Ville de Montréal

Sewer backups: How to avoid them

Last updated March 11, 2022
Reading time: 1 min
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Is your building adequately protected from sewer backups? Without proper protection, plumbing fixtures in your basement will be at risk of overflowing. Here’s how to prevent that from happening.

To prevent sewage from flowing back into your building, you must protect your plumbing fixtures with check valves.

The principle of the check valve is simple: it allows water to flow in one direction only, toward the public sewer, and prevents water from flowing back into your building.

The valves must be installed on the drain pipes of all your plumbing fixtures (or groups of fixtures) located in the basement (toilet, sink, shower, washing machine and floor drain). They must also remain accessible and be maintained regularly.

How to choose the right check valve

To avoid significant damage to buildings, Montréal regulates building protection against sewer backups management. People who do not obey the by-laws may face fines.

For information on the type of valve that is appropriate for your building, its installation and maintenance, consult a plumbing contractor who is a member of the CMMTQ.

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