Can I concrete over the whole in my basement floor that houses a back water value to my plumbing system?

Question

We are having a problem with sewage overflow during any heavy rain falls, or when solid precipitation melts to quickly. The city installed a back water valve to help; however, it is located in whole that's four feet below our basement floor. To make matters worse the whole is always full of at least 3 feet of water. (Just enough for my kids to fall in and drown. --Just so you don't think I'm completely dumb the whole is cover with a heavy sewer lid.)

My question is how are we to clean this valve of debris when it's under water? I've come up with no solutions to that question and we've been flooded twice since it was installed. Since it's not doing us any good I really just want to fill the whole up with rock and pave over it. (Thus making it safer for my kids.) Is that a wise thing to do? Should I have the valve removed first? Or is there a way to keep this whole free of ground water so I can maintain the valve?

If we put another sump pump in our basement are we going to have to rip up more of the basement floor? I don't really think it's in a good location for a sump pump. It's almost under our steps and the exterior wall where we drain it is at the furthest part of the basement.
I've told the city of the problem. Even took them to court. We lost because it's our responsibility to maintain the valve. We just had no idea that it was going to be 4ft deep and 3ft under water. The city is no help in this matter and frankly I'm sick of dealing with them. They won! Wore me down....I'm taken care of ti on my own.
The city are the ones who left it uncovered in my basement until I called, and , called, and called to complain that it was a safety hazard

Answer 1

You need a plumber, not a bunch of people on the internet.
BTW, are you talking about a hole? Or the whole basement?

Answer 2

First I would like to say, I wish I lived in your city, they installed a back flow valve in your house for free. The purpose of it is to keep sewer and surface water from getting in to your and the city`s supply line. In many instances this is Federal Law, you must have one, most places its at your expense.

I suggest you install an off set sump pump, and run a hose to your drain.

Answer 3

What you really need is a sump pump located within about 3 feet of that hole. That will keep the water at bay. I would not fill it in with concrete unless everything was sanctioned unusable by the city.

Answer 4

probably not a good idea to concrete over it. if it ever fails in the closed position you would have to tear up your floor to remove or replace it. Is ground water or sewage filling up the hole? if its ground water a sump pump is the only logical idea. if its sewage, you might have a break in your sewer line somewhere.

Answer 5

If the city installed it, then report your problems and concerns with them and keep it covered so the kids don't fall into the whole - hole. They can also advise you about covering it up other material or not.

Answer 6

you can if you have the right tools for the job. here's a link on ebay where you can get concrete tools cheap