The backwater valve is a code required directional valve installed in a sewer to keep the public sewer from flooding a building if it should back up. Sioux Chief makes an excellent kit for installation which includes the backwater valve, and an access barrel and finish cover. Both the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) require the installation of a backwater valve in certain specific situations.

In this video, Plumber-Tom shows an example of a backwater valve and explains how it functions. Then he gives a detail description of the varying circumstances where a back water valve should be installed. Finally, he takes you on a first person tour of an underground plumbing installation and shows the installation of a backwater valve. He shows how you can decide when to install a backwater valve based on the existing manhole on the street.

This video is intended to help plumbing professionals understand the backwater valve.