Are you trying to decide between a sump pump and a backwater valve? It is one of the most common questions we hear. The short answer is that they solve different problems, and many homes benefit from both.
We install backwater valves and sump pumps across Toronto, Peel and Halton. Here is how to tell which one your home needs.
Two different sources of water
Basement flooding usually comes from one of two places.
Sewer water backs up through the floor drain when the municipal sewer overloads in a heavy storm. This is what a backwater valve stops.
Groundwater builds up in the soil around your foundation after rain or snowmelt and seeps through the floor or walls. This is what a sump pump handles, by collecting water from the weeping tiles and pumping it away.
When you need a backwater valve
If your basement has flooded through the floor drain, or your neighbourhood has a history of sewer backups, a backwater valve is the key protection. It is also a smart step before finishing a basement.
When you need a sump pump
If water comes in at the joint between the wall and floor or seeps up through the slab, a sump pump is usually the answer. It is also needed when weeping tiles are disconnected from the sewer.
When you need both
In many older GTA homes, the weeping tiles drain into the sewer line. If a backwater valve is installed downstream of that connection, foundation water can build up while the valve is closed. Disconnecting the weeping tiles and sending them to a sump pump solves this, and it is why the two are so often installed together.
Rebates for each
In Toronto, the City pays 80% of eligible costs up to $1,600 per backwater valve and $2,250 for a sump pump. In Halton, weeping tile disconnection with a sump pump is covered at 100% up to $6,500, and backwater valves at 50% up to $1,600. Peel Region pays 60% of a backwater valve up to $1,500.
Start with an assessment
An assessment shows where water enters your home and how your drains are connected. Reach out to our team, and we will recommend the protection that fits your home and budget.
