Toronto summers are becoming anything but predictable, and with the temperature rising, come torrential downpours that often overwhelm the city’s overtaxed sewer systems, leaving homeowners vulnerable to sewage backups, flooded basements, and the havoc caused by moisture.
An excellent method to prevent your property from the threat of sewer backflow is by having a backwater valve installed in your home. At Santos Water Service & Drain, we’ve witnessed firsthand just how much a minor issue like that can save homeowners thousands of dollars in flood damage.
What Is a Backwater Valve?
A backwater valve is a piece of specialty plumbing equipment that gets attached to your home’s primary sewer line. It permits wastewater to flow out of your home, but it automatically closes if sewage begins to flow back toward your property.
In other words, it prevents municipal sewer water from backing up into your basement during big storms.
Why Are Summer Storms in Toronto a Problem?
Toronto is also grappling with aging infrastructure, and stormwater can overload the sewer system in summer downpours. When that happens, pressure increases in the pipes, causing dirty water to flow backward. The result? Unprocessed sewage can also gush back up into homes, ruining basements, belongings, and posing serious health risks.
In an era of climate change and increasingly severe weather extremes, homeowners in Toronto must be proactive in protecting their investments.
Benefits of Installing a Backwater Valve
Prevents Sewage Backups: Your basement remains dry — even when the streets are under water. The backwater valve, if properly installed, is the final frontier in your home before the city sewer backs up into your home.
Protects Your Home’s Foundation: Flooding can weaken building foundations, cause mold issues, and necessitate costly repairs. Backwater valves are one way to protect against these hazards.
Saves You Money: Basement floods can cost tens of thousands of dollars in repairs and property damage. Considering the potential damage, investing in a backwater valve is a small cost.
Qualifies for Toronto Subsidies: The City of Toronto offers a Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, which may contribute up to $1,250 towards the cost of installing a backwater valve when performed by a licensed plumber, such as Santos Water.
Is a Backwater Valve Mandatory in Toronto?
In many Toronto homes, especially those in flood-prone areas, backwater valves are not only recommended but also required by city plumbing codes to be installed during new home construction or significant renovations. However, even older houses without existing flooding issues can benefit from installing a pump as a preventative measure.
Why Choose Santos Water Service & Drain?
We are experts in backwater valve installation Toronto at Santos Water Service & Drain. Our licensed plumbers will take care of everything — from an assessment and installation to assisting you with the process of applying for the city’s subsidy program.
We provide:
- Fast, professional service
- Transparent per quote with no hidden charges
- Help crutching city permits and rebates
- Diagnosis and emergency help if you currently have a sewage backup
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm—Protect Your Home Today
It’s not precisely like Toronto’s summers are getting any chillier. For some peace of mind next time the rains come down, consider installing a backwater valve before disaster strikes.
Don’t hesitate to call Santos Water Service & Drain, and we’ll send someone to consult with you. We will inspect your property, explain your options, and help you protect your property against an unexpected summer storm.