Project details
Skill
5 out of 5HardThis is a job best left to an experienced professional
Cost
About $3,000 to $4,000
Estimated Time
6 to 8 hours
In this video, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor and plumbing contractor Dennis Langowski keep sewage at bay.
Steps for Installing a Flood Control System
- Dig up and remove the existing backwater-valve flood control system.
- Unscrew the couplings holding the existing check valve to the sewer pipe, then remove and discard the check valve.
- Install a new cast-iron, twin check valve to the sewer line.
- Secure each end of the new check valve with flexible rubber couplings.
- Pour bags of ready-mix concrete around and under the ends of the new check valve.
- Spread a layer of gravel over the concrete, and then soak with water.
- Cover the bottom of the hole with a thick layer of sand.
- Use curved concrete block to build a circular wall around the valve.
- Bring the block wall even with the surrounding grade, then top with an access cover.
Tools:
Tools & Materials
Pointed shovel
Sledge hammer
Nut driver