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The very popular general plumbing, toilets, sinks, faucets, pump problems, questions and answers discussion Forum
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Author:
glendak (IL)
Friends,
I need some immediate assistance. I need some advice on what I can do as a struggling property owner to stop water from flooding my basement when the city of Chicago closes the city sewers during heavy rains. This sucks!!!! What are my options? What is this back flow valve? is it expensive to install? I need the help of this commu ity to save the little property I am struggle to protect.
Thanks,
Glenda
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Author:
LemonPlumber (FL)
Sorry to here you are having this problem.I would if the single main sanitary line was accessible install a back flow valve inside the basement..This, as all valves on the drainage side. Has it's own maintenance problems.If this is a one year in one hundred problem .Let it go.
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Good Luck. Insulate your hot piping, although costly, it will pay you back every day.
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Author:
hj
A backwater valve is the "minimum" protection, and often just slows down the rate of flooding. With it, during a flood situation, you CANNOT use any water in the house or that will cause the flooding. When I was in Chicago, we used a combination backwater valve and pump device to take care of the problem. It was NOT inexpensive, but it was a complete solution.
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Author:
glendak (IL)
Thank you for your advice. It is greatly appreciated. Can you give me a general idea of how much this complete job would cost? Any contractor recommendations?
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Author:
Wheelchair
Both Chicago and its Western surburbs received a very large rainfall this weekend. It shut down the transportation system and highways for many hours. The banks of the Chicago River overflowed into some very expensive condos downtown and both basements and underground parking lots were flooded. I was hoping that the underground flood project would have resolved that issue this time, but it appears that it did not. Before you installed a back water valve, have a survey or evaluation done on your property.
As advised, when the back water valve is armed, you can not flush or use the inside drains, until the streets are clear and water is flowing. That alone can take several hours.
Best Wishes
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Author:
glendak (IL)
Even if i add the combination of pump device and water backup valve together? I still would not be able to use the the drains?
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Author:
LemonPlumber (FL)
Hj?Flood high pressure load?Think he is defining a always good to go system. That floods the neighbors house, but you would be good to go.I like them.Nothing like a force main back up.LOL
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Good Luck. Insulate your hot piping, although costly, it will pay you back every day.
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Author:
dlh (TX)
no, if the cities line are closed then there is no where to send the effluent unless you have a septic system also which is unlikely
----------------------------
PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"
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Author:
Wheelchair
If you added the sewer backflow device and the sump system during the time the city blocked the waste system... you would be correst in your reply that you could not use the drains, until the city unblocked the city system.
The upside is that you would also have a dry basement, which is something your neighbors may not have......
Best Wishes
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Author:
hj
If they are still in business there was a company in Chicago which made a complete unit which was inserted into the sewer line as if it were just a backwater valve. It consisted of a backwater valve, and an "overflow" pump chamber which pumped any leakage or water from the house into the flooded sewer. When the flood condition subsided, the sewer reverted to normal operation. A local flood control company might know if that device is still available.
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Author:
hj
You can with the device I described, OR with a properly installed pump.
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Author:
hj
A pumnp WILL have enough power to force its discharge into the sewer main, even if it is flooded.
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Author:
hj
In effect, if the pump were installed so the inside sewer "overflowed" into it, then the pump discharged downstream of the backwater valve, the house could continue to operate as if the sewer were NOT flooded. Just like those with overhead sewers.
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Author:
PBwrencher (WI)
Then of course your sending that water someplace and that someplace is your neighbor's basement down the street from you.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
glendak (IL)
This is troubling to think that my attempts to save further damage to my property in fact, would possibly do harm to another. This sucks.
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Author:
hj
It is the same as if the house had an overhead sewer, which would NOT be incapacitated, in which case it would still wind up in everyone else's basement. But, to be pragmatic, that water would be such an insignificant amount compared to what is filling the sewer system, that it would not even count.
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Author:
Wheelchair
For this reason, it is most important to have a licensed plumber evaluate your area for the best plan of action.... if it can be done. We don't know if you live in a densely populated area or on open lots. Your basement flood only happens when there is a MAJOR Rainfall, but not with every rainfall.
Best Wishes
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Author:
hj
The "harm" would already be happening, and your little bit would mean nothing in the grand scope of things.
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Author:
glendak (IL)
I do plan to work with a licensed plumber on resolving this problem. Can you provide me with some guidance as to what specific questions I should ask? thanks.
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Author:
LemonPlumber (FL)
Only after you decide what you need to have.If you can live with out drainage during the event times backwater protection.If you need to have drainage at all times.lift station back up. Basically ask him just what you have asked us!After seeing your plumbing.he will give you options that are legal and possible where you live.
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Good Luck. Insulate your hot piping, although costly, it will pay you back every day.
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Remember; there is always somebody that has to live down stream.