3 Reasons Why Your Old Toronto Home Needs a Backwater Valve Installed

Wednesday, August 31, 2022 , Posted by Bradhaw Plumbing

Protecting your home against potential threats should be a top priority for homeowners. Many things can pose a risk to your home. But one that can cause significant damage and inconvenience is water.

No person wants to come home from work or open their basement door and see water. Even an inch of water can cause a lot of damage and older homes in Toronto are more prone to flooding. But there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of flooding – installing a backwater valve is one of the best options. Below we talk about 3 reasons why your old Toronto home needs a backwater valve installed.

Toronto is prone to flooding

The City of Toronto has experienced its fair share of flooding and water issues over the years. Who doesn’t remember the flood in July of 2013? It brought 126mm of rain, making it the worst storm in decades.

The city is prone to flooding because of its low-lying areas and bodies of water. There is Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe. Then there is the Don River, Humber River, and Rouge River. The city also has a number of creeks. All of these are at risk of overflowing.

Older homes are less likely to have a backwater valve

Toronto is an old city. There are many historical neighbourhoods throughout the Greater Toronto Area with homes that were built before backwater valves become a popular flood mitigation tool. This means that if you live in an older home, you probably don’t have a backwater valve or sump pump unless it was a retrofit.

Insurance discount

Did you know that you can get a discount from your insurance company if you have a backwater valve installed? In fact, some companies will provide you with a portion of the funds if you choose to install one. Speak with your insurer about how much you could save by installing a backwater valve in your home.

I am required to install a backwater valve in Toronto?

Some municipalities have mandated that homes have backwater valves. But this is not the case in Toronto. You are not legally required to install a backwater valve. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.

Backwater valves are a great tool to reduce the odds of flooding in your home. It helps to prevent sewer backup and some cities will offer you a rebate to install them. Plus, you will have peace of mind in knowing that you are taking proactive steps to protect your home against water damage.

Speak with our plumbing experts today to get a quote for installing a backwater valve in your home. We look forward to helping you secure your home.

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