Des Plaines, IL – Northwestern Suburbs

In Des Plaines, IL, and throughout Cook County, flooding can occur due to a variety of factors. Basement flooding is a common occurrence that isn’t usually covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies. It used to be that not much could be done to prevent basement floods, but fortunately, there are methods, both new and old, that can help keep your property dry.

Flood Control System Types

1.) Standpipes:
This flood control system is inexpensive and works with existing floor drains. The installation process is simple and straight forward. It works by keeping back pressure on the sewer. The pipe is just above the floor level, so any standing water is pushed back down using gravity. But, water can still make its way through cracks in the floor. We don’t usually recommend this type of flood control system.

2.) Overhead Sewer
Overhead sewers are one of the best methods of protecting your property against floods. Adding a battery backup solution makes it nearly perfect. Pumps and motors have moving parts so nothing is 100% but adding an overhead sewer with a battery backup solution will make your property nearly flood-proof.

Lower level fixtures are no longer tied to the city sewer. Instead, they drain to an ejector pump which then pushes the water into the overhead sewers. Our system combines overhead sewage lines plus a pump station that allows your home or business to be safeguarded even if you are away on vacation. This is a great option for anyone with constant flooding problems especially if the city sewer backs up into your home.

Keeping your equipment and battery packs well maintained is key to providing maximum protection. We would also recommend annual maintenance and inspections.

3.) Lift Stations
Using a flood control system, such as a lift station is one of the best ways to protect your home from floods and sewage backup. Torrential downpours and volatile weather patterns have increased the flooding problems in Des Plaines and Park Ridge, IL. As an example, recently, in the spring of 2020, many residents experienced sewage backups and flooding problems. Standard sewer pipes use gravity to collect and convey water and when the city started to backup, homes started flooding. A lift station puts a basin and a series of pumps between your home and the city sewer. Instead of relying on gravity, lift stations use commercial pumps to move water to a different elevation and out into the sewer system. This is an effective flood control method that will help protect your property when the neighborhood is backing up.

What Is A Lift/Pump Station?

Most homes use gravity to move water and waste into the sewer system. A lift station is a piece of infrastructure that collects water and waste in a basin before using a pump to move the waste back into the gravity-fed sewer system. A series of check control valves stop water from coming back into the system once the pump shuts off. Additionally, level sensing devices are used to automate when the pumps turn on and off. Instead of draining directly into the sewer, your property drains into the lift station and is then pumped out into the sewer system. When the sewers are overcharged and backing up, the catch basin acts as your sewer and helps protect your home against sewage backups.

What Are The Drawbacks to Lift Stations?

Lift stations do not require ongoing maintenance. Yet, the electronic controls, valves, and pumps do work in a harsh environment. While the structure itself will likely last a lifetime, the components will need to be rebuilt every 15 to 20 years on average.

Why Is Des Plaines & Park Ridge Flooding?

It Wasn’t This Bad In The Past.

Recently, a new type of thunderstorm has been hitting the local area. Sudden and intense isolated storms are appearing and dumping inches of water down on neighborhoods. The sheer volume of water and the short time frame is overwhelming the sewer system. When the sewer mains fill up and the system overcharges it pushes wastewater up through your drains. Aging infrastructure and a growing population is making the problem worse with time.

Cook & DuPage County, Illinois

Our plumbers are very used to the challenges of the local infrastructure. When the suburbs of Chicago were built they never anticipated the volume of people that would be using the sewer systems. Des Plaines, Park Ridge, and the surrounding areas are prone to flooding because of it.

We are experts in water engineering, flood control, and plumbing and we are always pleased to discuss your options and the best solutions for your particular situation. Contact us online to get a free estimate on your flood control project.

Helpful Links

Park Ridge Flood Study

Flood Protection Hand Book

Are you tired of dealing with basement flooding in Des Plaines, IL and the surrounding Cook County area? At Green Tech Plumbing we understand the frustration and potential financial loss caused by flooding. Protect your property and gain peace of mind with our reliable flood control systems. Don’t let basement flooding go uncovered by homeowner’s insurance when there are effective solutions available to keep your property dry and protected.

Flood Control Systems Types

Overhead sewers are one of the best methods of protecting your property against floods. Adding a battery backup solution makes it nearly perfect. Pumps and motors have moving parts so nothing is 100% but adding an overhead sewer with a battery backup solution will make your property nearly flood-proof.