Monday, April 28, 2025
When seasonal flooding threatened Minden Hills’ newly rehabilitated infrastructure, township officials sought a cutting-edge, low-maintenance solution. Their answer was Proco Products’ ProFlex™ Style 790 low headloss in-line rubber check valves — a modern upgrade that delivered high performance with streamlined installation.
The Challenge: Protecting New Investments from Rising Waters
Situated along Ontario’s Gull River, Minden Hills is a vibrant township renowned for its natural landscapes and seasonal tourism. However, the annual spring thaw can cause river levels to surge by up to two meters, posing significant flood risks. Following a major infrastructure rehabilitation on Peck Street in 2018, officials identified an urgent need for enhanced flood protection, particularly at the intersection of Peck and Anson Streets.
Officials required a passive, highly reliable solution that could operate automatically without manual control, minimize flow restriction, and integrate seamlessly with the existing storm sewer system. After a thorough evaluation of alternatives such as manual gates and traditional duckbill-style valves, they selected the ProFlex™ Style 790 for its superior technical performance, durability, and cost-efficiency. Floval Equipment Ltd. collaborated with Minden Hills to streamline procurement and implementation.
Smart, Streamlined Installation: Minimal Resources, Maximum Efficiency
The installation process for the ProFlex™ 790 demonstrated the system’s ease of deployment. With supervision from Cal Hayes, General Manager of Proco Products’ Waterworks Division, the valve was installed using a single excavator and two municipal staff members — completed in just one and a half hours. Only standard wrenches were needed, eliminating the need for any specialized tools.
Road Superintendent Travis Wilson remarked on the simplicity: “Upon arrival, we expected a complicated setup. Instead, it was refreshingly simple — a few quick turns, and the valve was operational.”
The ProFlex™ 790’s flexible, engineered design enabled a perfect fit within the existing pipeline infrastructure, minimizing excavation and avoiding costly construction associated with traditional mechanical flap gates.
Proven Performance Under Real-World Flood Conditions
Since commissioning, the ProFlex™ 790 has consistently outperformed expectations. Even during emergency flood events where the Gull River rose substantially, the valve reliably prevented river water from backflowing into the storm sewer system. Notably, the valve maintained functionality despite being partially buried under snow and gravel — conditions that frequently impair mechanical flap gates.
The township also realized immediate operational cost savings. With no mechanical parts to service or replace, maintenance needs have been virtually eliminated. Wilson emphasized that during a declared state of emergency shortly after installation, the ProFlex™ 790 “proved its value” by dramatically reducing localized flooding.
Engineered for Superior Performance and Durability
Designed with modern stormwater challenges in mind, the ProFlex™ 790 offers several technical advantages. Its ultra-low cracking pressure allows the valve to open with minimal head pressure, ensuring optimal system efficiency. Constructed from high-grade elastomers, the valve resists environmental wear, chemical exposure, and temperature extremes.
The absence of moving mechanical parts — no hinges, seals, or bearings — means that the ProFlex™ 790 avoids the frequent failure modes and maintenance issues common to traditional systems. Its self-cleaning design also helps prevent blockages from sediment or debris, a crucial advantage in areas prone to freeze-thaw cycles and heavy runoff.
Compared to conventional flap gates, the ProFlex™ 790 offers longer service life, greater reliability, and substantially lower total cost of ownership.
Future-Proofing Infrastructure with Intelligent Solutions
By investing in Proco’s ProFlex™ Style 790 rubber check valves, Minden Hills successfully upgraded its stormwater protection strategy with a solution that combines technical excellence and operational simplicity. The township now benefits from enhanced flood resilience, reduced maintenance burdens, and long-term infrastructure protection — securing their investment for decades to come.
For additional details about Proco Products and the ProFlex™ Series, visit www.procoproducts.com or call 800-344-3246.
