Hey everyone, Jared here with Flow Pros Plumbing! Today, we’re diving into a plumbing topic that could save you from a major headache—sewer backflow preventers. If you live in St. Petersburg, FL, and don’t have one, you might want to keep reading.

What Is a Sewer Backflow Preventer?

A sewer backflow preventer is a one-way valve that stops sewage from flowing back into your home. If there’s a stoppage or backup in your sewer lateral—the underground pipe that connects your home to the city’s sewer system—this valve automatically closes, keeping wastewater where it belongs: out of your house. Sounds simple, right? But here’s why it’s a must-have, especially in St. Pete.

Why You Need a Sewer Backflow Preventer in St. Petersburg

If you were in town last hurricane season, you might remember the chaos. The storm shut down wastewater treatment plants, and homeowners got notices warning them not to use their plumbing. But let’s be honest—not everyone got the memo. Since most sewer laterals in St. Pete are shared and connect to large main sewer lines, wastewater from other homes started backing up. Even if you didn’t flush a thing, sewage could have risen into your home. Not a pretty picture. That’s where a sewer backflow preventer comes in. It’s like a security guard for your plumbing system—keeping stormwater surges, city sewer backups, and your neighbor’s waste from making an unwelcome visit inside your home.

How We Install a Sewer Backflow Preventer

At Flow Pros Plumbing, we make the installation process as simple and seamless as possible:

Camera Inspection – We send a sewer camera down your line to determine the best location for the valve.
Dig & Install – If your existing pipe is suitable, we cut into it and install the backflow preventer. If not, we replace the section with durable PVC piping for a secure fit.
Placement Matters – We typically install the valve 12 to 24 inches from your home, allowing maximum protection against backflow.

How Much Does a Sewer Backflow Preventer Cost?

The price ranges from $1,250 to $2,450, depending on:

Pipe type and condition
Depth of installation
Location on your property

If your sewer lateral is outdated and needs replacement, we can handle that too—and we install backflow preventers at cost when replacing a sewer lateral. Learn more about our customer journey.

Who Needs a Sewer Backflow Preventer the Most?

If you live in a flood-prone area of St. Petersburg, you’re at higher risk for sewer backups. We see the most demand for these in:

Shore Acres
Old Northeast
Gulfport
Treasure Island & Madeira Beach

If you’re in one of these neighborhoods (or anywhere in St. Pete) and don’t have a sewer backflow preventer yet, now’s the time. As hurricane season approaches, these valves will be in high demand—and hard to find.

Schedule Your Installation Before Hurricane Season!

At Flow Pros Plumbing, we’re installing 6–8 sewer backflow preventers every week, and spots are filling up fast. Don’t wait until a storm is on the way! 📞 Call us today for a free consultation—we’ll show you the valve, walk you through the process, and get you scheduled before hurricane season. Thanks for reading, and as always, stay ahead of plumbing disasters with Flow Pros Plumbing.