Backflow preventer valves are a bit of a mixed bag in my experience. I installed a PVC-style one in our basement after we had two backups in the same year (old clay main, tree roots everywhere—classic). It’s not a magic fix, but it did stop the “waterfall out of the floor drain” situation during heavy rains. The install wasn’t too bad—cut the main line, glue it in, and done. Just make sure you can access it later for cleaning because they do get gunked up, especially if you’re not super diligent with what goes down the drains.
One thing: you’ve got to check them once or twice a year. If they stick open or closed, you’re back to square one or worse. I’d say worth it if your area floods or backs up regularly, but yeah, it’s another thing to babysit. I keep a cheap inspection cam handy just for checking inside mine without pulling the whole thing apart... saves time and a mess.
Also agree on ditching regular gloves—learned that lesson fast. I keep nitrile ones around now and a couple of contractor bags for anything gross.
Just make sure you can access it later for cleaning because they do get gunked up, especially if you’re not super diligent with what goes down the drains.
Yeah, that’s key. I learned the hard way when ours jammed shut after a big storm—turns out a wad of paper towels made it past the toilet (kids...). Had to snake it out and clean the valve by hand. Now I keep a mini drain auger and a headlamp in my “backup kit.” Nitrile gloves are a must, but I also stash some old towels and a bottle of enzyme cleaner for the aftermath. Never thought I’d be so organized about sewer disasters, but here we are.