FAQ

A blocked sewer pipe often becomes a costly and destructive problem for building owners. Partially blocked pipes result in the slow draining of sinks, basins, toilets and tubs. Totally blocked pipes usually result in sewage backing up through floor drains or fixtures, often causing property damage and potential health hazards. Cleanouts are the answer to fixing these issues.

To easily clear any blockage that may occur a cleanout would be installed. Cleanouts can be installed inside the home to investigate the sewer pipe. A clean-out can also be installed outside the home or building for the same purpose, to access the sanitary sewer for investigation. At Phoenix Drainage, we will typically install them outside and use the less intrusive method of hydro-excavation to install them.

The purpose of a sump pump is to remove water from your basement or crawlspace and keep these areas dry. It also has several other purposes you may not realize. In cases where the water table is high, water from the soil can damage the foundation. As the water flows downward, the sump pump takes it away from the house and foundation.

A backwater valve (sometimes called a backflow or sewer backup valve) is a valve you can install on your sewer line and is designed to allow water or sewage to flow only one way, that is out of your house. Anytime there is a sudden heavy rainfall, the city sewer lines can become overwhelmed, causing water or sewage to flow back toward your home. If there is a sewer system backup, and you have a backwater valve in place, sewage will not be able to flow back into your house.

Phoenix Drainage is an approved contractor with the City of Windsor. They currently have a basement protection program in place. Backwater valves and sump pumps with pits are all part of that program. Contact the City of Windsor to find out more or simply call our office and we can inform you of the details.

Backwater valves are required by some municipalities and recommended by others.

The risk of water backup increases if there is a basement in your home or if the ground floor is less than a foot above street level. If a new home has any fixtures located lower than the street level, The National Plumbing Code requires you to have a backwater valve installed.

Your home’s sewer system allows water and sewage to flow out of the house. A backwater valve will stop water or sewage from flowing into your house should the main sewer line become overloaded. In most cases, you can check to see if it’s working properly by looking through the clear cover on the backwater valve access box.

Inside the valve is a small flap that is normally open allowing water to exit your home. It also allows any sewer gases to be vented. There is a small floatation device on each side of the flap. If water or sewage starts to flow back into the house, these floaters cause the flap to lift up and close, thus preventing anything from entering your home.

When the water stops coming back towards the house, gravity will allow the flap to fall into the open position again, allowing water and sewage to resume flowing out of the house.

If this backwater valve is being put in an existing home, as opposed to being installed in the initial construction, a permit from your municipality is needed. We will have to cut a hole in the concrete floor, usually near the floor drain. We will dig down to the main sewer line, cut out a portion, and replace it with the new valve. These valves often have a clear top so you can see if it is operating properly. There is a lid that can be removed for cleaning.

Without a properly placed and installed backwater valve, sewage could come into the basement through a floor drain, sinks, tubs, and toilets. Your home will require the installation of a sump pit and pump when you have a backwater valve installed.