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Basement flooding and sewer backup in Hartford

Plumbers for backwater valves, sump pumps and drains.

35 pros in Hartford

In the Hartford area, basement flooding is tied closely to the public sewer system. The MDC Backwater Valve Program offers a free assessment for homes that flood during wet weather, and its inspection team surveys the internal basement drain piping to decide whether the home qualifies. MDC also says the long-term way to keep ground water out of the sewer is to disconnect an older backwater valve and install a sump pump. That shapes how you hire. Before you call anyone, ask whether the MDC assessment applies to your home, since it may change what work makes sense. MDC states that the sewer lateral from the house to the main, and the backwater valve device, are the homeowner's responsibility, so you will be the one arranging repairs. For pump work, ask to see a Connecticut plumbing licence; the J-1 limited licence covers only domestic water pumps and water conditioning. Get the scope of work in writing, and check your homeowners policy for sewer backup cover.

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What to know in Hartford

Before you hire

  1. Ask which permits the job needs and who will get them; your municipal building department can tell you before work starts.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Hartford

Should I contact MDC before hiring a contractor for basement flooding?

If your basement floods in wet weather, it is worth asking. The MDC Backwater Valve Program offers a free assessment, and its inspection team surveys the internal basement drain piping to decide whether your home qualifies. The result can help you judge what work to request in a quote. The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) (source, opens in a new tab)

Why might a contractor suggest replacing a backwater valve with a sump pump?

MDC says the long-term way to remove ground water from the sewer system is to disconnect the existing backwater valve device found in many older homes and install a sump pump. Ask any contractor to explain why they recommend one option over the other for your house. The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) (source, opens in a new tab)

Who may install a sump pump in Connecticut?

Ask to see the contractor's Connecticut plumbing licence and confirm what it covers. The state's J-1 limited contractor licence covers only work limited to domestic water pumps and water conditioning. Work beyond that scope, such as drain piping, needs the right licence for it. Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (source, opens in a new tab)

Will my insurance cover a sewer backup that floods my basement?

It may. The Connecticut Insurance Department says some homeowners policies cover backup of sewers and drains, so check with your agent. Flood insurance is a separate policy, and sewer backup is typically not included in standard flood insurance. Ask before work begins. Connecticut Insurance Department (source, opens in a new tab)

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