Can local sewer construction cause my basement to flood?
Many Michigan communities, including Lansing and Grand Rapids, are in the process of updating their sanitary sewers in order to prevent the discharge of sewage into rivers and lakes.
Currently, most municipal sewer systems combine storm water and sewage, channel both to a wastewater treatment facility, and then discharge the clean water into rivers and lakes. The problem is – during heavy rainfall like we’ve experienced this spring and summer – there is too much water and sewage for the current system to handle. As a result, it overflows and can cause untreated sewage to run into waterways.
If you’ve had trouble with water in your basement this year and you also live in a neighborhood where the sewage system is under construction, it may seem like the construction is the cause of your problems.
Even when they’re not under construction, sewer systems occasionally get blocked and can back up water into basement drains, sinks and toilets. But the most common cause of basement flooding is heavy rainfall. When the ground gets saturated and storm drains are overwhelmed, the water has nowhere else to go except into the “hole” beneath your home.
Basement waterproofing can eliminate the problems caused by ground water saturation, but the best way to prevent sewage backups is to install a backflow preventer valve in your home’s main sewage line.
A backflow preventer valve is a simple device that can be installed in any home and is designed to close whenever water flows the wrong way through the sewer system. Newer homes are required by current building codes to have a backflow valve, but older homes usually do not. The average cost to install a backflow preventer is $1,800. The valves also require ongoing maintenance to ensure they stay clear and continue working.
If you have issues with water in your basement, the best thing to do is consult with an expert like Ayers Basement Systems. They will inspect your home, evaluate ALL potential sources of flooding, seepage, and backups and then recommend a comprehensive solution to your home’s problem.
Photo: Toronto
