Backwater valves

The requirement for additional protection against sanitary sewer back-ups (back flooding) was introduced after many homes to experienced basement backups due to surcharging of sewer systems during significant rainfall events. A comprehensive review of storm and sanitary service backwater valves was undertaken at the request of City Council. Report ACS2010-ICS-INF-006, item 2, approved by Council, which recommended expanding the Installation of backwater valves by amending the sewer design guidelines per Technical Bulletin ISD-2010-1to include mandatory installation of backwater valves on sanitary services for new home construction.

Approximate cost

Refer to Applicable fees

Approximate timeline

Approximate timeline based on City Council approved enhanced service level:

• House – First review five business days

• Application for a Permit to construct or demolish
• Application fees
• Two complete sets of specifications that are legible and drawn to conventional scale

Your building inspector must confirm that a normally open backwater valve is installed on the sanitary building drain for each dwelling unit in accordance with Ontario Building Code, Division B, section 7.4.6.4.2(a)(b) and the referenced CAN/CSA standards. The backwater valve must be located within the dwelling unit and accessible for inspection and maintenance purposes. Where applicable, the inspection of the sanitary backwater valve installation may be combined with the existing inspection practice for the storm backwater valve which occurs at underground plumbing rough-in and final interior inspection stages.

The permit plans and specifications must be on site and made available to the building inspector at the time of inspection. To ensure the availability of a building inspector, you should book your inspection 48 hours in advance. The building inspector name and phone number is identified on the building permit.

Online Submissions 

Back water valve applications can now be submitted online using the new Building, Planning and Land Development online application and permitting portal available through My Service Ottawa. The new Land Management System (LMS) is a digital technology providing access to online permits and applications for Building Code Services. 

Applying for applications and access to the customer portal requires a My ServiceOttawa (MySO) account set-up and registration with the new Building, Planning and Land Development system. 

Do you currently have a My ServiceOttawa account? 

• No - Please proceed to My ServiceOttawa  login page and select the green ‘create an account’ button. Assistance is available for creating your account. 

• Yes - Please login to your My ServiceOttawa  account and complete the system registration by selecting the Building, planning and land development service widget. 

Please refer to the My ServiceOttawa’s help page for assistance on how to manage your account. Several Customer Portal user guides have been developed to provide information on how to use the new system. You may find out more about the new Building, Planning and Land Development online application and permitting system by visiting the Engage Ottawa page. 

Please note that payment must accompany all applications. Additional costs for photocopies may apply. 

In Person 

Building Code Service counters are open for personal services by appointment only. This includes the submission of permit applications, payment of fees and the issuance of permits.  

There are various methods for submitting applications.

Application Forms: Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish  (For reference only)