Sanitary Sewer Backwater Valve Subsidy Program
The impact of climate change continues to present an unprecedented challenge to municipal infrastructure given both the intensity and severity of current storm events. The implications of climate change are placing greater challenges upon local municipal infrastructure budgets, both operating and capital. The Town has been engaged in a program of replacing combined sanitary sewer and stormwater systems through the allocation of the annual capital budget program.
Due to the Town's limited financial capacity, replacement efforts will take many years to complete the upgrades. This concern has prompted the Town to create a backflow prevention subsidy program aimed at assisting homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent flooding events before the municipality is able to replace the combined sewer and stormwater infrastructure. it is essential that homeowners take the appropriate action to reduce the risk of basement flooding on their own private property. Homeowners may be able to reduce the impact by installing a backflow prevention device on their sanitary sewer system.
Why should I install a backwater valve?
Installing a backwater valve can help decrease the incidence of basement flooding by reducing the risk of wastewater from entering your home. Basement flooding can happen during a severe weather event or if the Town's wastewater system reaches its maximum capacity.
What is a backwater valve and how does a backwater valve work?
A backwater valve is a type of check valve that is designed to only allow flow in one direction. Different valves work in different ways, but in general, the type of device used in sanitary sewer scenarios works like this:
The valve is normally in an open position: the gate or flap is open
When a backflow event occurs, floats under the gate lift up and start to block the backflow
If the backflow event increases, the gate closes against a gasket and creates a seal which does not allow wastewater to pass in the backwards direction
- When the backflow events ends, the gate falls back down due to gravity and returns to the open position to allow normal outflow of wastewater from the home's plumbing system