These valves are used in drainage pipes where reversal of flow causes the valve to close and prevent sewage from potentially causing extensive flood damage. With the increased incidence of flood risk and the cost of installing backwater valves, especially in residential retrofits, this product will have a valuable impact in the marketplace.

“We have consulted with industry and our allied associations on both sides of the border and the consensus is that the balloon-type ball backwater valve pilot project will help industry in both countries to avoid inefficiencies and to contain potential development costs. Our ultimate goal is to improve speed toward harmonization, especially in new technology areas, with the end result being one standard, one mark, one test accepted in both Canada and the USA,” said Ralph Suppa, president and general manager, CIPH.

“SCC is pleased to support the plumbing/heating industry in order to create a common Canada-U.S. standard in efforts to reduce inefficiencies and avoid impediments to cross-border trade within that sector,” said John Walter, CEO of SCC.

SCC will solicit proposals from accredited standards development organizations (SDOs), and provide as-needed funding to facilitate the development of a joint Canada-U.S. voluntary standard for balloon-type backwater valves. In order to be selected, entities must be accredited to develop national standards in both countries — whether as a single SDO with dual accreditation, or through a partnership of U.S.-Canada SDOs. The joint standard, when completed, will be submitted for approval by both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and SCC.

Publication date: 3/17/2014

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