A storm drain check valve is a type of device that prevents wastewater from backflowing into your basement if the area sewer lines are flooding. They are a great way to protect your home from expensive sewage cleanup and repair costs.
Depending on your location, your home’s drainpipes will need to be inspected and backwater valves installed. The cost of this service will vary according to the location and type of backwater valve you choose.
If you live in a city like New York, you’ll need a licensed plumber to install your backwater valves. Make sure to ask them about their license, experience in your neighborhood, and any certifications they have.
You’ll also want to find out if your homeowner’s insurance covers plumbing backup, and how much it will cost you to have the valve installed. The plumber will also show you how to maintain your backwater valves so that they work properly.
The city of Charleston, South Carolina, is one example of a place that uses a tide check valve to prevent tidal flooding. Tide check valves open with the tide, allowing water to drain out of the city’s stormwater system, but they automatically close once the water begins to subside.
These devices are designed for situations where the city’s stormwater and sanitary sewer pipes are connected, and they can help reduce flooding in low-lying areas by preventing ocean water from backing up into the stormwater pipe network during high tide conditions. The city has already installed over 22 tide check valves in West Ashley and the Peninsula, and has plans to add more in the future.
This type of backwater valve is normally closed and is used to prevent sewage and water from entering your home when the main sewer line in your building is clogged or when heavy rains cause the area’s sewers to overflow. When the water tries to back up into your house, a flap on the inside of the valve opens and then lifts up to close.
A small floater is located on either side of the flap. When the water starts to back up into your home, it pushes against these floaters and causes them to lift up. The pressure forces the flap to lift up and shut down, preventing sewage or water from coming back into your home.
If a check valve is installed, it should be located outside of the house, downstream of your lateral, and have a clean out on top or attached to the valve. This clean out is used to remove any sludge or debris that may build up in the check valve over time.
Having the check valve exposed is also important so that you can see it and easily access it. Some installers and property owners have buried or covered their backwater valves for aesthetic purposes, which can cause them to stop working effectively.
Getting a storm drain check valve installed will save you thousands of dollars in sewage cleanup and repair costs if the public sewer lines in your neighborhood are clogged or backed up. Call your local plumber and arrange an inspection of your drainpipes to see if you need a backwater valve installed.