I read in Popular Science many years ago about a special type of drain that had a ball in it to keep the drain?

closed when not in use. The purpose was to keep insects from entering your home through the drain. I cannot find any information about it now that I know someone that could use this wonderful product. can someone help direct me to this product?I read in Popular Science many years ago about a special type of drain that had a ball in it to keep the drain?
Yes, there is such a thing for the main drain in the basement or other sites....it's called a ball check valve for the main sewer drain....it prevents sewer water from backing up into the basement during flooding events. Normally, there is a U-shaped trap section in drain pipes under sinks and showers or tubs which traps a small amount of drain water to prevent foul gases or insects from coming back up the smaller drain pipes in the home...the main sewer line coming out of the house may or may not have such a trap although usually the floor drain will. The standard water trap in the floor drain will not prevent sewer water from backing up into the house so if you live in an area prone to flooding, a ball check valve in the floor drain will prevent costly backups and flooding in the basement. A ball check valve doesn't close off the drain when not in use....it simply keeps water from backing up into the basement so I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for.Check with a local plumber or plumbing supply store or home center like Loewes or Home Depot plumbing departments.



Here's a link to one company which offers them and describes how they work.

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/floodguard鈥?/a>