Does your sewer line need Backwater (aka "Backflow") valve?

For most of us in our area, the answer is “no.” Most homes are above the main sewer line that services them. However, if you are on a hill, especially the lower part of it, you may require a backwater valve to protect against a sewer black flow. You can check with your Sewer Utility provider if you have any concerns.

One of our clients in South San Jose needed a backwater valve but unfortunately, they did not know it until after disaster struck.

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After a long plane flight, our clients returned to their home in San Jose to find an unpleasant surprise. While away, they had a sewer backup into the house (also called a sewer backflow). Drain backup, toilet backup…a terrible mess resulting in significant sewage cleanup costs and property destruction. Our clients did not know their home was at risk for a sewer backflow, and they found out in the worst way possible.

To resolve the problem for our clients, we performed a Sewer Line Inspection which is often the first step to diagnose sewer line problems. It revealed a common cause of sewer backup, root intrusion. The blockage was cleared but once roots find their way into a sewage pipe, they will return.

The long-term solution to prevent another sewage backflow was to install a Backwater Valve (sometimes called a sewage backflow). The backwater valve only allows sewage to flow in one direction thus protecting the home in case of a backup in the main or sewer lateral.