Preventing flood damage in basementsis a hot topic as we are regularly seeing the effects of climate change in the form of extreme weather eventsand unpredictable weather patterns. Snow melt combined with torrential spring rains can lead to very high water tables and consequently, sewage backflow is an increasing danger to homes and the health of occupants.
According to the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), sewer backups and basement water damage are among the most common home insurance claims.
魁北克一家名为Inflotrolix的公司开发了一种比止回阀维护更低、更可靠的解决方案，我们想分享两种产品——用于防止污水备份的Aqua-Protec®和防止电器泄漏的NOWA®。这两个都是自动化系统，有自己的电池备份，所以它们在停电的情况下继续运行。
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© Inflotrolix
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1. A fully automatic sewer backflow prevention system:
To counter sewer back-ups, Inflotrolix has developed an intelligent pneumatic flood prevention system. The device has an inflatable probe balloon equipped with sophisticated sensors that is installed directly into the sewer pipe, and when a discharge is detected, a signal is sent that swells the balloon.
According to the manufacturer, the sewer drain becomes perfectly watertight in less than 15 seconds.
As long as there is water on the sewer side of the balloon it will remain inflated, and as soon as the pipe is clear, the balloon deflates to its original size without obstructing the pipes. The whole action is carried out probably without you knowing, and certainly without you needing to find your rubber boots.
How does this differ from a conventional check valve?
A check valve will protect buildings from sewage backflow, but debris can accumulate in those systems that prevent a perfectly tight seal in case of backflow. Check valves have a removable top that can be removed to clear debris, but have you ever done that yourself, or heard of someone who has?
最好每年清洗一次，如果你不喜欢自己动手，请水管工来做大概要花200美元。
Sewage check valves started showing up in homes about 40 years ago; if your home is older than that it may not have one - and it really should. The cost for installing a check valve can vary quite a bit, depending on ease of access, whether or not you need to remove and replace existing flooring, or if you have to jackhammer out a section of your concrete slab. With easy access (like in a crawlspace) it can be pretty affordable, or might go as high as $2,000 if it includes replacing finished flooring. However, that still leaves you needing to clean the valve fairly regularly either by yourself or at a cost.
Other advantages of the Aqua-Protec®
• The system sends a signal when there is backflow
• Detectors may detect problems with blocked lines
• Auto-tests are performed weekly
• A back-up battery provides more than a week of power
• Maintenance is minimal
• It is approved by the Régie du bâtiment as an alternative to the conventional non-return valve
• A 5-year warranty is offered on the probe
• Some insurers will offer discounts if you've had one installed
Cost:A complete system installed will set you back approximately $1,500.
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© Inflotrolix |
2. Receive notification of leaks and damage prevention on your devices:
Inflotrolix has another flood-prevention product called the NOWA 360® that detects flooding from appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters.
一旦发生漏水，检测器将信号传递给控制单元，在不到一秒的时间内，控制单元触发安装在水源上的电子阀门关闭。
An intelligent system:
Cost:
The base package includes five detectors, the control panel and the electric valve, installed for about $1,000. Some insurance companies offer rebates that can help offset the cost.
Ecohome receives notice of fancy gadgets quite regularly, some are better than others, this one merited passing on we thought.
These products are a little pricey but can have considerable environmental, financial and health benefits by preventing mold, a dumpster of wet junk heading for a landfill and an otherwise unwarranted and costly basement renovation.
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