1.) A valid copy of the City of Toronto plumbing contractor business licence (current within 1 year from the date of issuance). To find information on how to obtain a valid licence, please visit permits & licences.

Backwater valves (or backflow valve) prevents flooding from an overloaded main sewer line from entering your basement. This valve automatically closes if sewage backs up from the main sewer line.

3.) A valid copy of the Cross Connection Control Specialist certification with either the OWWA (current within five year from the date of issuance), or ASSE certification (current within three years from the date of issuance)

Installing a backwater valve can be a significant investment. Here is how to tell if you need one installed in your basement.

Required for facilities classified as “moderate hazard.” It consists of two check valves, which help to provide protection in the event that one valve does not close tightly. As DCVA valves can fail with no visible warning, they must be tested at least once a year to ensure proper operation.

There is some good news if you need to retrofit. Many municipalities offer homeowners subsidies to assist with the cost of backwater valve installation. Talk with your local city hall to see if a subsidy is available. Considering the costs involved, installing a backwater valve is a worthwhile investment, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding.

You may benefit from a discount for installing a sump pump and backwater valve. How much you save will vary by your insurer, location, and other policy limits. Since the valve can prevent a flood, your insurer will see this as taking proactive measures to lower your claim risk.

The cost of backwater valve installation depends on your home. Installing the device in a new home will cost up to $250. However, retrofitting a backwater valve could easily cost $1,000 or more.

There must be no branch or hose connections between the water meter/by-pass and the backflow device. Thermal expansion must be addressed within the private plumbing system as per Part 7 of the Ontario Building Code.

From urban flooding to leaking roofs, Canadians want to know how home insurance in Canada can protect their belongings and support them in the event of a claim. Even with the rise of water related claims, many homeowners are unsure if they are covered or if there is a backwater valve in their basement.

Insurance Business Magazine says the average claim for water-related damages is around $43,000. Imagine something as simple as a backwater valve that can limit this risk and costly repair bill.

Required for facilities classified as “severe hazard.” It consists of two independently acting, internally loaded check valves, separated by a reduced pressure zone. RP devices must be installed in an area with adequate drainage and tested at least once a year.

Devices should be installed immediately after the water meter and by-pass piping. This ensures that water from the private plumbing system will not flow back through the meter into the City’s water supply.

If you live in an area prone to flooding, your insurer may enforce the installation of a backwater valve to keep your policy active. Some municipalities offer rebates, such as Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, to support homeowners in making their homes and water safer.

Before installing a backwater valve, you should check a few things off your list. Here are three tips to consider before installing one.

3.) A valid calibration certificate (current within one year from the date of issuance) for the test gauge used by the company

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For a Certified Engineering Technologist (NOTE: Required to be under the direction of a Professional Engineer): documentation that demonstrates that your certification with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists is in good standing. Can only test and carry out cross-connection/backflow prevention surveys on domestic supply and fire protection systems.

In Canada, we have seasons of extreme cold, heat, and rainfall. Sudden and severe weather can damage infrastructure and property, which is why many homeowners want to protect their homes with a backwater valve.

Most homes built after 1990 have backwater valves already installed. Some older homes may have them. You can confirm by checking your basement or contacting a plumber to help.

Backflow is the undesired reversal of water flow against the normal direction. This can occur through back pressure or back siphonage.

Backwater valves have an internal flap that allows water to flow from your home to the sewer. However, if water flow changes direction and starts to come into your home, the flap will rise and block water from entering.

To help protect the safety of the City’s drinking water, it is mandatory under the City of Toronto’s Water Supply By-law for property owners of industrial, commercial, institutional and Part 3 residential properties (as defined by the Ontario Building Code), as well as construction sites, to install a backflow prevention device on the water supply line(s) to their facility. This is done to isolate buildings from the City’s water distribution system, helping to ensure contaminants do not enter drinking water.

3.) A valid calibration certificate (current within one year from the date of issuance) for the test gauge used by the company

Backflow prevention devices must be installed by a plumber licensed with the City of Toronto. A list of qualified plumbers can be obtained by sending a request to backflow@toronto.ca. This list is for convenience only; the City of Toronto does not endorse or accept liability or responsibility for work completed by companies on the list. Property owners are encouraged to get several independent quotes before choosing a plumber.

4.) A valid calibration certificate (current within one year from the date of issuance) for the test gauge owned by the company

Even though a backwater valve can be costly to install, it has several benefits. Water related events have cost Canadian homeowners more than $1 billion in losses annually. The upfront cost of upgrading your home is already more affordable than more claims.

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Backwater valves are in your basement, nearby your sewer line or sump pump. Avoid putting objects or shelves on top of the panel that leads to your backwater valve.

2.) A valid copy of the Cross Connection Control Specialist certification with either the OWWA (current within five year from the date of issuance), or ASSE certification (current within three years from the date of issuance)

A building permit is required for all new installations and replacements. Permits can be requested online or over the counter, and are typically obtained by the plumber on behalf of the property owner.

If you’re considering adding additional water protection to your home insurance in Ontario, bring your questions and budget to our ThinkInsure team. We are committed to helping you find the best defence against damage from water in your home.

1.) For a Professional Engineer: documentation that demonstrate that you are in good standing with the Professional Engineers of Ontario

Investments in sewer backup insurance are highly recommended – basic policies will not cover your property or belongings without this endorsement added to your insurance. Some options come with an alarm that can alert homeowners if the machine is working properly or not.

There are two types of backflow prevention devices: Double Check Valve Assembly and Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly.

As a certified Cross Connection Control Specialist, you can now complete and submit Backflow Prevention Device Test Reports online. Once you submit your test report, you and your client will receive a confirmation by email, including your test result.

Installation and maintenance of backwater valves are best suited for certified professionals and plumbers to handle. However, there are a few tips you can do year-round.

Some municipalities mandate backwater valves, while others recommend them. Many newer homes have them installed, but older homes generally do not. You can find out if you have a backwater valve installed by going into your basement and looking for a round or rectangular panel. If you have a sump pump, it will be located near it.

Testing can be completed by plumbers, engineers and fire system sprinkler fitters certified as Cross Connection Control Specialists. See Schedule 6 of the Water Supply Bylaw for a full list of criteria for testers. Please review this carefully before registering. Do not test until your profile has been created with the Backflow Program.

Some home insurance companies may make it mandatory to have a backwater valve installed to get approved for coverage. Homes with high flood risk usually need a backwater valve to get approved for additional flood insurance.

A backwater valve can be the difference between a basement filled with sewage water and a dry basement. It's a simple device that can be installed to prevent water from entering (or backing up) your basement when water levels in the sewer are higher than average.

Learn if you qualify for a backwater valve insurance discount by reaching out to ThinkInsure to learn more about yourhome insurance options.

The type required in a building is based on the hazard level, which is listed by sector in Schedule 5 of the Water Supply By-law. Should you require assistance determining the correct device for your facility, please contact Toronto Water at 416-394-8888.

You may require a permit if you plan to install a prevention device. Make sure to have it installed by a licensed plumber.

If you believe you meet the criteria listed in Schedule 6 of the Bylaw and would like to register with the Backflow Program, please email PDF copies of the following documents to backflow@toronto.ca.

Backwater valves can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance. Always follow the recommendations from the manufacturer and have it checked at least once a year.

2.) A valid copy of the Cross Connection Control Specialist certification with either the OWWA (current within five year from the date of issuance), or ASSE certification (current within three years from the date of issuance)

2.) A valid copy of the Master Plumber, or Journeyman Plumber, or Apprentice Plumber, or Industrial Millwright (limited to test BFPs on the domestic and fire line supply only) Certificate of Qualification from the College of Trades;

If you are installing a backwater valve, it is highly recommended to have an alarm installed on them. These are designed to notify you about the current status of any potential water leaks or sewer backups. There are even Wi-Fi sewer backup alarm protection apps available.

A recent Canadian Underwriter article found that 26% of people have had water related damage in their home – but only 43% of them knew how to prevent the issue. Sealing cracks, extending downspouts and having a backwater valve are a few preventative measures the public can take.

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