Have you ever had your basement waterproofing overrun by water from the floor drain? Have you experienced basement flooding in spite of the precautions you put in place? If yes, it is most likely that the backwater valve in the basement isn’t working properly.
What Is the Backwater Valve?
A backwater valve is a device that is installed on the sewer line to allow sewage or water to flow only one warp (out of the line). A backwater valve is also known as a sewer backup or backflow valve.
How a Backwater Valve Works
The backwater valve is designed to shut off and prevent water from flowing backward into the home, especially when there is heavy rainfall and the sewer lines become overwhelmed. It is a small flap that opens to let water flow away from home. Besides, it allows sewer gases to be vented. Its floaters trigger the flap to close to stop water from flowing back into the house.
A backwater valve is an essential device for basement waterproofing to achieve its purpose. Whenever there is a sudden rainfall, the chances are high that the basement could have a water backup issue. It would be an unpleasant experience and a severe health risk to have dirty sewage backup and fill your basement. However, a backwater valve in the basement will help to prevent this undesirable incidence.
A Backwater Valve – A Basement Protection Device
Irrespective of basement waterproofing, the basement can be flooded through water that comes up from the floor drains. Meanwhile, a backwater valve offers the protection needed to keep your basement free from water and sewage backup.
Hire a professional plumber to install a backwater valve in your basement. The cost of installation is lower than how much you would spend to sanitize your basement should it be flooded by sewage backup.
How to Maintain a Backwater Valve
It is essential that you maintain your backwater valve to guarantee its efficiency and reliability when there is a heavy downpour. You should inspect your backwater valve at least twice a year and remove debris that can clog it. Also, you should ensure that its moving parts move freely, unhindered, or forced.
However, you should be careful when cleaning the appliance so that you do not damage any of its parts. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for cleaning or maintaining your backwater valve.
Meanwhile, if anything goes wrong with your backwater valve, contact a plumber as soon as possible to fix it and prevent water and sewage backup into your basement. Compliment your basement waterproofing with a functional backwater valve.
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