Warning signs
Slow drains and odour have many causes, while wastewater rising from low fixtures during surcharge requires immediate safety and drainage attention.
Learn moreProblem and prevention
Reduce the risk of sewer water entering your basement.
A backwater valve can block reverse sewer flow on the protected line, but effective prevention begins with understanding the pathway and maintaining the whole property system.
- Residential valve specialist
- Permit and inspection aware
- Toronto and GTA service
What to know
Recognize the problem correctly.
Water or sewage coming up through a floor drain, toilet, shower or other low fixture during a sewer surcharge can indicate reverse flow. Groundwater seepage and surface-water entry need different controls.
Project context
Understand what happens when the valve closes.
The flap blocks reverse flow, but wastewater from the home also cannot leave through the closed valve. Occupants should stop using connected plumbing fixtures until normal flow returns.
Owner handover
Use layered protection.
Backwater-valve maintenance, downspout and stormwater review, sump-system readiness, grading, alarms, emergency planning and insurance records may all contribute to a more complete plan.
Project checklist
Keep the decision specific to the property.
Use the assessment, authority requirements and written scope rather than choosing from a generic product package.
- Sewer-backup warning-sign review
- Protected fixture and connection assessment
- Backwater valve and alarm options
- Maintenance and closure instructions
- Related drainage-risk recommendations
Related next steps
Continue with the closest matching pathway.
When the valve closes
Stop using connected plumbing fixtures until the reverse-flow condition ends and the valve reopens.
Learn more
Installation
A complete installation pathway for homeowners who want to reduce sewer-backup risk with the right valve, location, permit, inspection and maintenance access.
Learn more
Book an assessment
Tell us where the property is, what happened, whether a valve already exists and which municipal programme may be relevant.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
Important scope and homeowner questions.
Will a backwater valve stop sewage from the street?
It is designed to close against reverse flow on the protected drainage connection when operating correctly.
Can I use water while it is closed?
Avoid using plumbing fixtures connected upstream of a closed valve because wastewater cannot leave through that path.
Does sewer smell mean the valve failed?
Odour can have several causes. A drainage and valve inspection can identify whether the valve or another trap or sewer issue is involved.
What should I do during active sewage flooding?
Protect people from electrical and contamination hazards, limit exposure and contact emergency, utility, insurance and qualified cleanup support as appropriate.
Next step
Ready to take the next step?
Open the short assessment form. The fields appear immediately on the next screen, or call us now.