Backwater Valve or Sump Pump: Which Stops Basement Floods?

Basement flooding, the phrase alone has a way of instilling an uncomfortable feeling in your body. All individuals avoid dealing with water damage costs, inconvenience, and messy conditions that come with it. You must be curious about the solutions for dryness and safety.

Two standard water drainage solutions used for waterproofing are sump pumps combined with backwater valves. Determining which solution is most suitable for your needs remains the question. We will simplify the information to help you select the best protection system.

What is a Backwater Valve?

Ertech Backwater values act as one-directional flood doors for water passage. This system permits water to flow out from your home without allowing it to return inside. A backwater valve protects your home specifically against sewage that backs up into your property.

During clogged sewer system conditions that occur mostly during rain conditions, sewage flows backward into residence pipelines. Having no backwater valve would result in flooding by sewer water.

How Does it Work?

The gate and flap mechanism inside the backwater valve enables wastewater to escape to the city sewer by opening during use. Sewage attempting to reverse course will make the flap close automatically so a reverse flow cannot occur. 

A backwater valve operates as a lifesaver in urban environments when occasional sewer system breakdowns affect your residential area. A Backwater Valve Installation Toronto professional service will correctly install a valve for you if you live in the Toronto area.

Advantages of Backwater Valves

1. Avoid sewer backups in your basement.
2. Needs very little maintenance after installation.
3. Does not consume electricity, so it functions even during a power outage.
4. Can save you thousands of dollars in damage due to a sewer backup.

Drawbacks of Backwater Valves

1. Doesn’t cover you for groundwater seepage or other causes of flooding.
2. Requires professional installation, which can be expensive.
3. Can require permits and inspections by your local government.
4. Can be overcome by very high sewer backups.

What is a Sump Pump?

Now, let’s discuss sump pumps. Rather than keeping water out, a sump pump actively pumps out water that’s already in. Groundwater, rain, or melting snow can seep into the earth around your foundation and make its way into it.

A sump pump resides in a pit (known as a sump) and pumps that water out of and away from your home.

How it Works

The sump pump contains a float switch, similar to the one in your toilet tank. As the water level in the sump pit increases, the float also goes up. When it gets to a certain level, it activates the pump to switch on and begin pumping water away.

As soon as the water level descends, the float sinks, and the pump is shut off. The water is typically pumped out to your yard or a storm drain.

Advantages of Sump Pumps

1. Eliminates groundwater and does not allow flooding due to seepage.
2. Fairly affordable to buy and install (as opposed to a backwater valve).
3. Can be put in current homes.
4. Aids in lowering the humidity in your basement.

Disadvantages of Sump Pumps

1. Needs electricity to run, so it won’t function in a power outage (unless you have battery backup).
2. Requires maintenance to keep it functioning properly.
3. Can be loud when operating.
4. Doesn’t stop sewer backups.

Backwater Valve vs. Sump Pump: Which Do You Need?

So, which one should you use? The answer will depend on the particular threats your home has.

Here’s an easy way to look at it:

1. Sewer Backup Risk: If your main issue is sewage backing up in heavy rain, a backwater valve is probably the best option. Consider backwater valve Toronto installation services if that’s your situation.
2. Groundwater Seepage Risk: If you get wet or flooded because of groundwater seeping inside through the walls or floor, you probably need a sump pump.
3. Both Risks: If you’re concerned with both sewer back-up and groundwater seepage, you may require both a backwater valve and a sump pump.

What About Leak Repair Toronto?

At times, the issue is not so much preventing future flooding but repairing leaks that already exist. If you have cracks in your foundation or water leaking through walls that you already know about, you’ll need to repair those issues first.

Basement leak repair Toronto firms can come and check your foundation, find out where the leaks are coming from, and offer solutions such as crack injection, waterproofing, or exterior excavation. These leaks can be repaired to make a backwater valve or sump pump even more efficient.

Can You Install Both?

You definitely can have a backwater valve and a sump pump installed. Indeed, for most homeowners, this combination is the best flood protection.

The backwater valve will keep sewer backups out, and the sump pump will pump groundwater seepage away. This multi-layered solution gives you peace of mind, particularly if you are in an area with a high potential for both kinds of flooding.

Final Thoughts

Defending against flooding is an investment in your home’s worth and your peace of mind. By learning the distinctions between backwater valves and sump pumps, you can make a well-informed choice about which solution is best for you.

Ready to have the next step in safeguarding? Call a skilled professional today to schedule an inspection and estimate.