Basement Flood Control in Chicago: Overhead Sewers and Backwater Valves
Much of Chicago drains to a combined sewer that carries both storm water and household waste. In a heavy storm, that system can fill up, and water can push back up through the lowest drain in the house — usually the basement floor drain in a bungalow or two-flat.
Our trucks come into the city from our shop at 2093 Rand Road in Des Plaines — we don't keep a Chicago office — and the northwest side is a short run down the Kennedy.
In plain language: if your basement takes on water through the floor drain during big storms, there are plumbing changes that can keep sewer water from coming back in. We'll explain which one fits your house.
Right Away Plumbing and HVAC is based at 2093 Rand Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Why Chicago basements flood from the drain
Bungalows and two-flats were built with basement fixtures and floor drains below street level, draining by gravity to the sewer. When the sewer is overloaded in a storm, water can rise in the building's drain line until it spills out the lowest opening. That's different from water seeping through foundation walls, and the solution is different too.
In plain language: water coming up through the floor drain is a sewer problem; water coming through the walls is a groundwater problem. We figure out which you have first.
Overhead sewer conversions
An overhead sewer system changes how the basement drains. Basement fixtures and floor drains empty into a pit, and an ejector pump lifts that water up to a sewer line that leaves the house above the basement floor. Because the connection to the city sewer is higher, storm surges have a much harder time reaching the basement.
It's a bigger project — it involves breaking concrete, a pit and pump, new piping and permits — but it's a common approach in Chicago bungalows that flood repeatedly.
Backwater valves
A backwater valve is a one-way valve installed in the building sewer. It lets water out and closes when water tries to flow back in. It's less work than an overhead conversion, but while it's closed during a storm, the house can't drain either, so water use has to stop. Valves also need periodic inspection so debris doesn't keep them from sealing.
We'll walk through both options with you, plus the sump pump and drain tile side if groundwater is part of the problem. Our Chicago sump pump repair page covers that work.
Getting an evaluation
We start with a camera inspection of the building sewer and a look at the basement plumbing layout. Then we explain which approach fits the house and put the scope in writing. Work on Chicago building sewers generally requires permits. The city has offered basement flooding programs at times; check current city information directly — we don't promise program eligibility. Call 773-250-6060.
What we check
- Where the water enters: floor drain, walls or both
- Camera inspection of the building sewer
- Basement fixture and floor drain layout
- Existing sump, ejector pit and discharge
- Feasibility of overhead sewer or backwater valve
See our full sewer repair page, or go back to plumbing and HVAC in Chicago.
Chicago flood control questions
What is an overhead sewer?
It's a setup where basement drains empty into a pit and an ejector pump lifts the water to a sewer line that leaves the house above the basement floor, so storm surges can't easily reach the basement.
Is a backwater valve enough to stop basement flooding?
It can help a lot when water comes up through the floor drain. While it's closed during a storm, you can't use water in the house, and it needs periodic inspection. We compare it with an overhead sewer for your house.
Why does my basement flood only during big storms?
Often the combined sewer is overloaded and water pushes back up through the lowest drain. A camera inspection and a look at your basement layout tell us whether that's the cause.
Does flood control work need a permit in Chicago?
Work on the building sewer generally requires city permits. We explain what applies before work is scheduled.
Who do I call for flood control in Chicago?
Call 773-250-6060.
Request flood control in Chicago
Call 773-250-6060 or request service online. Same-day visits when the schedule allows. We are licensed, bonded and insured.