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Basement flooding and sewer backup in Salt Lake City

Plumbers for backwater valves, sump pumps and drains.

49 pros in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City's basement water risk comes from its creeks. On April 12, 2023, Emigration Creek floodwater ran through the Wasatch Hollow area, and the city traced it to a malfunctioning steel plate that blocked a culvert drain. The city describes spring runoff as typically running from April to July, when creeks swell with snowmelt. That means a basement here can face weeks of wet ground each year, not just one storm. Insurance adds another reason to plan ahead: the Utah Insurance Department says standard homeowners policies do not cover flood losses, so flood cover is a separate policy. Before you hire for a sump pump, french drain, drain work or waterproofing, ask for a written quote that lists what is installed, where the water will discharge, and what warranty applies. Ask whether a permit is needed for the job and who will pull it. Get more than one quote, and check the scope matches line by line.

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What to know in Salt Lake City

  • On April 12, 2023, Emigration Creek floodwater ran through the Wasatch Hollow area of Salt Lake City. The mayor signed an emergency order to support flood-affected residents, and volunteers stacked sandbags along 1700 South.

    The Salt Lake Tribune (source, opens in a new tab)

  • Salt Lake City says its 2023 flooding was traced to a malfunctioning steel plate that blocked one of the drains in a culvert. The city says hundreds of volunteers filled sandbags on the night of the 12th, and thousands more helped over the following days.

    Salt Lake City Corporation (source, opens in a new tab)

  • The National Weather Service Salt Lake City climate report, using 1991–2020 normals, gives normal snowfall of 51.9 inches from October 1 through July 6 at Salt Lake City.

    National Weather Service (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 Salt Lake City

When is basement flooding most likely in Salt Lake City?

The city describes spring runoff as typically running from April to July, when creeks swell with snowmelt. If you want a sump pump, french drain or waterproofing in place before the water arrives, ask contractors about their schedule well ahead of April, since you may be competing with other homeowners. Salt Lake City Corporation (source, opens in a new tab)

Will my homeowners policy pay for a flooded basement?

The Utah Insurance Department says standard homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood losses, so flood insurance must be bought as a separate policy. Check your own policy wording and ask your insurer what applies before you pay for any prevention work or repairs. Utah Insurance Department (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a quote for basement waterproofing include?

Ask for a written quote that names the work area, the materials, where pumped or drained water will go, who handles any permit, the start and finish dates, and the warranty terms. Compare quotes line by line, because a lower figure may leave out parts of the job.

Does flood insurance cover a sewer or drain backup?

The Utah Insurance Department says NFIP flood insurance covers damage from backed-up sewers or drains only if an active surface flood in the area directly caused the backup. Ask your insurer how your policy treats backups before you decide what protection to install. Utah Insurance Department (source, opens in a new tab)

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