out your drains with high pressure water. We can ensure you that we will discover if there is sediment blocking your drain or if there are roots penetrating and destroying the drain pipe.

However, in older areas where the storm drain is combined with the sanitary drain it will not matter how good your pipes are, you still might get backflow. In such cases we at DrainCom recommend that you install a backflow device known as a back water valve.
A back water valve can only be installed by licensed plumbers such as we have as part of our DrainCom team. We can efficently install a back water valve which works like a one directional system where sewage only goes out but is prevented from going back in. This protects your basement against flooding if the municipal drain gets overcharged during heavy rainfall and fills up with the drains with water that lead up to residential homes. This will cause backflow and flooding in the lower level homes or in homes which do not have a back water valve. The device should be installed at the main sanitary or storm pipe drain at the point where they leave the house, close to the foundation wall. Most installations are done inside which gives better access to the device which needs to be checked once every two years to ensure all the moving parts are moving freely and that it is free of any kind of rubbish. At most new construction sites it is mandatory to have a back water valve installed.

The City of Toronto understands the importance of having a back water valve installed. They offer a rebate program that assists homeowners who want to have a back water valve installed. The program is known as the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program which offers a financial subsidy which covers back water valve installation. The available subsidy for this is up to 80% to cover the invoice for installation up to a maximum of $1,250 which includes the labour and materials.This is undeniably a great incentive to get a back water valve installed for your home. Call us at DrainCom and one of our representatives will be pleased to assist you. After all, at DrainCom, we are the basement and plumbing experts.

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