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Cook County

Plumbing help in Des Plaines

Des Plaines sits along the Des Plaines River, and its mid-century neighborhoods know basement water well. The City runs a flood rebate and a sewer repair rebate.

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Des Plaines homes

Des Plaines (60,675 residents, 2020 Census, up about 4% from 2010) is a city in northwest Cook County next to O’Hare.

Des Plaines property context
Home typePlumbing themes
Post-war ranches and bungalowsBasement floor drains, sump systems, older building sewers
Split-levelsLower-level baths and ejectors
Apartments and condos near downtownShared systems

Patterns only.

Common needs

Flood protection

Backwater valves and battery backup sumps are rebate-eligible. Flood prevention in Des Plaines

Sewer repairs

Private sewer repairs need a plumbing permit. Sewer line repair

Sump pumps

Groundwater handling and backup power. Sump pumps

House sewer connection to a street sanitary sewer, with a backwater valveCross-section: a house with a basement floor drain connects through a private sewer lateral to a sanitary sewer under the street. A backwater valve on the lateral closes when water flows backward from the street sewer. GRADE BASEMENT floor drain access cover PROPERTY LINE (approx.) private side ←→ public way STREET SEWER sanitary main surcharge pushes back 1234
Diagram How a backwater valve protects a basement drain connected to a street sewer.
  1. Basement floor drain — the lowest opening, so usually the first place sewer water appears.
  2. Private sewer lateral (building sewer) — typically the owner’s responsibility.
  3. Backwater valve — a flap that is meant to close when flow reverses; needs an access cover for cleaning and inspection.
  4. Street sanitary sewer — when it is overloaded, for example by rain entering through leaks and improper connections, it can back up toward buildings.
Simplified schematic, not to scale. Actual layouts vary by building.

Local programs

The Des Plaines Flood Rebate Program reimburses 30% of verifiable construction costs for flood mitigation on a residence, up to $2,000; eligible examples include backwater valves and battery backup sump pumps.

Source: City of Des Plaines — Flood Rebate Program

A separate sanitary sewer rebate covers 30% of construction costs for repairs in the City right-of-way, up to $4,000.

Source: City of Des Plaines — Sanitary sewer rebate form (PDF)

What we could not confirm

  • Whether the amounts are unchanged for the current year (the rebate flyer reviewed is from 2020).

Check with the official source before relying on these points.

Des Plaines permits

A plumbing permit is required for sewer repairs on private property, and the flood rebate application requires the permit along with bids, invoices and proof of payment.

Source: City of Des Plaines — Sanitary sewer rebate form (PDF); City of Des Plaines — Flood Rebate Program

Frequently asked questions

Who handles plumbing permits in Des Plaines?

The City of Des Plaines. Plumbers are licensed by the State of Illinois, while permits, inspections and any local contractor paperwork are handled locally. Confirm requirements with the City of Des Plaines before work starts.

Sources

  1. City of Des Plaines — Flood Rebate Program Official / primary
  2. City of Des Plaines — Sanitary sewer rebate form (PDF) Official / primary
  3. Daily Herald — 2020 Census changes in suburbs Secondary

Information can change; official sources control.

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