{"id":786,"date":"2019-08-13T17:58:00","date_gmt":"2019-08-13T21:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/basement-protection-program\/"},"modified":"2023-06-28T14:51:05","modified_gmt":"2023-06-28T18:51:05","slug":"basement-protection-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/basement-protection-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Fixes for Basement Backup Flooding"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"big\">If you\u2019ve experienced a backup, you know it can be a shocking ordeal: water suddenly <strong>gushing<\/strong> from a floor drain, toilet, or other basement plumbing.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike the many other causes of basement flooding, <strong>backups<\/strong> result from heavy rain causing local sewers to become <strong>so overwhelmed<\/strong> that water has nowhere to go but through <strong>your home\u2019s basement or ground-level plumbing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"side-info half right\">\n<h4>Areas Most Hit By Basement Backups:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Backups occur in areas served by the City\u2019s <strong>older <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PhillyWatersheds\/videos\/vl.370104923552037\/363729121059244\/?type=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">combined sewer system<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PhillyWatersheds\/videos\/vl.1679465825417559\/10154645369203791\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">,<\/a> which carries both runoff from storms and wastewater from homes.<\/li>\n<li>Low-lying areas of Germantown, Kensington, Northern Liberties, Center City, South Philadelphia, and Port Richmond are the most impacted.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/maps\/csocast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check this map<\/a><\/strong> to see if you live in the combined sewer area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>The good news:<\/strong> Philadelphia residents may qualify for the Philadelphia Water Department <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/programs\/basement-backup-protection-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Basement Backup Protection Program<\/a> (BPP)<\/strong>, which provides <strong>free installation<\/strong> of plumbing devices called <strong>backwater valves<\/strong> that can reduce backups. Some properties may also get <strong>downspout modifications<\/strong> at no cost.<\/p>\n<h3>Here\u2019s what to do if you think you have a backup problem:<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Document flooding:<\/strong> If you\u2019re reading this because you think you just experienced a basement backup, <strong>call our hotline right away at (215) 685-6300<\/strong> while you still have water in your basement.\n<ul>\n<li>We will send an inspector out to take a sample of the water to determine if it\u2019s coming from the City\u2019s sewer.<\/li>\n<li>Having water sampling <strong>is not required<\/strong> to apply for help, but calling to report flooding helps us document the issue and determine if the incident is connected to a storm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>If possible, <strong>safely<\/strong> use your phone to shoot videos or pictures <em>while the flooding is taking place<\/em>. Share these with the PWD inspector assigned by our contact center.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apply for help:<\/strong> Complete the <strong><a class=\"semibold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/programs\/basement-backup-protection-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Basement Protection Program application<\/a><\/strong> form. You can mail the form to the address provided or email it to <a href=\"mailto:waterinfo@phila.gov?subject=Basement%20Protection%20Program%20Application\">waterinfo@phila.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"side-info accentblue-bg darkgray\"><strong class=\"darkblue\">Renters:<\/strong> If you rent and think you experienced a basement backup, <strong>call our hotline<\/strong> to report the issue and <strong>alert the property owner<\/strong> that you\u2019ve requested a Water Department inspection.<\/div>\n<h3>The Fix:<\/h3>\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/admin.phila.gov\/programs\/basement-backup-protection-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/static\/backwatervalvediagrams_190724.png\" alt=\"A backwater valve works like a one-way door that only opens to let wastewater out of your home. When sewers overflow, the door closes and stops water from coming into your home&rsquo;s pipes.\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A backflow valve only opens to let wastewater <em>out<\/em> of your home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Backflow devices<\/strong> are essentially one-way doors installed in the pipe connecting homes to sewers, usually under a sidewalk (<a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/static\/valve-diagram_ErD9MGt.PNG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">see a diagram<\/a>), and only allow wastewater to flow out into the sewer system.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Downspout modifications<\/strong> may also be needed if the water from your roof\u2019s gutter is flowing through your sewer pipe\u2014see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/water\/PDF\/CustomerResponsibilityDiagram.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cMain House Drain\u201d<\/a> (labeled \u201cI\u201d)\u2014and backing up into your home instead of going out to the sewer. In this case, we\u2019ll help you direct that water to a green area like a lawn or somewhere that it can drain without causing issues.<\/p>\n<p>Our\u00a0<strong>Basement Backup\u00a0Protection Program<\/strong> can pay for either (or both) of these plumbing improvements for residents who qualify!<\/p>\n<h4>Does My Home Qualify for BBPP?<\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Your property\u2019s water bill must be current.<\/strong> If you are behind on your bill, you can still qualify by paying in full or entering a payment agreement. Any previous violations issued by PWD or other City agencies must be addressed prior to participating.<\/li>\n<li><strong>We must be able to access the plumbing where the backwater valve will be installed.<\/strong> This can be an issue in finished basements where drywall or other improvements may have blocked off the plumbing. But this is rarely an issue because most BBPP fixes take place at the sidewalk or downspout outside.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The pipe connecting your home to the sewer must be in good condition.<\/strong> If it is broken or leaking, you can apply to have it fixed with a zero-interest loan through the <a class=\"semibold\" href=\"https:\/\/phillyh2o.info\/HelpLoan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homeowner Emergency Loan Program<\/a> (HELP) or hire a plumber on your own. A backflow device can be installed as part of this work.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h5><a class=\"btn btn-lg btn-primary white bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/documents\/basement-protection-program-application\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more and get the application<\/a><\/h5>\n<h4>What to Expect If You Qualify<\/h4>\n<p>After we get an application and confirm that you qualify for the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/documents\/basement-protection-program-application\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Basement Backup Protection Program<\/a><\/strong>, we\u2019ll inspect your property and provide a proposal of the scope of work and a <strong>Basement Backup Prevention Agreement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll sign that agreement to confirm that <strong>PWD will pay for all work related to the installation<\/strong>, and <strong>you will be responsible for ongoing maintenance<\/strong> on any backflow valves or other plumbing we install on your property.<\/p>\n<div class=\"side-info third left darkblue-bg white\">Just like any other plumbing that is part of your home, you will be responsible for fixing your backflow preventer or downspout if they become damaged.<\/div>\n<p>We\u2019ll work with licensed contractors to complete the work <strong>at no charge to you<\/strong>, and give you instructions for how to maintain your new device.<\/p>\n<p>The installation includes a one-year warranty, so we will offer free repairs within the first year after installation if any issues pop up, but you&#8217;re responsible for regular maintenance and any repairs after one year.<\/p>\n<p>When needed, <strong>repairs can often be done by residents<\/strong> with a few tools that can be found at your local hardware store and do not require licensed plumbers.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4>Extra: Flooding Tips for Everyone<\/h4>\n<p><em>Whether your home is prone to backup or not, these tips can help you avoid costly damage and stay safe during flooding.<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Keep stuff off the floor.<\/strong> Avoid storing valuable possessions such as irreplaceable photo albums, art and important papers in your basement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be ready<\/strong>. Visit the <a class=\"semibold\" href=\"http:\/\/oem.readyphiladelphia.org\/Ready\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Office of Emergency Management\u2019s website<\/a> to ensure you\u2019re ready for any emergency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flood insurance is strongly recommended<\/strong>. Most regular home insurance policies don&#8217;t cover water damage in the basement. You can go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency&#8217;s <a class=\"semibold\" href=\"http:\/\/www.floodsmart.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FloodSmart website<\/a> to determine insurance costs to your property and how to obtain flood insurance. Because the City of Philadelphia is compliant with the National Flood Insurance Program requirements, homeowners are able to purchase a FEMA flood insurance policy that would cover any future flooding.\u00a0 Most regular home insurance policies don&#8217;t cover water damage in the basement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Know your problem<\/strong>. There are many things that can cause basement flooding other than basement backups, including poor drainage around homes that can cause water to seep through walls.<br \/>\nWhile the Basement Protection Program won\u2019t help with this common source of water in basements, there are other home fixes that can help. See common problem areas and fixes that can help in <a class=\"semibold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/water\/PDF\/FloodingGuide.pdf#page=16\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chapter 5 of the City&rsquo;s flood guide for residents<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">.pwd-m-header_posthero .hero-bg { background-position-y: bottom; }<br \/>\n<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our Basement Protection Program provides free plumbing help for those impacted by overflowing sewers that force water into homes through drains, toilets and other fixtures. Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know and apply.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"custom_css":"","custom_js":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[38,39,47,81,99],"class_list":["post-786","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-infrastructure","tag-flooding","tag-free","tag-home-maintenance","tag-riverwards","tag-tips-and-how-to","wpautop"],"acf":{"suggested":null},"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/phila.gov\/blog\/basement-protection-program\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Free Fixes for Basement Backup Flooding","url":"http:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/basement-protection-program\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/basement-protection-program\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":""},"articleSection":"Infrastructure","author":[],"creator":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"@PhillyH2O Blog","logo":""},"keywords":["flooding","free","home maintenance","riverwards","tips and how-to"],"dateCreated":"2019-08-13T21:58:00Z","datePublished":"2019-08-13T21:58:00Z","dateModified":"2023-06-28T18:51:05Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Free Fixes for Basement Backup Flooding\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/water.phila.gov\\\/blog\\\/basement-protection-program\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/water.phila.gov\\\/blog\\\/basement-protection-program\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"\"},\"articleSection\":\"Infrastructure\",\"author\":[],\"creator\":[],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"@PhillyH2O Blog\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"flooding\",\"free\",\"home maintenance\",\"riverwards\",\"tips and how-to\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2019-08-13T21:58:00Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-08-13T21:58:00Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-06-28T18:51:05Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/phila.gov\/p.js"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/786","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=786"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/786\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=786"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=786"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/water.phila.gov\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=786"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}