Have you been struggling with excessive flooding? Are you looking for a hassle-free way to avoid moisture and damage in your home? McDowell Drain & Waterproofing provides professional back water valve installation that can protect your family and property. Enhance your protection with our Advanced Waterproofing Solutions. Contact us today to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is secure!
Backwater valves are essential for protecting your home from sewer backups, a common issue in Canadian homes, especially during heavy rainstorms or rapid snowmelt. Without a backwater valve, your home’s drainage system is at risk of being overwhelmed by municipal sewer systems, potentially forcing sewage and wastewater back into your waterproofing in basement.
Key reasons to install a backwater valve:






Normal Flow
Under regular conditions, wastewater flows from your home to the municipal sewer system without obstruction.
Sewer Backup Prevention:
If the municipal sewer system experiences high pressure or backflow, the backwater valve automatically closes, blocking wastewater from entering your home. A flap inside the valve rises to seal the pipe and prevents reverse flow.
Gravity-Operated:
The valve operates using gravity, requiring no external power source.
It resets automatically once the sewer pressure normalizes.
This simple yet effective mechanism safeguards your home against costly water damage and unsanitary conditions.






At McDowell Drain & Waterproofing, we follow a meticulous process to ensure your backwater valve is installed correctly and functions optimally:

Initial Assessment
We start by inspecting your home’s plumbing system and sewer line to determine the best location for the valve installation. Our team ensures that the proposed installation complies with local building codes and regulations.
Permits and Preparation
We handle all the necessary permits and paperwork to ensure a smooth and compliant installation process.
Our technicians prepare the worksite to minimize disruption to your home.

Installation of the Valve
The main sewer line is exposed, and a section is removed to accommodate the backwater valve. The valve is securely installed, tested for proper operation, and integrated seamlessly into your existing plumbing system.
Post-Installation Testing
We conduct rigorous testing to confirm that the valve functions correctly under simulated backup conditions.
Our team provides you with a demonstration on how the valve works and offers maintenance tips.

Clean-Up and Final Inspection
After completing the installation, we restore your property to its original condition.
A final inspection ensures that the system meets all safety and performance standards.
McDowell Drain & Waterproofing is the trusted choice for backwater valve installation in Niagara and surrounding regions. Here’s why:
45+ Years of Experience
With more than 45 years in the industry, we bring unmatched expertise, hands-on knowledge, and proven reliability to every job.
Compliance with Building Codes
Our installations meet all local regulations, ensuring your backwater valve is compliant and reliable.
3500+ Projects Completed
We’ve successfully completed over 3,500 drainage and waterproofing projects across the region—earning the trust of homeowners and businesses alike.
24/7 Support
Drainage & Waterproofing emergencies don’t wait, and neither do we. Our team is available around the clock to address urgent concerns.
Affordable and Transparent Pricing
We provide upfront estimates with no hidden fees, ensuring you receive top-quality service within your budget.
Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
From start to finish, we prioritize clear communication, professional workmanship, and your peace of mind.
Honored to Earn Our Customers
We are proud to have earned the trust and confidence of our customers through our commitment to excellence and exceptional service.
We had some drainage issues and called McDowell Drain & Waterproofing. It was GREAT service, he called me right back and was here within 2 hours. Solved the problem and haven’t had any issues since. On top of great service, Stuart was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable! I would highly recommend and will certainly be calling him for any plumbing issues we may have in the future!:)
Sara Swayze
Professional from first contact to job completion. Job was to install a sewer backwater valve but once the floor was opened, it was evident that a sump pump installation was also required. Quickly pivoted to accommodate the additional work scope and still meet the timeline completion. Stuart, the owner is knowledgeable, professional and puts you at ease. Alex the installer did great work and paid attention to details. He was always receptive to any questions or concerns. Would not hesitate to recommend them for your plumbing needs.
David North
MCDOWELL DRAIN & WATERPROOFING, led by Stuart, truly stands out in the professional field. As someone with experience in spotting professionalism, I was thoroughly impressed by Stuart’s ability to listen attentively and resolve the issue promptly as promised. His honesty and competitive pricing, coupled with the high quality of his work, make him a standout choice for any drain and waterproofing needs. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch service in this field!
Nancy Heckman
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Laurence StevenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Stuart McDowell and his team deserve the five star rating! In the aftermath of the two deluges north St. Catharines experienced in August 2026 we were left reeling. Stuart responded promptly to our call for a site visit and estimates. He helped us develop and put in place a water mitigation plan for both our interior and exterior needs. Despite being run off his feet with calls across the affected region of the city, Stuart kept us in the loop. We love our 1952 vintage cottage home and McDowell Drain and Waterproofing have helped us make it able to resist the storms that will surely come in the future.Posted on Google![]()
Anthony STrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Stu came by after we noticed hydrostatic pressure and water in the basement. He spent over an hour of his own time making sure he had the right diagnosis of what was causing the pressure and came up with the most effective and cost efficient solution. He is honest, thorough and explained his solution. Crew came by within a few days right before a major storm and they were clean and quick. No more water and we can sleep easy at night knowing we don’t have to wake up to any more surprises in the basement. Give Stu a call for any waterproofing services, I’m happy we did.Posted on Google![]()
John MacLeodTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Stuart is a professional. His crew did expert workmanship in installing new weeping tile and sump pump in a timely manner. I would highly recommend McDowell Drain & Waterproofing.Posted on Google![]()
Eric TrogdonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Awesome service. Very professional. Honest suggestions and recommendations. Saved me money and helped me sleep better at night. Very quick to respond after I left a message on the website. Thank you very much!Posted on Google![]()
racquel calaraTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Exceptional Service and True Professionalism! We had an outstanding experience with McDowell Drain and Waterproofing. The owner, Stuart McDowell, came out to our house personally to look at our water issue. What impressed us right from the start was his thoroughness—he took the time to completely investigate and determine the root cause of the problem before offering any recommendations. Stuart was incredibly determined to find the right, long-term solution for us. It is rare to find someone so dedicated to their craft. Beyond his technical expertise, he is a true gentleman and a consummate professional. It’s also very clear that he runs his business with high integrity; he is incredibly fair to both his clients and his workers. If you are looking for an honest, professional, and highly skilled waterproofing company, I cannot recommend Stuart and his team highly enough!Posted on Google![]()
bruceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am writing this review to commend Stuart for his honesty. My neighbour and I had an issue with draining from our window wells. Stuart explained how the drain works and it was probably a matter of water overload rather than a plugged drain. With our lack of knowledge Stuart could have convinced us to engage in an expensive excavation. He values his integrity and we value businesses with this type of leadership.Posted on Google![]()
D MTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This company is fantastic, Stuart arrived on time and immediately solved our sump pump issue. I will be recommending this company to anyone with drain service issues. 5 starsVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
USP | Details |
|---|---|
| 45+ Years of Proven Industry Experience | McDowell Drain & Waterproofing has been protecting homes for over four decades—experience that cannot be replicated. |
| 20-Year Written Warranty on Waterproofing Systems | Long-term protection backed by a 20-year warranty, not short-term promises. |
| 3,500+ Successfully Completed Projects | Thousands of waterproofing and drainage projects completed across residential properties. |
| Niagara Region Specialists | Deep expertise in local soil conditions, water tables, and aging infrastructure unique to the Niagara Region. |
| Complete Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions | Interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, drain repair, sump pumps, backwater valves—handled by one expert team. |
| Permanent Fixes, Not Temporary Repairs | Root-cause solutions that stop water problems permanently, not seasonal patchwork. |
| Honest Diagnostics & Clear Explanations | Homeowners receive transparent inspections with practical recommendations—no scare tactics. |
| Trusted by Local Homeowners for Generations | A reputation built through decades of consistent workmanship and word-of-mouth trust. |
| Clean, Respectful, Professional Worksites | Work completed with care for the home, landscaping, and living space. |
| Fast Response for Drainage & Water Emergencies | When water threatens your home, McDowell responds quickly to limit damage. |
A backwater valve prevents sewage from flowing back into your home during sewer line surges by closing a one-way flap.
They protect your home from messy and costly sewer backups caused by heavy rain or municipal sewer system overloads.
It’s installed in your home’s main sewer line, typically in the basement.
Yes, many municipalities require or recommend backwater valves in flood-prone areas.
Most installations are completed within a single day.
Does a backwater valve require maintenance?
Many insurers offer discounts or require valves for coverage against sewer backups.
Costs depend on the complexity of the installation. Contact McDowell for a personalized quote.