Who maintains a backwater valve in an Ottawa home?

The owner of the home is responsible for maintaining a backwater valve, to the manufacturer's directions. Ontario's Building Code (7.4.6.4) requires a backwater valve in a building drain to be of a normally open design serving no more than one dwelling unit, and the City's backwater valve page says it must be located within the dwelling unit and accessible for inspection and maintenance. That is the City of Ottawa's position, stated in its protective plumbing FAQ.

The City adds a practical note worth knowing: in older homes, particularly those with cast iron pipes, rust can accumulate at the hinge of the valve and prevent it from closing properly during a surcharge event.

What maintenance involves, on what schedule, and what signs to look for are questions for whoever installed the valve, or a licensed plumber if you do not know who that was. Plumber is a compulsory trade in Ontario. You can check whether someone is authorized to do that work through the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.

To find the valve in your home, the City's FAQ says to look between the last branch of the sewer line and where the pipe exits the foundation. It may look like a Y-shaped fitting with the branch plugged and pointing up.

One boundary worth knowing: the City is responsible for the sewer lateral from the property line to the street. From the property line to the house is the homeowner's side, which includes the valve itself.

If the valve is not working as it should, ask a licensed plumber to look at it. The City's FAQ and permit pages are the right place to check if you have questions about whether replacement work requires a permit.