Preventative Plumbing Devices Covered by RIISP

Preventative Plumbing Devices for the Residential Inflow and Infiltration Subsidy Program (RIISP)

Backwater valve

A backwater valve can prevent sewage from an overloaded sewer main from backing up into your basement. The valve is placed directly into the sewer lateral at the foot of your basement wall and will close when there is a sewer backflow. A licensed plumber is essential to ensure proper installation. A valve that is improperly placed could result in a cracked and flooded basement floor. A valve should never be installed in homes where the weeping tiles are connected to the sanitary sewer system. When the valve is closed, sewage from an overloaded sewer main could be forced back into the weeping tiles and lead to structural damage. During heavy rainfall, property owners should refrain from using water as a closed valve will prevent household wastewater from entering the sanitary sewer system. A backwater valve must be regularly maintained and inspected as recommended by the manufacturer.

Sump pit drainage system

A sump pit drainage system consists of a sump pit set into your basement floor, a sump pump and a drainage pipe. The system collects water from the weeping tiles that surround your foundation and pushes the water to the surface. It is very important to ensure that the water is discharged at least 1.8 metres away from the basement walls to a garden or lawn where it can be easily absorbed. It is equally as important to ensure that water does not flow directly onto, or otherwise impact, the property of your neighbours. A sump pit drainage system may not be recommended for properties without sufficient grading or in areas where the water will flow directly onto an impermeable surface like a driveway, sidewalk or paved path.

Rain barrel

A rain barrel is available to home owners who have external downspouts and who want to store rainwater to water plants, wash a car and help prevent storm water runoff in the weeping tiles of their home. Rainwater can be diverted away from the foundation of the home by using the rain barrel extended release hose.

Eavestrough extenders

Eavestroughs and downspouts can be damaged over time, resulting in water from the roof  dripping onto basement foundations. An eavestrough extender directs roof water away from the foundation of the home by approximately 1.6 meters, where it can be absorbed into the earth and away from the basement.

Lateral lining

Sanitary sewer lines that connect private residential homes to the municipal sanitary sewer are called lateral lines.  As homes grow older, the sanitary lateral service line, buried approximately 1.8 meters below the surface, can have heave, crack, sag and collapse in some instances.  This along with debris and tree roots in the lateral line can cause blockages and a sewer backup.  Excavation to replace a sanitary sewer lateral line can be very costly.  New advancements in trenchless technology now offer a variety of polymer-based applications which can repair the damaged lateral line without excavation costs.