I live in Chicago and am having a backwater valve replaced that hasn't been maintained for 20+ years. It is inside my basement and the flapper is locked in the open position. My area has major problems with sewer backup during heavy rains. I have two questions.
1) Is there any appreciable difference between cast iron and pvc (abs) backwater valves? Does Chicago have a code regarding material?
2) I currently don't have a floor drain in the basement, but since my floor is being broken anyways, I was thinking of having one installed behind the backwater valve. Am I asking for trouble? Assuming the backwater valve is properly maintained, will it reliably hold back the sewer back-flow or is there a possibility I will see a geyser erupt from the drain at some point.
1) Is there any appreciable difference between cast iron and pvc (abs) backwater valves? Does Chicago have a code regarding material?
2) I currently don't have a floor drain in the basement, but since my floor is being broken anyways, I was thinking of having one installed behind the backwater valve. Am I asking for trouble? Assuming the backwater valve is properly maintained, will it reliably hold back the sewer back-flow or is there a possibility I will see a geyser erupt from the drain at some point.