Sewer Valves Explained: Different Types Of Sewer Backwater Valves

[@ramonvelez7052]

Can the flood gate be installed outside of the home. I don’t have any space inside but ideally I would like to instal it on the sewer line running under the front deck. However would the unit be able to function outside? It would be protected by the deck so it wouldn’t deal with rain or snow.

[@balkanplumbing]

It would have to be installed inside an access pit with a cover. In that case certainly. Must be cleaned once or twice a year.

[@CasualRican]

How fast would this close when there is a surcharge I live in New Jersey by Staten Island and we tend to get our basements flooded from time to time I do have a manual shut off valve but if I'm away and there’s a sudden flash flood I won't be able to close it in time. All I'm asking if it's Immediate and does it open back by itself

[@balkanplumbing]

Great 2 questions. The answers are both positive. The gate closes almost instantly via air pressure. Once closed, it stops sewer water 100%. Once the surcharge (backup) subsides, the gate drops down and lets the waste water flow, just as before. It's an awesome piece of plumbing.

[@CasualRican]

@@balkanplumbing you guys do free Estimates in New Jersey my mother was enlightened by this product and review. Let me know so I can give you a ring this week. I live across the Outerbridge Crossing going into N.J.

[@balkanplumbing]

@@CasualRican I'm glad we helped you in some way. Unfortunately, NJ is out of our service area.

[@JosephTammaro]

Great video. Where do you install the sewer floodgate valve. In the house?

[@balkanplumbing]

Thanks! Always on the street side of the main house trap. Never on the house side of the main house trap.

[@antjobert]

​@@balkanplumbing are these ever installed outdoors directly on the exterior sewer line? Our sewer line is 6 ft underground, so I imagine that it wouldn't work to install it out there unless we can also have a person sized access area to be able to access it. 😕

[@MFox-mp3zu]

Could you possibly make a video of some of your jobs featuring the interactions with the examples you’ve brought to us? Kind of like a ride along so that we can gain a better understanding of these uses.

[@balkanplumbing]

That's actually a great idea. The next time we install an automatic flood gate valve we'll make a video of the install process.

[@jerkyturkey007]

If I'm not mistaken, you cannot continue to use your septic line while the backflow valve is closed. So as long as there's backpresure on the line, nothing will flow either direction.

[@balkanplumbing]

Yup. Once the sewer valve closes nothing will flow out as well. A sewer alarm to warn of that situation can be considered.

[@jerkyturkey007]

@@balkanplumbing thanks for confirming that, an alarm would be a good safety precaution. I would imagine in areas where basement flooding is a problem that your homeowners insurance would offer a significant discount for policyholders who install one of those backflow valves.

[@greekmaster1001]

What would you do if there is a 5" old cast-iron sewer pipe? I know they only make it in 4 and 6 " Would you add a 6" flood gate valve which has almost the same outside diameter or two 5x6 reduced couplings?

[@CoreyLambrecht]

Sewer scopes: in reference to the regular check valve can they cause a sewer scope camera to get stuck in the pipe when pulling the camera back out?

[@balkanplumbing]

The camera should entered through the clean out at the top of the check valve, not the trap. So no, the camera would not get stuck. Hope that helps!

[@ramonvelez7052]

I Currently have a check valve but during a prolonged storm water began entering the basement. Looking for solutions to prevent this. Would it be feasible to install a second valve. What is better than the check valve but less costly than the flood gate. I don’t believe the flood gate would be possible to install in my property.

[@balkanplumbing]

I am not aware of a 3rd option. Likewise, I know of no check valve that holds backwater 100%. Maybe some sort of pump setup on the house side of the check valve? That’s possible.

[@ramonvelez7052]

What are your thoughts on the Mainline Topcheck Backwater Valve with Manual Close

[@balkanplumbing]

I’m not a fan on manual valves simply because you must be home and know when to close or open them. I’m sure that mechanically they work just fine if they are exercised and cleaned periodically.

[@ramonvelez7052]

@@balkanplumbing Thank you. I unfortunately discover no check valve that holds prevents backwater 100%. That being said would this manual close prevent backwater 100%. I prefer not to go thrpugh the process of taking out the current valve. I would prefer to keep the current check valve in place and install the the Mainline Topcheck Backwater Valve with Manual Close as a second precaution in between the current valve and the lowest drain in the basement. Would this layout cause any foresee any plumbing issues. Would the Manual close stop any water 100% which passes the check valve.

[@balkanplumbing]

First of all, all check or sewer valves must be installed on the street side of your main trap. That is very important. Otherwise the backpressure can blow out your trap plugs and flood your basement. In answer to your question, if you install a manual sewer valve in addition to the check valve it should pose no problem at all, but again, on the street side of the house trap. You may have to relocate the house trap to accomplish that, it is commonly required. Another helpful tip, make sure the manual valve is full port opening, it should not restrict the flow of waste water when open. Hope that all helps! Good luck.

[@ramonvelez7052]

@@balkanplumbing Thank you for the information. We noticed that the space between the current valve and the U-trap is limited. Rather than overhauling the entire plumbing system for the house (which was built in 1910), we are considering installing a second valve between the lowest drain and the U-trap, on the house side of the trap. We also had concerns about pressure buildup during a storm surge then realized the air stack is aligned with the U-trap, positioned just a few inches away. Would the air stack relieve any built-up pressure on the U-trap? Our plan is that the primary check valve would prevent the initial storm surge water from entering the house. Any water that passes the primary valve would be stopped by the secondary valve, which would remain open and only close during rare storm surges. This should prevent water from entering the basement. With the secondary valve closed, the water would push back and escape via the air stack located next to the U-trap, which would be the only unobstructed path in the system. The water exiting the air stack should prevent the trap plugs from blowing out. Also, the water passing the primary valve should be at a lower pressure than the initial storm surge water. The caps covering the U-trap are rated to withstand 17 PSI or 40 feet of head pressure, which should theoretically handle the job. Am I approaching this correctly? I really don’t want to redo the entire basement plumbing.

[@balkanplumbing]

In short: Your reasoning seems correct and thought out. However, in nyc anyway, the valve is not allowed on the house side of the trap.

[@sathishmech6723]

Awesome thanks, But my question is . If we are using floodgate valve outside of the building means how to prevent the back flow to the branches which is connected to the bathroom group

[@balkanplumbing]

Since the backflow valve is connected after the main house trap it prevents backflow to plumbing fixtures inside the entire building and even the main trap itself.

[@gmsuggs515]

Our sewers backed up and we unfortunately got sewage out of our basement toilet during Hurricane Ida. It turns out we have this exact valve (installed years ago by previous owners). Any ideas on why it may have failed? What would be the process of determining if it needs repair or replacement?

[@balkanplumbing]

Sewer flood gate valves need to be raised and lowered about four times at intervals of about every three months. If they’re not exercised they can freeze in place. There is a tool to do that which screws into the top of the valve. Hope that helps.

[@thebklynprophet]

Which one you have?

[@balkanplumbing]

@@thebklynprophet we install both check valves and flood gate valves.

[@antjobert]

Thanks for sharing your experience, @gmsuggs515. And thanks for mentioning the maintenance that this type of valve would need @balkanplumbing

[@TOPTOPICEVERYDAY]

How much si the cost to install flood gate valve in the bronx? Thanks an estimate would be nice

[@balkanplumbing]

Every job is different and has different circumstances. Contact my office for a free and no obligation site visit and estimate. 718-849-0900.

[@balkanplumbing]

Or via our web site.

[@mandraman1]

I have a question. My backwater valve is installed behind the U-trap. When I removed the cover from the check valve, I saw that 1/2 of the pipe going to the street was covered with water, in 1/2 of the diameter of the pipe there was standing water. Is this normal, should there be water, or should the pipe going out to the street be empty? I watched your video about cleaning the check valve and wanted to clean it and I found it this.

[@balkanplumbing]

That is an incorrect installation and there should be no water in the pipe. The check valve sounds like it is installed back pitched and on the wrong side of the trap.

[@balkanplumbing]

Your current condition will create clogs and potential sewer flooding. No lie!

[@mandraman1]

Thank you for writing back to me. This isn't on the wrong side. The cast iron pipe (5 inches) in the basement is located under the floor and leads to a 5-inch U-shaped trap. On the other side of the U-trap is a connected 5-inch check valve, and the check valve is connected to a 6-inch cast iron pipe that goes out to the street. I only see 2 vertical straight pipes with rubber plugs from the U-trap, next is a check valve with a cover, then a 5 X 6 reducer, and a 6 inch pipe. The water is inside the reducer and a 6-inch pipe, it is 1/2 of the pipe size about 3 inches

[@pavoutsinas]

Can the gate valve be install without the check valve?

[@balkanplumbing]

They are copmpletely different types of devices, and meant for different purposes. A check valve is meant for short term sewer surcharges of a few hours or so. A gate valve is meant for longer term sewer surcharges. You would either install one or the other, not both. Hope that helps!

[@johnkim1656]

Where can you buy the $1200 valve in NYC area? Im in North NJ

[@balkanplumbing]

JR Smith is the manufacturer. Any plumbing supply house can order one for you. They are typically not a stock item though.

[@thamizharasane1241]

Do u have offices or supply to India?

[@balkanplumbing]

Sorry, but no we do not.

[@DesmoProfundis]

I'm not understanding what causes the flood gate value to shut, nor what causes it to open again when the trouble has passed. I know you said backwater pressure but, I'm just not seeing it.

[@balkanplumbing]

When the actual drain piping fills with water, it causes the air in the air chamber to compress. The compressed air then forces the gate inside the valve to close. When the water flows out, the pressure releases, and the gate re-opens. Makes sense?

[@tc15002]

@@balkanplumbing how much water are needed to build up air pressure? at that time, my basement may already have a lot of water. thank you

[@micheleny7443]

I wish our landlord had invested in this. We had 3 feet of sewage in the basement and lost everything… almost lost our Mom., some were not so lucky :(

[@balkanplumbing]

Since the easiest and least costly install is when a house is built, I’d like to see some sort of legislation in the form of a plumbing code requirement. It only seems to make sense. To install after a house is built costs many times more. Not to mention it’s after folks have had experiences like yours; loss of personal property, property damage, and expensive remediation and restoration.

[@divad144]

If that air chamber valve is closed due to water from the sewer lines going in the wrong direction, then how will waste from the house exit into the sewer line? Won’t the waste from the house also pile up behind the gate

[@balkanplumbing]

That is correct. That is why the occupants have to be careful of water use during a sewer surcharge. That is also why each and every building has to be carefully inspected before a flood gate valve is considered as an option. For instance, if the roof rain leaders are connected to the same house sewer, a flood gate valve is probably not an option. That's for the great comment, helpful to others I'm sure.

[@pavoutsinas]

Correct ... you will be shit out of luck ... alarm on the system is a good idea so people stop using the water until the main clears.

[@balkanplumbing]

I'd agree, a sewer alarm is helpful. Many are easy to install and fairly inexpensive. They can be investigated online, and should be professionally installed.