Braced
Menu

Basement flooding and sewer backup in Manchester

Plumbers for backwater valves, sump pumps and drains.

20 pros in Manchester

On July 16, 2023, Manchester's fire department took over 800 calls in a single day from residents with basement flooding or water problems, and the fire chief said Steven's Pond overflowed its banks. Flooding in basements ranged from 6 inches to several feet. That history shapes how you hire for flood prevention here. The city's sewer ordinance bars connecting foundation drains, exterior or interior, roof downspouts and areaway drains to a building sewer that leads to a public sewer. So before you hire, ask where a sump pump or drain system will discharge, and ask the contractor to put that in writing. Work must also follow the 2021 International Building, Residential, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes that the city enforces, plus the 2020 National Electrical Code for any pump wiring. The state insurance department notes that most policies exclude sewer or drain backup unless you add an endorsement, so check your own policy as well.

  15. Crack-X

    Foundation crack repair and basement waterproofing are its core jobs, and flooded basements fall within its work. The family-owned company's warranty runs 10 years.

    Also serves Boston

    • Website checked

    Rated 4.8 out of 5 78 Google reviews · Nov 2026

    (978) 687-4195Website Crack-X (opens in a new tab)

Not yet verified. We checked that each one’s own website offers this work, but we haven’t contacted them yet. How a business gets listed

Know a good one we’re missing? Suggest one

What to know in Manchester

  • Manchester's electrical permit application can be filled out online but must be printed, signed and mailed or delivered to the Planning and Community Development Department with the fees. The city does not accept these applications electronically.

    City of Manchester, NH (source, opens in a new tab)

  • During the July 16, 2023 storm, Manchester's fire department received over 800 calls in one day from residents with basement flooding or water problems, according to the fire chief. He said Steven's Pond overflowed its banks, and basement flooding ranged from 6 inches to several feet.

    The Boston Globe (source, opens in a new tab)

  • In July 2023 New Hampshire had more flash flood warnings than in any full year on record. A National Weather Service meteorologist said the state got an entire summer's worth of rain that month.

    New Hampshire Public Radio (source, opens in a new tab)

  • The New Hampshire Insurance Department says flooding generally is not covered in a homeowner's policy. Its disaster-preparedness tips include installing a system to prevent floodwater from backing up in sewer drains and locating the switches that turn off gas, electricity and water.

    New Hampshire Insurance Department (source, opens in a new tab)

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 Manchester

Can a sump pump or foundation drain be connected to the sewer in Manchester?

Manchester's sewer ordinance bars connecting foundation drains, exterior or interior, roof downspouts, areaway drains or other groundwater or surface runoff sources to a building sewer that leads to a public sewer. Ask any contractor exactly where the system will discharge before you sign. City of Manchester, NH (Code of Ordinances) (source, opens in a new tab)

Which codes apply to basement flood prevention work in Manchester?

The city's Planning and Community Development Department enforces the 2021 International Building, Residential, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, effective July 1, 2024, and the 2020 National Electrical Code with amendments. Ask the contractor which permits the job needs and who will apply for them. City of Manchester, NH (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a quote for a sump pump or drain job include?

Ask for a written quote that lists the scope of work, the equipment and materials, where water will discharge, who pulls permits, the schedule, warranty terms and payment terms. Get at least two quotes and compare the same scope line by line, not just the totals.

Does homeowner insurance cover sewer backup in a flooded basement?

The New Hampshire Insurance Department says most policies exclude water damage from water backing up through sewers or drains, and flooding is generally not covered. Many companies offer backup coverage as an endorsement for an added premium. Ask your insurer before a flood happens. New Hampshire Insurance Department (source, opens in a new tab)

Other jobs and cities

Other jobs in Manchester

Basement flooding and sewer backup in other cities