How water back valves can save your home from ruin

There are many unfortunate events that can affect home te events that can affect homey owners, but sewer backup may be one of the worst. Occurring when the municipality's main n sewer system is over capacity, such as during a heavy rain st torm, sewer backup means sewme age can get pushed into a hom through the main drain pipe Unfortunately, it happens mor re often than you'd think.

To help prevent this problem, ask about the potential for sewer backup in the area wwhen purchasing a house. Of course, while it's preferable to o live in an area where this isn't an issue, sometimes it's unavoidable.

“Severe weather damage claims paid by Canadian insurers increased more than 13 foldover the past 30 years,” says Glenn Cooper of Aviva Insurance. “Installing a backwater valve system is one of the bbest measures you can take to avoid excess water damage in n your basement,” adds Cooper.

A backwater valve can be the difference between having a dry basement and being knee-deep in dirty water during a storm. Also commonly referreed to as a backflow valve, it can be added to your plumbing to prevent sewer water from entering your home. They're self-operating and allow water to flow from one direction only, which prevents back-ups when the municipality's seweer systems are overloaded.

If you're unsure if you neeed one, you can talk to your builder or plumber to weigh thhe pros and cons of installation Having a backwater valve is eespecially important if you live in an area prone to sewer backup.

Although installation is strraightforward and can likely be completed by many DIY-ers, it's best to leave it to a profesve sional. Knowing that the valvis installed and working cormoney rectly is worth the amount of needed to pay a licensed contractor or plumber to in stall it. Check to see if your municipality has a subsidy program available for home own roughers.

Find more information through program available for home own rough online at a viva water protection