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Basement flooding and sewer backup in Boston

Plumbers for backwater valves, sump pumps and drains.

99 pros in Boston

In Boston, the water and sewer utility publishes its own advice on keeping water out of basements, and it is more specific than most. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission advises backwater valves on all plumbing fixtures located below street grade, and suggests a floating floor drain plug at the lowest part of the basement. It also recommends putting heating and hot water systems on a masonry base at least 12 inches above flood level, and moving electrical panels and utilities above that level. For you, this means a basement flooding job in Boston is rarely just a pump. Before you hire, ask whether the quote covers every fixture below street grade, not only the main drain. Ask who handles the plumbing and electrical parts of the work, and what licence and permit they will arrange. Ask for the valve, plug or base to be named on the written quote so you can compare like with like. Keep the catch basin in front of your home clear of leaves too, since that helps with street flooding in heavy rain.

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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 Boston

Which fixtures in a Boston basement should have a backwater valve?

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission advises installing backwater valves on all plumbing fixtures located below street grade. When you collect quotes, ask each contractor to list which fixtures they would protect, so you can see whether one covers the whole basement and another only the main line. Boston Water and Sewer Commission (source, opens in a new tab)

What is a floating floor drain plug and where does it go?

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission suggests a floating floor drain plug at the lowest part of the basement or lowest finished floor. If the floor drainpipe backs up, the float rises and plugs the drain. Ask whether a contractor would fit one and where they would place it. Boston Water and Sewer Commission (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a basement flooding quote include?

A written quote should name the work and the equipment, such as valves, pumps or drains, and say who handles plumbing or electrical parts. It should state the permits being arranged, the licence of the person doing the work, the schedule, the warranty and the payment terms.

Should I move my furnace and electrical panel as well?

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends placing heating and hot water systems on a masonry base at least 12 inches above flood level, and moving electrical panels and utilities above the flood level. Ask any contractor whether this is part of the job or needs a separate licensed trade. Boston Water and Sewer Commission (source, opens in a new tab)

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