Shitty situation

[Rocket1k78]

So i had the joy of having my main sewer line back up but got off really lucky because my wife happened to go in the basement for something. Our basement isnt developed and it only spilled out maybe an area of 10x10 so we didnt lose much. I dont know how many people have this but if you dont go and get a flood alarm. You can get cheap ones at home depot for 25(but you'd have to be home to hear it) and if you have the ADT alarm they sell one for $80 which would warn you off the app.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Need backflow preventer.
Need to remember to service/check backflow preventer.

[Thaco]

there are lots of smart devices which can link into alexa or google home and alert you via your phone and/or smart speakers... typically inexpensive too, for when there isnt anybody there to hear a local alarm.

[MOB68]

I've had a couple of very small back ups caused by tree roots which I fortunately caught just in time. If you call 311 they'll send an emergency crew out sometimes the same day, or early the next, to temporarily unplug the line with a snake. They'll typically schedule a crew with a camera and powered auger to do a proper cleaning a few days later. Won't cost you anything as long as the blockage is found to be on the city's side of the property line, or at least where they connect onto your sewer line.

[Pacman]

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Need backflow preventer.
Need to remember to service/check backflow preventer.

Who installs these? Plumbers or some other type of trade?

[ThePenIsMightier]

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Who installs these? Plumbers or some other type of trade?

Plumbers.
Probably quite a job to retrofit one in compared to a new house install, but prolly still better than 8 inches of shit water in the basement to

[msommers]

At some point did it become code to have those installed?

[ThePenIsMightier]

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At some point did it become code to have those installed?

I think so, but I'm not certain.
The critical thing is that anyone who has one has never taken a look at it to see if a flushed Qtip or some congealed cooking grease is preventing it from working when you need it. That video is gold.

Theoretically an annual inspection is needed.

[StreetRacerX]

It became code in 2013 for new builds to have a normally open back water valve installed, there should be an access panel in the floor of your basement typically located on the main sewer inside before it leaves the dwelling, or ideally in the mechanical room, if you are really lucky it will be buried beneath your flooring.

[mr2mike]

Only closes with enough velocity backwards.
If slow seep, it won't close. Ask me how I know.

But yes, city on a 311 call came out to review, no reason for backup and didn't cost me a thing.

[ThePenIsMightier]

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Only closes with enough velocity backwards.
If slow seep, it won't close. Ask me how I know.

But yes, city on a 311 call came out to review, no reason for backup and didn't cost me a thing.

That doesn't make sense. I think yours malfunctioned. If the flow is slow it will still flood the cavity that the flap lives in and since it has floats on it, it will come up and slowly block the flow.
*Unless it's clogged with grease or plugged with the ultra manly logs of SKR.

[msommers]

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It became code in 2013 for new builds to have a normally open back water valve installed, there should be an access panel in the floor of your basement typically located on the main sewer inside before it leaves the dwelling, or ideally in the mechanical room, if you are really lucky it will be buried beneath your flooring.

Of course mine is a 2012! We have a lift station for the basement plumbing because the main sewer line is old and buried only a few feet below the ground. I guess that main drain could have a prevent installed in it?

[BerserkerCatSplat]

I think it entered national code in 2013 but some municipalities made it mandatory earlier - Edmonton was 1998 (IIRC), not sure about Calgary. Early on it was only mandatory under certain circumstances (home elevation vs sewer main elevation, something like that) but eventually they made it required for all builds. May want to dig around your utility room and see if you can find a cleanout or cover plate.

[mr2mike]

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That doesn't make sense. I think yours malfunctioned. If the flow is slow it will still flood the cavity that the flap lives in and since it has floats on it, it will come up and slowly block the flow.
*Unless it's clogged with grease or plugged with the ultra manly logs of SKR.

This is what the city worker told me.
My theory was that someone dumped a bunch of food down the drain. Caused a blockage. Shit hit the blockage and came back up the floor drain. Everything was then before the check valve.