SGI Canada encourages homeowners to have sewer back-water valves installed

SGI Canada has paid $140 million in sewer back-up claims over the last five years and is encouraging homeowners to use sewer back-water valves to guard against these costly and potentially devastating events.

In the past five years, an average of 5,500 Saskatchewan homeowners insured by SGI Canada have experienced a sewer back-up loss, notes a recent statement from the insurer. With an average payout of $25,000 per claim, SGI Canada paid $140 million in such claims over the last five years.

SGI Canada issued the recommendation in the wake of recent storms.

When the volume of water and sewage flowing into a sewer system exceeds its capacity, a sewer back-up can occur, notes the company. Heavy rain increases the likelihood of a sewer back-up for homeowners who have not taken preventive measures. “The best form of protection from sewer back-up is to have a sewer back water valve professionally installed on the main sewer line of their house.”

“Installing a back-water valve requires an initial investment which will vary depending on the configuration of your basement, but ranges from $1,500 to $3,000,” reports Don Thompson, SGI Canada’s vice president of product management. Even so, “the payoff is worth it,” Thompson emphasizes.

“When you have a sewer back-up in your home, you’re dealing with raw sewage seeping into every nook and corner of your basement, damaging or ruining everything it touches – your walls, your carpet, your furniture, your electronics – the list goes on and on,” he reports. “It can be extremely labour-intensive and costly to clean up that damage,” Thompson adds.

For those homeowners who do not have a back-water valve, SGI Canada points out there are protective steps that can be taken:

* keeping sewer caps on all basement sewer outlets (including the floor drain, washer stack, sump hole, etc.) during rainstorms;

* installing a sump pump and discharging drainage onto the lawn or driveway;

* disconnecting all rainwater downspouts from the basement sewer system and capping disconnected standpipes;

* extending all rainwater downspouts away from the foundation of the home;

* ensuring the flow of surface water is directed away from the foundation of the home and the foundations of neighbours’ homes; and

* avoiding using water during heavy downpours.

But proper installation of a back-water valve is still the preferred option. SGI Canada offers customers a 10% discount on their sewer back-up premium if they have one installed, Thompson reports.

“Think of it as home maintenance. You shingle your roof to protect your home from water; installing a back-water valve on your main line is a similar protection.”