Peters Township Sanitary Authority -- Backwater Valve

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Forms

Sanitary Sewer Backwater Valve Agreement - Property Owner (PDF)

Sanitary Sewer Backwater Valve Agreement - Corporation (PDF)

Backwater Valve Maintenance Guide (PDF)

Backwater Valve Information

What is it? A backwater valve is a device equipped with a removable flap or float that closes shut by reverse flow of water in the building drain or building sewer to prevent backup of sewage into a building. Backwater valves help protect the property against unsanitary and costly sewage backups should the sewer line onto which they discharge become blocked.

Who's at risk? Your home or building may be susceptible to sewage backups if the rim elevation of the lowest fixture being served is lower than the elevation of the next upstream manhole located on the line to which the property discharges.

How does it work? A backwater valve is typically installed on the building sewer outside of the building. A properly operating backwater valve allows flow to only go in one direction (out), preventing wastewater from entering your building during regular sewer system maintenance or accidental sewer system backups.

Installation and Maintenance
Property owners are responsible for the installation and maintenance of backwater valves. The cost to install a backwater valve varies depending on the configuration of the internal plumbing in a building and the difficulty of the installation, and it must be installed in such a manner that will permit the owner to access them for maintenance. It is necessary to perform maintenance, such as cleaning, on a routine basis in order to ensure that the valve will function when needed to do so.

backwater valve illustration

Rules and Regulations

Resolution 08.12.04 / Amending the Standard Procedures for Customers Wishing to Secure a Permit for Sanitary Sewer Connection (PDF)

In 2000, the Authority amended its Rules and Regulation pertaining to sanitary sewer connections in regards to determining if a backwater valve is necessary. Typically, the determination is made during sewer tap permit application process. An applicant is required to obtain the upstream and downstream manhole rim elevations and notate on the plot plan submitted with the application, and if it is determined the property is susceptible to sewage back-up, then a backwater valve will be required and the Property Owner will be required to enter into a Backwater Valve Acknowledgement.

The Acknowledgement sets forth the terms, conditions and responsibilities associated with the installation and maintenance of the backwater valve. The Acknowledgment is recorded and the Washington County Recorder’s Office and binds the current owner, their respective heirs, assigns, successor, and administrators.