What is a Backwater Valve?

A backwater valve or backflow prevention device is equipped with a check valve that will close when the sanitary sewer system is surcharged. During this time, the residence will be cut off from the sanitary sewer. When the sanitary sewer is able to accept flow from the lateral, the valve will open and the lateral will drain into the sanitary sewer.

A backwater valve should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure proper working conditions. The homeowner is responsible for maintaining these devices installed on their sanitary sewer lateral. Should the backwater valve close due to the sanitary sewer surcharge, the sanitary sewer lateral will fill up and reduce the storage capacity for the wastewater and possibly cause a wet basement. At that time the homeowner will not be able to bathe, shower, flush the toilet, wash clothes or run the dishwasher until the conditions that have caused the surcharge has been eliminated and the valve returns to the normal position.

Homeowners who have experienced sanitary sewer backups in the past should be encouraged to consider installing a backwater valve on their sanitary sewer lateral as a potential  solution to preventing future sanitary sewer backups or flooded basements.

Backwater Valve Financial Assistance Program

The Township of St Clair Council has approved a Sanitary Backwater Valve Financial Assistance Policy for existing buildings in the Municipality of St. Clair Township that are connected to the St. Clair Township Sanitary Sewer System. The Township will offer financial assistance to residents to install a backwater valve device located inside or outside of a building under the approval of the Director of Public Works. The financial assistance will offer 50% of the installation cost, to a maximum of $1,500 for a property that has experienced a sanitary backup (caused by a surcharge) and $500 for a property that has not experienced a sanitary backup. Application forms are available here

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is required to ensure it operates as required during a sanitary backup. It is recommended you follow the backwater valve manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for maintenance.

1. Remove cleanout cap on top of the valve and do a visual inspection.
2. Ensure O-ring is in good condition on the cap.
3. Use a flashlight to properly see inside the valve body.
4. Inspect for debris build-up on body, gate (flap) and beneath the gate (flap).
5. If debris build-up is found, flush clean.
6. Inspect the O-ring for deterioration and replace if necessary.
7. Ensure the gate (flap) moves freely up and down.
8. If the backwater valve is a model with floats, check condition of floats and replace as necessary.
9. Reinstall cleanout cap.

The clear top allows for easy inspection to determine if the gate (flap) is open or closed.

Keep in mind, when the backwater valve is closed you can’t use your plumbing as you normally would. Avoid showering, flushing the toilet, using the washing machine or dishwasher until conditions return to normal and the backwater valve gate is open.

SLWC Program for the Township of St. Clair

Sewage Service Line Warranty Protection 

The Township of St. Clair Council approves Service Line Warranties of Canada Inc. (SLWC) to offer the National Service Line Warranty Program to homeowners located in our municipality. The Warranty Program offers voluntary warranty protection at an affordable price for sewage lines in the event of a failure.

The SLWC Warranty Program offers protection against normal wear and tear, which is not covered under most traditional homeowners policies. If lines break, leak or clog – SLWC will repair the line using local, licensed contractors who are familiar with local code and can ensure a timely response. This program provides up to $5,000 in coverage per incident. Additionally, the program has no annual or lifetime limits, service fees or deductibles – just protection when you need it most. SLWC provides first-class customer service with a 24/7 repair line and the use of licensed and thoroughly researched local contractors – keeping dollars in the local economy.

To enroll call SLWC at 1-844-616-8444 and live operator will be available to help or visit www.slwofc.ca

Service Line Warranties of Canada (“SLWC”), a portfolio company of Canadian-based Brookfield Infrastructure. SLWC is an independent company separate from your local utility or community and now offers this optional service plan as an authorized representative of Northcoast Solutions of Canada, ULC, 250 Howe Street, 20th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6C 3R8. Your choice of whether to purchase this service plan will not affect any service you have with your local utility or community. St. Clair and SLWC entered into an agreement to introduce these plans to St. Clair customers. See Terms & Conditions prior to enrolling.