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    Dave 1985's Avatar
    Dave 1985 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 6, 2009, 03:44 AM
    Cellar drain backflow preventer
    My cellasr drain is made of cast iron and is about 35 years old. It is connected to a perforated plastic pipe that is installed around the foundation footings and also under the cement cellar floor. On occasion a stron rain storm will fill this pipe faster than it can drain which causes the water to backflow into the cellar. The cast iron drain has a 6.5" cover with perforated holes in a circle around it. It has a 2'5" inside diameter drain hole dropping into the plastic pipe. I can not find a back flow preventer with this dimension. Is there a solution to this, or will I have to break this drain out and install a new plastic one with a 2" or 3" hole? Any suggestions will be appreciated as to what to do and where to purchase it.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #2

    Apr 6, 2009, 05:20 AM
    They make a floor drain check valve called a "FloodGuard", (see image) However they only come in 2 and 3" sizes. I will search the net for a 2 1/2" floor drain check valve but don't hold your breath. Regards, Tom
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    Dave 1985's Avatar
    Dave 1985 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 6, 2009, 06:51 AM
    Cellar drain backflow preventer
    If none is available in 2.5", what do you remmend I purchase, once I have the cast drain removed. Some of the plastic drains have a u trap, which will not fit in the hole where the cast drain comes out of. Thanks Dave
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #4

    Apr 6, 2009, 10:05 AM

    You might start your search here Flood guards for floor drains - check valve to prevent flooding from FAMOUS PLUMBING SUPPLY I have not seen a 2.5" cast pipe, where do you live?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #5

    Apr 6, 2009, 11:14 AM
    Hey Dave,
    Sorry but Flood Guard floor drain check valves(see image) only come in 2 and 3 inches.
    Bob, Dave's referringto the 2.5 inch opening in his floor drain. Not the size of the drain pipe.

    Regards, Tom
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    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #6

    Apr 6, 2009, 11:55 AM

    You are probably right Tom. By the way, Flood Guard comes in 4" too, I believe.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #7

    Apr 6, 2009, 11:59 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by ballengerb1 View Post
    You are probably right Tom. By the way, Flood Guard comes in 4" too, I believe.
    They do Bob, But it's not applicable in Daves case. Regards, tom
    Dave 1985's Avatar
    Dave 1985 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Apr 6, 2009, 01:59 PM
    For everyone's information, I purchased a hard plastic backflow preventer and some rubber parts to try to fashion a fit. As it turns out, the backflow preventer with a 1 1/4" threaded top end and a 1 1/2 " bottom end had a 2 1/2" center which housed the flapper. It fit the hole so tight I had to gingerly force it in with a rubber hammer after I cut the top threaded portion off. I filled the very small crack around the fit with hot melt glue and I am done. It fit so tight I do not feel any back water pressure from underneath could ever force it back out. Now I have a few extra rubber parts to take back and the entire thing costs $2.95. I thank everyone for their responses, which gave me confidence to try something anyway before I tore out the old cast iron drain. Thanks! Dave
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #9

    Apr 7, 2009, 05:25 AM
    Kudos Dave for thinking outside the box. Sounds like you have everything under control. Good work! Tom

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