"The only way a backwater valve is ever used is if the city sewer is plugged or backs up," Chandler said. "The only thing a backwater valve is going to do is it's going to force the water to the next ...

Since Des Moines relaunched an incentive program a year ago, fewer than 200 property owners have sought reimbursement for a device that can prevent sewage from backing into homes. Program advocates ...