Nowadays, intense rainstorms are becoming a new normal in Ontario due to climate change. During such downpours, property owners in the City of Mississauga have experienced basement flooding caused by sewer backup as well as penetration of water from foundation walls. Fortunately, there is an affordable and simple way to reduce the risk of flood caused by the wastewater or stormwater flowing back to the house: installing a backwater valve.
What is a Backwater Valve Used For?
Because of similar names, a backwater valve is very often confused with a backflow prevention device also called a backflow preventer valve or simply backflow preventer. Unlike the backwater valve that is installed in the basements to safeguard your home from backflow of sewage and flooding, a backflow valve protects the clean water supply line by preventing used water from your property flowing backward into the city’s freshwater system.
The backwater valve is a fairly simple but effective device that is used to prevent the sewer backflow. It allows water from sinks, toilets and tubs to flow out of your home and into the municipal sewer system. At the same time, it has a simple gate that closes shut if dirty sewage begins to back up from the city’s pipes into the basement.
Do I Need a Backwater Valve?
The requirements for the installation of backwater valves on residential property depend on the municipality. The Region of Peel which consists of three municipalities: the cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the town of Caledon, warns that the installation of a backwater valve might not be appropriate for all houses. Prior to installing these valves, homeowners are recommended to evaluate their needs and follow the extensive list of guidelines to determine whether a sanitary backwater valve is the right choice for their home. This process may require a significant amount of your time as well as specific knowledge and skills.
If you have any questions or concerns, we suggest giving Absolute Draining & Plumbing a call at 416-252-5557 to get a free consultation. Our licensed plumbers can provide professional advice regarding the need of backwater installation service, backwater valve installation cost, what are the backwater valve types, how to get backwater valve permit in Mississauga as well as to help claim the Peel Region sanitary backwater valve rebate. You can also check this article to get a better understanding of signs that you need to install a backwater valve.
What is a Backwater Valve Rebate?
A backwater valve is not only a way to prevent basement flooding but it could also help you to save money.
To assist homeowners who are determined to decrease the possibility of basement flooding, The Peel Region implemented a basement flooding rebates program after seeing an upsurge in the occurrence of floods after heavy rainfalls called “Sanitary Backwater Valve Rebate Program”. Under this program, eligible homeowners in Mississauga can receive up to $700 plumbing rebate for backwater valve installation as a protection measure against flooding and its unpleasant consequences.
Who is Eligible for a Mississauga Backwater Valve Rebate?
To verify if you are eligible for a backwater valve rebate program, please review the information below:
- You live in Mississauga.
- You have reported basement flooding resulting from rainstorms to the Region of Peel.
- You have proof of an insurance claim related to flooding (ask your insurance company to provide an “Experience Letter”) or your home is located in the area prone to flooding (according to Peel Region records).
- You have NOT obtained a rebate from the Region of Peel using previous basement flooding remediation programs.
- If your answer is “Yes” to all the criteria, you may be eligible for a rebate up to $700.
Mississauga Sanitary Backwater Valve Rebate Program requirements:
- Disconnect all your downspouts, or sign an Acknowledgement and Release while applying.
- Apply for a building permit from the cities of Brampton or Mississauga, or the town of Caledon.
- Make sure that ‘normally open type’ sanitary backwater valve is installed and complies with the Ontario Building Code;
- Set up an appointment with a municipal inspector to conduct the inspection of the backwater valve and to sign your building permit.
- Submit the completed application form for the Sanitary Backwater Valve Rebate Program. If applicable, attach the completed application for the Downspout Disconnection Rebate.
How to Participate in Mississauga Backwater Valve Rebate Program
In order to successfully claim your subsidy, please follow this step-by-step guide.
- Check eligibility
Confirm your eligibility with the City of Mississauga by calling 905-791-7800, ext. 4409.
- Find a professional Mississauga plumber
A backwater valve is essential by being the defence line against the sewage entering your house. Decide on your own or hire a licensed plumber to assess your situation, check your drainage system and confirm if you require a backwater valve installation for your home.
- Hire a plumber to perform a plumbing inspection
Once you hire a licensed plumber to examine the plumbing system of your home and downspouts, he will perform a thorough inspection of the following aspects:
– The variety of connections to the sanitary sewer lines. Some of those could be sewer connections, however, there could be connections from sump pumps, weeping tiles, clean water sources or even unknown connections. After investigating all connections, you can request the detailed drawing of all identified connections for your reference.
– The connection of weeping tiles to the sanitary sewer pipe (lateral) downstream of the valve. If this is the case, there is the possibility that sewage could be pushed into weeping tiles.
– If it is possible to install a backwater valve directly onto the sewer lateral.
– If all downspouts are connected to weeping tiles and if there is an option to disconnect them all. If not, could all eavestroughs and downspouts be rerouted and therefore, fully disconnected.
– To investigate and give recommendations regarding the installation of the additional device (e.g. sump pump, pit) if such needed in order to prevent the possibility of flooding in the future.
– To provide expert opinion regarding backwater valve installation outside or inside the home. If needed to be outside, should be installed as close as possible to the foundation wall.
– To ensure that a recommended sanitary backwater valve is ‘normally open type’ and complies with the requirements of Section 7.4.6.4. Protection from the backflow of the Ontario Building Code. - Disconnect your downspouts
Once the initial inspection is done and it is confirmed that a backwater valve can be installed at your property, the first thing you would need to do is to ensure that all downspouts are properly disconnected. If for any reason it is not possible to disconnect one or more downspouts, you will be required to sign Acknowledgement and Release in while completing an application form. In addition, please check if you are eligible for the Downspout Disconnection Rebate Program (up to $100).
- Apply for a building permit
he next step will be applying for a building permit from your local municipality. You can find detailed instructions for the Region of Peel municipalities below:
City of Brampton
City of Mississauga
Town of Caledon - Install a backwater valve
Install an approved backwater valve. To accomplish this task, The Region of Peel recommends hiring a licensed plumber. Absolute Draining & Plumbing licensed plumbers will be happy to help you with the installation of a sanitary backwater valve and make certain that all criteria are met and you are eligible for the Mississauga plumbing rebate.
- Get a building inspection
Once the installation of a backwater valve is completed, have a building inspector come to your property to do the inspection and sign off building permit. Don’t forget to ask the building inspector to put the model number of the installed backwater valve on this permit.
- Submit your application for the rebate program
Download, print and fill out two application forms:
Sanitary Backwater Valve application form (PDF, 60KB)
Downspout Disconnection application form (PDF,76KB) (if applicable)
Keep a copy for your records! Once completed, submit the application forms along with your signed building permit to the following address:
Sanitary Backwater Valve Subsidy Program
2 Copper Road
Brampton, ON L6T 4W5 - Check your downspouts
When the Region of Peel receives your application, be prepared for the downspout assessment at your property by the municipality representative.
- Wait for the cheque!
Once you successfully passed the verification and it was confirmed that downspouts are disconnected, the cheque will be mailed to you within 6 to 8 weeks’ period.
The Region of Peel also prepared this handy Sanitary Backwater Valve Rebate Program Checklist for your use.
Apart from proper installation, you should ensure the ongoing maintenance of your backwater valves and check if it works properly.
Absolute Draining & Plumbing team is always here to help you to protect your home against basement flooding. Please contact us at 416-252-5557 or fill out the form and we will call you back to answer any questions or concerns you have.
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