Flood Control Chicago: What You Need to Know
Flooding is a common occurrence in Chicago, IL, especially during the spring and summer months. If you live in Chicago, it’s important to know how to protect your home from a flood.
What is Flood Control and Why Do We Need it in Chicago?
Flood control is the process of managing, regulating, and/or preventing the influx of water into an area. Flooding can occur due to heavy rains, and melting snow. Flooding can cause extensive property damage and also lead to dangerous road conditions.
A sewer flood control system is a system that is installed on private property’s sewer line. A flood control system is necessary for Chicago, IL, and the surrounding suburbs where the municipal sewer systems can easily be overwhelmed.
Flood controls are put in place to protect people and property from the damaging effects of flooding. These flood control systems are designed to reduce the amount of water or redirect the water away from your property.
Flood Control in Chicago
You need flood control in Chicago, IL because there are several locations where the city’s sewer system is quite outdated. Long ago, old sewers were built to handle a significantly smaller population.
The City of Chicago sewers can handle far less than the volume of sewage produced by the city’s population. As a result, the sewage can backup from the local sewers into unprotected basements, which is why basements flood.
The City of Chicago’s municipal sewer system is overwhelmed because the structures are close together and there is nowhere for the water to go. Torrential downpours are also becoming more common, which makes the problem worse.
To try and eliminate flooding problems, the City of Chicago will open the sewers during a torrential downpour and dump the water into Lake Michigan. The worst floods can occur near the city river and Lake Michigan where the city sewer backups.
A storm hitting Chicago is not when you should start thinking about flood prevention systems. Homeowners can protect their homes from having their basement flooding due to the city sewer system overflows.
A homeowner can install a residential flood control system. A flood control system will stop the city’s sewer backups from entering your basement.
The Different Types of Flood Control Systems
There are many different types of flood control system options, but some of the most common include:
One-Way Check Valve System
A one-way check valve is installed on your sewer line so that sewage can only flow one way. If you have a flood control system installed on your sewer line and the city backs up you will be protected. The one-way check valve shuts, not allowing back up into your basement. A flood control will also have an ejector pump and pit installed with its one-way check valve. This allows a person to continue to use the sewer even though the city’s sewer system is backing up.
Basement Sump Pumps
Basement sump pumps are another common type of flood control system. A sump pump is a device that helps remove water from a sump basin, preventing flooding. If you have basement flooding, it’s a good idea to install one of these pumps to help keep your basement floor dry during a flooding event.
Overhead Sewer System
Another effective method to avoid sewer backup is to convert your sewage system to an overhead sewage system. An overhead sewage system is one in which the sewer pipe is elevated above the basement floor level.
Flood control measures are important for protecting people and property from the damaging effects of floods. Flooding can occur due to heavy rains, melting snow, storms, or even faulty plumbing. Taking measures to prevent flood damage can save you a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run.
How to Choose the Right System for your Home
Now that you know some of the different types of flood control systems available, how do you choose the right one for your home? The best way to choose a system is to consult with a professional who can assess your needs and make recommendations based on your specific situation.
A Flood Control Specialist like Rescue Plumbing will be able to help you determine which type of system will work best for your home based on the following factors:
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which flood control system is right for you. For some low-risk homes, installing a basic basement floor drain may protect your home from flooding. However, a qualified plumber can help you make the best decision.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action – Flood control measures are an important part of protecting your home from flood damage.
Is Your Home or Business at Risk of Flooding During a Major Storm Event?
If you live near the city of Chicago, there is a good chance your property is at risk of flooding during a major storm event. This is because the city sewer system backs up and can cause flooding in residential areas.
The best way to protect yourself and your home from this type of damage is by installing a Flood Control System.
Prepare for a Potential Flood Event in your Area With Our Help!
One of the best ways to prepare for a potential flood event is to consult with a Flood Control Specialist like Rescue Plumbing. We will be able to help you determine which type of system is right for your home to help fight flood control. Our experts can advise you on other measures you can take to protect your property.
Maintenance Tips for your Residential Flood Control System
Installing a flood control system is half the battle but if it is not maintained, you can still have a flooded basement.
Sump pumps are an essential piece of equipment in any home, and proper maintenance is key to keeping them running smoothly. Here are a few tips to keep your new pump in top condition:
If you do not do a regular maintenance check, you may have a broken sump pump.
One-way check valve systems and overhead sewer systems need to be inspected annually to make sure they are still working. Rescue Plumbing offers maintenance plumbing services to customers in Chicago, IL.
Anything Plumbing We Can Rescue!
Rescue Plumbing has installed numerous flood control systems in the Chicago region, so give us a call at (773) 799-8848 for a free estimate. A sewer camera inspection to inspect the depth and the position of your main sewer pipe may be necessary to provide an accurate quote for a flood control system. Sewer camera inspections begin at $325.
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Marisol Aranda
Marisol Aranda is part of the Content Marketing team at Rescue Marketing. Her goal is to help small businesses grow in their own way – to give them an opportunity to be heard.
