A stormwater backflow valve is a valve that prevents the raw sewage from draining into your home in the event of a sewer overflow. These valves are often installed under the floor of a basement and connected to the main sanitary sewer pipe leaving your home.
Sewage backups can be devastating for property owners, especially those who live near the city’s combined sewer system and do not have a backwater valve. They can cause significant damage to the home’s foundation, basement and belongings.
The City of NYC has a program that provides rebates for the installation of a backwater valve, so it is important to find a plumber licensed in the city who knows how to install them. Ask them about their experience and certifications, and make sure to compare quotes from several local plumbers before making a decision.
Check Valve Cost Guide
The cost of installing a stormwater backflow valve can vary greatly depending on the type of system you have and the level of protection you want. The lowest level systems typically cost between $130 and $200, while high-level preventers can cost as much as $800.
In-line Check Valves
An inline check valve is a simple, yet effective way to prevent the backflow of tidal water into stormwater pipes. They are a popular choice because they require minimal maintenance and are low-cost.
They can be used in a variety of ways to prevent tidal flooding, including at drainage points, along waterfronts or in a headwall. They are also very easy to install and require no special tools or expertise.
Flap Gates
Flap gates are another popular method of preventing the backflow of sea water into stormwater drainage pipes. They are typically installed at stormwater discharge points directly downstream of stormwater pump stations, but they need to be maintained regularly to ensure a thorough seal to prevent tidal backflow.
The backflow preventer needs to be located a minimum of 1 foot above the 100 year flood elevation and is often attached to an existing discharge line. This discharge line should be terminated at a location away from the tidal flooding area and have a rodent screen to protect against rodents.
Tideflex® Check Valves
When it comes to preventing stormwater and tidal backflow, Tideflex® check valves are the solution of choice for municipalities. They are easy to install, have low head loss and provide reliable backflow prevention through guaranteed seals.
They also maximize upstream storage capacity in your stormwater drainage network to help reduce the need for surcharging. This is important for the protection of homes, offices and landscaping as well as for traffic flow during tidal flooding.
The Tideflex® CheckMate® Inline Check Valve is an easy to install, all-rubber, silent backflow preventer designed to slip entirely inside the pipe. It is pressed securely into the pipe’s inner diameter using a stainless steel expansion clamp. The all-rubber design is designed to open with as little as 1 inch of head pressure and close silently without leaking.