Maple Heights celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2015, which means that much of the road, water, sewer, and electric infrastructure is 50 to 100 years also. One common problem is basement flooding when there are heavy and quick storm events. The City of Maple Heights offers the Backwater Valve Program to assist homeowners with the installation of a backwater valve on their sanitary sewer lines at single- and two-family properties.

What is a backwater valve and how does it work?

A backwater valve acts like an automatic door for your sanitary sewer line, opening to allow liquids and solids to leave your home and empty into the sanitary sewer pipes in the street and shutting to prevent liquids and solids from the sanitary sewer pipes from entering your home during storm water surges. The backwater valve is installed along your sanitary sewer line in your yard for easy access and maintenance. View the video to the right for more information about how a backwater valve generally works.

How much of the cost does the Program work?

The City will reimburse 60% of the cost of installing a backwater valve, up to a maximum of $1,500.00 per property.

Program Steps

  1. Apply in writing to the Office of the City Engineer by e-mailing hren@cvelimited.com.
  2. The Office of the City Engineer will schedule a time with you to investigate the property, the flooding conditions, and make sure that the installation of a backwater valve would help your flooding conditions.
  3. You provide a minimum of 2 cost estimates to install the backwater valve on your property. Cost estimates must be provided from licensed and certified plumbing companies. Companies must also register with and will require a Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works permit before installation.
  4. The City reviews the cost estimate and confirms that the funds are available to reimburse 60% of the costs up to a maximum of $1,500.00.
  5. The Department of Building approves the installation of the backflow valve.
  6. You submit a copy of the invoice and proof of payment to the City for the cost of installation of the backflow valve. The City will typically reimburse you within 30 days of receiving all of the required documentation.