Backflow is the reverse flow of dirty water through the clean water lines. Dirty water can be contaminated with feces, pesticides, chemicals, fertilizer and other hazardous materials, and causes a serious health hazard. Backflow can occur in any residential, commercial or industrial system.
There are two devices that may assist homeowners in reducing the amount of excess water in their pipes and basements: overhead sewers and check valves:
The overhead sewer system diverts sewage from plumbing fixtures on the first and higher floors to a new sewer line running above the basement floor, typically along the basement ceiling “overhead.” A sump is installed under the basement floor to intercept sewage flowing from basement fixtures and the basement floor drain. An ejector pump in the sump pushes sewage up above the flood level. From there, gravity can drain it into the sewer service line. Plumbing fixtures on the first floor continue to drain to the service line. The overhead sewer system is probably the most effective, but also the most expensive option.
Another device is the check valve. Valves use a gate-like device to keep water from backing up into your basement. These back-ups usually happen due to excessive rainstorms that fill-up sewer lines leaving the water with nowhere to go.
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