Backwater Valve Installation in Burlington

When you need backwater valve installation

Houses whose lowest drain sits under the level of the road gain the most. The case is strongest if your basement has flooded from the drain before, if neighbours on your street have had sewer backups, or if you are finishing the basement. Insurers increasingly ask whether a backwater valve is fitted when writing or renewing sewer backup coverage.

How the job is done

The valve goes into the building drain under your floor, downstream of every fixture and upstream of the lateral. Installation involves:

1. Locating the main drain with a camera and planning the cut in the basement floor.
2. Saw-cutting and breaking out a section of concrete slab.
3. Digging down to the pipe, splicing the valve housing in with proper fall, and bedding it firmly.
4. Arranging the required inspection before backfill.
5. Re-pouring the slab around a service box that keeps the flap reachable.

A plumbing permit from the City of Burlington is required for this work, and we handle the application as part of the job.

Burlington homes and this work

After the August 2014 storm, when over 3,000 Burlington homes reported basement flooding, the city and Halton Region expanded flood-protection programs. Halton has run a rebate toward valve installs, bundled with related work such as disconnecting downspouts and foundation drains. Details shift from year to year, so confirm what the Region offers today before booking. Our guide to Halton flood subsidies explains how they have worked.

What affects the scope

• Depth and location of the main drain
• Finished flooring, walls or stairs near the work area
• Pipe material and condition revealed during excavation
• Sump pump discharge and foundation drain connections

Before we arrive

Clear a work area of roughly two metres around the planned spot and protect nearby items from concrete dust. During a storm the closed flap traps your own wastewater too, so hold off on laundry and long showers.