Backwater valves around Edmonton: who needs one and the rebates available

A backwater valve lets sewage flow out of your house but closes when the city sewer backs up, so the water doesn't come up through your basement drains. If you're about to spend money finishing a basement, it's one of the cheapest ways to protect it.

Does your home have one?

Backwater valves weren't required in homes built before 1989, in Edmonton or Fort Saskatchewan. If your home is older and was never updated, it probably doesn't have one.

Rebates and subsidies

• Edmonton: EPCOR offers up to $800 toward an interior or exterior backwater valve for single-family homes and duplexes built before 1989 that have had sewer backup or are in a flood-prone area. A professional plumber must install it under a City permit. Funding is first come, first served.
• Sherwood Park and Strathcona County: the County refunds up to 50% of supply and installation, to a maximum of $1,200, for eligible single-family homes and duplexes built before 1989 on County sewer. Permits and inspection approval are needed before the rebate is paid.

Why do it during a basement project

Installing an interior valve usually means breaking the basement floor to reach the main drain. When the basement is still unfinished, or already being opened up for a bathroom, that work is much simpler than cutting into new flooring later.

Permits and upkeep

Installing a backwater valve needs a plumbing permit. Fort Saskatchewan recommends flushing, cleaning and exercising the valve at least once a year, and not running water in the house while it's closed.