I posted this question earlier today but it probably evaporated. Could anyone recommend a good backflow preventer for sewer water backing up in the basement? Maybe one that works but does not cost an arm and a leg. I was told that some of these devices do not work and that eventually they malfunction. That's why before I spend the money I would like to get your input. Thank you very much.

QUOTE=Masiella;1326463]I posted this question earlier today but it probably evaporated. Could anyone recommend a good backflow preventer for sewer water backing up in the basement? Maybe one that works but does not cost an arm and a leg. I was told that some of these devices do not work and that eventually they malfunction. That's why before I spend the money I would like to get your input. Thank you very much.[/QUOTE]

No need to post twice to get our attention. We'll get to you.
Now, what's your pleasure? A 4" backflow preventer that installs in the sewer line to the street?(see image) Or a backflow preventer that installs in your floor drain and prevents sewage from backing up out of your floor drain, (see image). If you don't have a basement bath group I recommend the Floor Drain Flood Guard. Let ne know what you want and I'll give you a link to it.
Regards, Tom

Sewer check valve is the one you want top install... Make sure it is accessible for service later on..

But in any case: why check valve on sewer ? Why not to fix the problem ?
Backing up sewer indicates there is some problem with your drainage system.

Milo's correct. A sewer check velve's better then a Floor Drain checvk valve but It will take a plumber to cut into your sewer line to install the backflow preventer while, if you have nothing in your basement but a floor drain, washer and slop sink, you can install the floor drain check valve,(see image) yourself.
Milo assumes the backup come from roots or a blockage in your sewer while I'm thinking your backup comes after a heavy rain when the street main overloads and backs up. Which one of us is correct? Regards, Tom

The backup occurs after a heavy rain. I have a check valve in the house and I also had PVC pipes installed underneath the floor and a pump to pump the water out, but the basement still floods after a heavy rain. I have a shower in the basement and the water comes up through the shower drain. I was told that this is the result of a sewer backup from the sewer main. Many of my neighbors have the same problem and before I hire someone to install a backflow preventer and spend another $3-4,000 dollars, I just wanted to get your input. Thanks.

What?? Three to four grand to cut I'm one of these, (see image) in the sewer ahead of the clean out? Sounds like your plumber's going to Aruba for a vacation on your dime. Get at least three estimates. How deep's your sewer line? I don't care if you have to call in a backhoe tom expose the line that's one hellava price to pay for a few hours work. I retired too early. If you lived in my area I'd do the job myself with a helper. And I live in a resort town near the beach so I vacation here so I won't be leaving Florida . That means that my bill won't give you a stroke. Let me know how you make out. Good luck, Tom

Thank you Tom. I wish you were in New York. I am still shopping around for a plumber who will do the job for a reasonable price. They see a woman and think we are stupid and try to take advantage. Could you give me an estimate of what a job like this should cost? Considering that this is New York what do you think? I really appreciate your advice. Thank you so much.

Masiella,
We don't give estimates without being on site to see, 1) The material involved ,2) The hours to dig and expose the sewer pipe, install the check valve and cover up the opening. 3) The cost of said labor per hour, (union or non union). All items to be factored in. We just can't do it setting in front of a computer. Get three estimates and go with the one you're most comfortable with. Good luck, Tom

Thank you Tom. I am better equipped to shop for the best person/best price. Thank you so much. You are there expert.

From my experience, I have to disagree with you. 80% of times we deal with women, and women only, who tell us what they want, what to do, they supervise the progress of the contracted work and sign the check up on competition of the job. Women ask many (many) questions before they sign anything while men just wave it off by saying: "...oh, I don't care.... just do it the way you think it should be done...." In many cases, we don't even see husband during entire project. He leaves before we come and returns after we are gone. We approach dealing with women as with our "customers", not as with "women".

I think those times when half of our population was ignored are long behind us. Today, 80% of women makes final financial decision in average household. Women get lots of respect from our tradesmen... I certainly hope this is the case in your town, too...

Thanks for the input.

Masiella,

First of all, I'm sorry that you feel you're not getting the respect you feel you deserve. Well from my experiences, the first thing you need to do is get in contact with your Wastewater Department and tell them that they need to do something about the infiltration problem with their sewer mains. See if they might be able to come out and camera the sewer line your hooked on to (not for sure if they have one, but they might). If that don't get you anywhere or you don't want to fool with them, then you'll have to put in a swing check valve.

Like the other experts were saying, you'll have to put it in front of a cleanout. If your sewer pipe is exposed in your basement, and you have a cleanout on the main line shooting out of your house, the plumber may not even have to go out and dig it up in your yard. It will save you money in the long run. A swing check valve will run somewhere right around $50-$75 for PVC.

Depending on where the check valve is installed, will determine how much money you'll have to pay.

If I were to do the job, installing it in the basement I would charge about $150. Outside in the yard I would charge about $300-$400 digging it up with a shovel and you're looking at close to $1000 with digging equipment. I hope this helps you out. If you have any more ?'s, please ask away. I'll be more than happy to help in anyway possible.

Sewersup are you in New York? I would love to have you do the job. Believe me, the City knows about the problem with their infiltration system but they do nothing about it. I just would like to take care of the problem on my end and not wait forever for the City to fix it if ever. Thank you.

Masiella,

I don't live in NY, sorry. I'll tell you how to fix that city problem. You need to go to your city commissioners and complain. If they don't want to cooperate, then go to the EPA/EPD. That's a major health issue and puts you and your family at risk. Along with the rainwater that comes into your basement, you neighbors wastes are coming in as well. I would push the problem until I got an answer. All the EPA/EPD would have to do is come take a bacteria sample of the water coming into your basement and I guarantee the problem would be fixed. Good luck and keep me posted.

Thanks for the info.