Assessment
Reduce assumptions before concrete is opened or a deep exterior excavation begins.
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Multiple connection planning
Storm, sanitary and dual backwater valves.
Confirm which private connections serve the home before choosing one valve, two valves or a different flood-protection measure.
- Residential valve specialist
- Permit and inspection aware
- Toronto and GTA service
What to know
Storm and sanitary systems have different functions.
Sanitary laterals convey wastewater from plumbing fixtures. Storm laterals may convey foundation, area-drain or other permitted stormwater. A valve must be assessed for the actual connection and its upstream sources.
Project context
A second valve is not automatically required.
The number of valves should follow the drainage layout, risk, code and programme rules. Some properties have one combined connection, some have separate laterals and some have multiple connections requiring further investigation.
Owner handover
CCTV and records improve confidence.
Camera inspection, cleanout tracing, drawings and municipal information can help identify the connections. Uncertainty should be documented rather than hidden inside a fixed-price assumption.
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.
- Sanitary lateral identification
- Storm lateral and area-drain review
- Combined versus separate connection review
- Multiple sewer connection assessment
- Device labelling and owner instructions
Related next steps
Continue with the closest matching pathway.
Camera inspection
Use traceable CCTV evidence to understand pipe route, condition, connections and installation constraints.
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Markham programme
Markham’s current programme is extended through April 2027 and includes separate published maximums for eligible indoor and outdoor storm or sanitary backwater valves, subject to pre-approval, technical review, permit and inspection requirements.
Learn moreDetailed guide
The label on the valve is less important than understanding what flows through the pipe and which fixtures or drains are upstream.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
Important scope and homeowner questions.
What is a sanitary backwater valve?
It is installed on an eligible sanitary drainage path to reduce reverse wastewater flow toward the home.
What is a storm backwater valve?
It is intended for an applicable storm-drainage connection. Its suitability depends on the sources and layout upstream of the valve.
Can Toronto subsidize two valves?
Toronto’s expanded 2026 programme can subsidize up to two eligible backwater valves, subject to its published conditions and property subsidy history.
Does Markham have separate storm and sanitary categories?
Markham’s current programme publishes separate indoor and outdoor storm and sanitary backwater-valve categories.
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.