A back water valve is an appliance that requires accessibility. It may foul and need to be serviced. Therefore it is usually covered by a box with a removable lid when set in a finished floor. You can not run a drain snake through it as the cable will be trapped by the flap of the one way valve.
How do you test a backwater valve?
In most cases, you can check to see if it's working properly by looking through the clear cover on the backwater valve access box. Inside the valve is a small flap that is normally open allowing water to exit your home. It also allows any sewer gases to be vented.
How do you clean a check valve?
Step 1: Use the two wrenches and carefully unscrew the check valve, being careful not to lose the spring and ball valve on the inside. Step 2: Rinse or wipe in order to clear any debris from the inside of the check valve.
How do you service a check valve?
- Step 1: Keep it clean. Take steps to prevent damage to check valves by keeping the area clean. ...
- Step 2: Keep an eye out. Another easy tip is to do regular inspections of your equipment. ...
- Step 3: Clean everything up. ...
- Step 4: Keep the valve lubricated. ...
- Step 5: Apply protective insulation.
How do you clean a sewer check valve?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3IFOSdM1Y8
How do you unstick a check valve?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5eMa74TxF8
How often should you clean a check valve?
Maintenance. Over time, waste can build up around the backflow prevention valve. If it isn't cleaned out at least once a year, the valve may fail to close properly in the event of backflow.Apr 25, 2016
What is a backwater check valve?
A backwater valve is a backflow prevention device used to prevent outbound water through a dwelling's drain pipes from re-entering -- "back flowing"—into a home. The valve contains a flap that allows water to exit the home, but closes to prevent the back flow into the home.
What's the difference between a check valve and a backflow preventer?
A backflow preventer is to be used in high hazard situations and is meant to fully protect the potable water with their fail safe design while a check valve is used in low hazard situations and prevents backward water flow but it does not have the same fail safe components.
Where is a backwater valve required?
Plumbing codes require backwater valves when a fixture is installed on a floor that is below the next upstream manhole. The obvious example is the basement floor drain. Less obvious is a first floor fixture in a lot at the bottom of a hill.Jan 1, 2012
Can you put a check valve on a sewer line?
In many instances a sewer check valve (also called a backwater valve) can be installed to greatly reduce backwater escaping back into a house sewer. This type of sewer repair should be performed by a licensed plumber.Sep 15, 2011
How does a backwater check valve work?
The valve is designed to automatically shut to prevent sewage from backing up into the building from an obstructed sewer. Backwater Valves are a swing check design, which contains a hinged flapper and gasket that automatically closes, ensuring a water tight seal preventing back flow.
What's the difference between a backwater valve and a check valve?
A check valve is usually used to prevent liquids from contaminating a clean water supply, for example. A backwater valve is often intended to protect your sewage line, though. ... It allows for more secure water flow when less pressure is applied. It also doesn't sacrifice protection against backflow.Nov 18, 2019
Is a backwater valve the same as a backflow preventer?
Backwater valves differ from backflow prevention devices in one key aspect: backwater valves are designed to protect you from the public water system, and backflow preventers are designed to protect the public water system from you. ... Without these devices, our water systems could not operate.May 20, 2016