Category Archives: flood control system

What you Need to Know About Flood Control in Chicago

The city of Chicago with its skyscrapers in daylight.

The process of managing, regulating, and preventing the influx of water into an area is known as flood control. Snowmelt and prolonged periods of heavy rain can cause flooding. Large-scale property destruction and hazardous traffic conditions can also result from flooding. A sewer flood control system exists on the sewer line of private property. A flood control system is essential for Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding suburbs, where the municipal sewer systems are susceptible to overload. 

In order to safeguard people and property from the harmful impacts of floods, flood controls are put in place. These flood control devices exist to divert water from your property or lessen its volume. Because of the city’s old sewer infrastructure in several sites, Chicago, Illinois, needs flood control. In addition, the old sewer design was for a much lower population in the past. In this article, we at Chicago Plumbing Experts would like to share everything you need to know about flood control in Chicago.

The stormwater management program is an important part of flood control in Chicago

The Chicago stormwater management program is an all-encompassing strategy for controlling stormwater runoff and lowering the risk of floods. The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) run the program. The program involves a variety of stormwater management measures, including using green infrastructure to catch and filter runoff, such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements. The initiative also entails maintaining and updating the city’s sewer system, which includes building new sewers and repairing and replacing existing ones. Public education and communication are crucial components of the stormwater management program. The city gives residents and businesses information on participating in stormwater management.

Flood control in Chicago is complex because the city needs it to function correctly. Many big cities have a lot of logistical issues that complicate our daily lives. That’s why many people are finding out that smaller cities are convenient. Moving companies are noticing that more people prefer to relocate from big cities to smaller towns. For example, many people from Chicago are looking to move to Englewood, CO, as it offers many lifestyle benefits. If you are considering a similar relocation, get expert help in the area for packing, moving furniture, etc. This will make moving a lot more convenient.

Tall buildings and three bridges that connect the two banks of the Chicago river.

The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) is designed to reduce flooding and is one of the mechanisms for flood control in Chicago.

The combined sewer system is a problem for flood control in Chicago

Some older cities, like Chicago, have a sewer system called a combined sewer system. Stormwater runoff and wastewater convey in the same pipes in an integrated sewer system. As a result, during intense rainfall, the water running through the system may drastically rise, resulting in flooding and sewage backups. Stormwater and wastewater were initially intended to be handled by combined sewage systems. However, as cities expanded and developed, more impervious surfaces, such as roads and buildings, were added, increasing runoff. The integrated sewer systems frequently cannot handle the increased water flow, resulting in overflows and flooding.

Many cities with combined sewer systems are investing in infrastructure improvements to segregate rainwater and wastewater to alleviate this problem. For example, the Deep Tunnel Project, commonly known as the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), is being implemented in Chicago to address this problem. The TARP program entails building a network of tunnels and reservoirs to collect and hold extra rainfall and sewage during periods of heavy rain, lowering the likelihood of overflows and flooding. Overall, if combined sewer systems are not adequately maintained, they can severely threaten the environment and public health. To lower the risk of flooding and sewage backups, communities like Chicago are investing in infrastructure renovations and other strategies. Dealing with this+ issue is a big project for flood control in Chicago.

A man riding his bike in heavy rain.

Another way of regulating flood problems in Chicago is opening the sewers and dumping the water in lake Michigan during a torrential downpour.

You can take measures to reduce the risk of flooding

In Chicago, property owners can take precautions to lower the risk of flooding on their premises. Various flood-resistant building materials on the market can guard against flood damage to residences and commercial buildings. For instance, green boards, a type of water-resistant drywall, can be utilized in flood-prone areas. Elevating appliances like washing machines and water heaters above flood level can help shield them from flood damage. You can upgrade electrical components like circuit breakers and outlets. Finally, a sump pump can be installed in a home’s basement or crawlspace to remove water that collects during prolonged periods of heavy rain.

Trees and other plants can help absorb water and prevent runoff. This can be especially useful in places with impervious surfaces, such as concrete and pavement. In general, there are many steps property owners can take to lessen the risk of flooding in their own homes. Property owners can help prevent flood damage to their homes and businesses by proactively managing stormwater. 

Chicago city with its city lights and busy streets.

A good idea for your home is to construct interior barriers to stop low level water from entering your basement.

Take safety precautions when flood control in Chicago fails

In regions like Chicago, prone to flooding, it is crucial to exercise caution. First, recognize whether your property is near a flood plain and watch for local weather patterns that can cause flooding. Then, make an emergency plan for a flood for you and your family. This needs an evacuation strategy, a planned meeting spot, and emergency contacts. If you need to leave immediately, prepare an emergency kit with the necessities, including food, water, first aid supplies, and critical papers. Before leaving, turn off the water, gas, and power to lower the possibility of harm or property damage. Because of the hidden debris and swiftly moving currents, floodwaters can be hazardous. Avoid driving or walking in floodwaters; if at all feasible, get to higher ground.

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it right away. Early evacuation can save lives and aid in harm prevention. Following safety steps can lessen the chance of suffering harm or property loss during a flood. You can safeguard yourself and your family in the case of a flood by being ready and informed. So, when flood control systems in Chicago fails, take safety precautions.

Are you in need of flood control system services or installations in Chicago? Contact us below:

How to Install a Flood Control System

A flood control system is a failsafe system that protects your home from sewer backups. It is often installed as a replacement for the standard backwater valve flood control system after that system fails. The way a flood control system is built gives it the ability to withstand conditions that would typically result in the failure of a standard backwater valve flood control system.

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The regular backwater valve flood control system installed in most homes consists of:

  • An in-line check valve opens to allow sewage flow from the house to the city sewer line. This valve closes when there is a storm and pressure builds in the city sewer system.  The closed valve keeps sewage that is from the stormwater from flowing backward into the house.

  • A pumping system consisting of an ejector basin and pump. When the in-line valve is closed, sewage can still flow from the house into the city sewer system because of the pumping system. Sewage from the home is diverted into the ejector basin and then pumped over and beyond the in-line check valve, to be pushed into the city sewer.

But sometimes this entire system can fail. This happens when there is so much pressure built up against the in-line check valve that it fails. Sewage under pressure from stormwater can blow off the lid on the in-line check valve and dislodge the check valve. Once this happens, sewage is free to flow unimpeded into the home.

What is a flood control system?

The flood control system is also referred to as a double-guard system because it consists of two check valves positioned in series. Also, instead of PVC, it has cast iron housing and brass check valves, with a lid that is bolted in place rather than screwed down. This system offers a more reliable way to protect your home from sewer backups during a storm.

Because the flood control system is made of cast iron and brass, it can withstand more pressure than a PVC system so, the likelihood of system failure is almost zero. Additionally, the presence of two check valves means if the first valve fails, the second one can still protect your home. Thirdly, the possibility of the check valve lid blowing off is nil because the lid is bolted down, instead of being screwed down.

install-flood-control-system

How to install a flood control system

To install a flood control system, you have to remove the entire backwater valve flood control system in your home (except for the pumping system, ejector basin, and pump) and replace it with the flood control system. Note that this is not a project you should try to do yourself, it should be left to a flood control specialist or professional plumber.

Here are the steps for doing that:

Step #1

Excavate the area around the existing backwater-valve flood control system so you can go in and take out the entire system. This requires some demolition work to remove the circular blocks that make up the sides of the pit. The floor of the pit must also be removed to expose the pipes installed underneath.

Step #2

Move the incoming water line out of the way to keep it from getting damaged. Now remove the failed PVC system from the pit after you have loosened the flexible rubber couplings that hold it in place. This is the part of the system you want to replace.

Step #3

After this, install the new cast-iron twin-check-valve system and secure the connections at each end with flexible rubber couplings.

Step #4

Once the valve is securely in place, pour bags of ready-mix concrete around the valve with emphasis on both ends of the valve. Pay particular attention to the front connection and make sure it has enough concrete. This is the most important joint since it is the part that will take the direct pressure of the city sewer system.

Step #5

After this is done, pour a layer of gravel aggregate over the entire assembly and spread it over the concrete. This will help to strengthen the base around your newly installed system. Add water to the aggregate until it is soaked.

Step #6

Next, cover everything with a thick layer of sand to create the bottom of the pit. Once this step is done you are now ready to start laying the curved blocks that will form the circular walls of the pit. Keep laying the blocks until the walls is up to the surrounding grade and then top it off with an access cover.

Why do you need a flood control system?

If the region where you live is prone to natural floods, a flood control system can save you from anxiety, plus the cost of fixing flood-inflicted damage to your home, says Avalon Property Management. You may also need a flood control system to serve as a backup in case of sump pump failure. Regardless of where you live, a flood control system can add a second layer of protection to shield your home from flooding. 

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