Before installing a backwater valve,  ask a certified licensed plumber to inspect the drain system of your house and find the best place for it. Installation location impacts its ability to prevent sewer backup, and your ability to maintain the device.

As a rule, a backwater valve  has to be installed either on main sewer pipe or the basement branch line  to protect all the  fixtures located below grade. Sometimes, the perfect location is hard to access. Other times, locating that place from the first time is difficult, and a plumber needs to jack-hammer more basement floor than originally intended.

Your city certified plumber will ensure your back-flow valve is city approved, the installation place is chosen correctly, and all the conditions for the city rebate are met.

Another disadvantage is cost, which is a bit higher than the cost of an indoor install. However, comparing to the cost of potential basement renovation, or backwater valve’s esthetic impact on the looks of your basement,  this extra cost may become an advantage.

Backwater valve install, meant to protect that very environment, will first destroy part of it.  A backwater valve must be accessible for maintenance, so part of your floor where it is installed will need incorporate backwater valve  lid. This  mini-renovation costs money.

Disadvantages: Depending on where it should be located, you may need to change your landscaping, or it can even be on the driveway. This is because an outdoor backwater valve is buried  in the ground. Your plumber is required to install a system which comes to the ground level and provides easy access for cleanup and, potentially, repair.

In some places, a backwater valve must be installed within your property line, and the property line is too close to your home. In this case, you may not have a choice and need to install indoor. Your plumber should know the city rules to help you do it right.

Advantages : No need to destroy your basement floor and incur further renovation costs. Cleaning backwater valve doesn’t result in any smell or spillage in your home.

Main advantage of an indoor install is that backwater valve is easily accessible. It is protected from the weather elements. You can visually inspect it, or, in case of spillage, literally smell the malfunction. Indoor install is easier and, therefore, costs you less than outdoor one.

Note that in the cold climates, burying the device  deep in the ground is a good thing.  Freezing temperatures won’t  impact your backwater valve too badly.  However, if you own a bungalow with a crawl space in  Manitoba, your plumber may recommend to avoid an outdoor install. This is because your pipes are closer to the ground, and it’s really cold in Manitoba for extended periods of time.

Both  install  and cleaning can be very messy.  Upon locating the sewer lateral where the backwater valve is to be installed, your plumber needs to jack-hammer concrete basement floor to access it.

Most of the times, plumbers install backwater valves indoor, but there are some cases when an  outdoor install is more practical.

We pride ourselves in our cleanliness. We cover surfaces, floor, and furniture meticulously. We carry out earth and concrete debris the cleanest way possible. Yet, concrete dust still can make it through the covers.

We Will Beat Any Written Estimate!You save $$ by getting a second opinion from us. Call us now and start saving. TestimonialsJason from Toronto:"I would strongly recommend Dmitry and A to Z Pluming & Drain to anyone who needs a job completed on time, with market competitive prices and friendly service. A truly professional service provider. "Taras from High Park:"We have a tenant in our basement appartment and have previously done extensive work with other drain companies. I called one of the companies up and they wanted too much for just coming out and inspecting. I remembered Dmitry because he did a few other plumbing jobs for me very well. I was pleased to hear that he also does camera inspections. Dmitry removed the toilet and pulled out a mass of roots the size of a 20 pound salmon! Dmitry did the camera inspection which revealed that the pipes were absolutely clean and clear of all roots. So where did the roots come from?..." Click to continue reading this and other clients' testimonials

Taras from High Park:"We have a tenant in our basement appartment and have previously done extensive work with other drain companies. I called one of the companies up and they wanted too much for just coming out and inspecting. I remembered Dmitry because he did a few other plumbing jobs for me very well. I was pleased to hear that he also does camera inspections. Dmitry removed the toilet and pulled out a mass of roots the size of a 20 pound salmon! Dmitry did the camera inspection which revealed that the pipes were absolutely clean and clear of all roots. So where did the roots come from?..." Click to continue reading this and other clients' testimonials

Check out our references on Homestars.com and ask for a quote. We keep our price reasonable and competitive, and our quality very high. Master plumber Dmitry will be happy to answer all your questions and help you choose the best location for your backwater valve.

Jason from Toronto:"I would strongly recommend Dmitry and A to Z Pluming & Drain to anyone who needs a job completed on time, with market competitive prices and friendly service. A truly professional service provider. "

Some plumbing companies, ours included,  also get a building permit on your behalf, saving you a trip to the City Hall. Then they help you fill out an application and schedule city inspectors.