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Service · Des Plaines

Flood prevention plumbing in Des Plaines

Des Plaines reimburses part of the cost of flood-prevention work on homes. Here is what qualifies, what does not, and how the permit fits in.

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Calls are answered by a referral service that connects you with a local plumbing provider. How this works

The City Flood Rebate Program

The Flood Rebate Program allows up to $2,000, based on 30% of the actual cost of verifiable flood mitigation or prevention construction on a residence. Eligible examples include backup battery sump pumps and backwater valves in basements or yards.

Source: City of Des Plaines — Flood Rebate Program

Applicants submit bid estimates, contractor invoices, proof of payment and the permit at the time of application.

Source: City of Des Plaines — Flood Rebate Program

What a 2020 City flyer says is not covered

Routine maintenance such as normal plumbing repairs, sump pump replacements, valve replacements, sewer clean-outs and repairs. Confirm the current list with the City.

Common eligible projects

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.
Sump pump system with drain tile and battery backupCross-section: perforated drain tile around the footing collects groundwater and feeds a sump pit. A primary pump and a battery backup pump discharge through a check valve to the exterior, away from the foundation. BASEMENT drain tile at footing discharge away from foundation battery 12345
Diagram How a typical sump system moves groundwater out of a basement. This is groundwater, not sewage — a different system from sewer backflow protection.
  1. Drain tile collects groundwater around the foundation.
  2. Primary pump runs on household power.
  3. Battery backup pump can run during an outage, for a limited time.
  4. Check valve keeps discharged water from falling back into the pit.
  5. Discharge outlet — local rules may say where it can discharge.
Simplified schematic, not to scale. Actual layouts vary by building.

Sewer repairs in the right-of-way

A separate sanitary sewer rebate covers 30% of construction costs for repairs in the City right-of-way, up to $4,000; a plumbing permit is required for sewer repairs on private property.

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

Before you start

What we could not confirm

  • Whether the rebate amounts are unchanged for the current year.
  • Whether pre-approval is required before work begins.

Check with the official source before relying on these points.

What affects the cost

We do not publish prices. Providers typically consider the type of protection, excavation depth, basement floor work, pump and battery choice, permits and restoration. Ask how the price is calculated before work starts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get the rebate for replacing my old sump pump?

The 2020 City flyer lists sump pump replacements as routine maintenance that is not covered, while battery backup sump pumps are listed as eligible. Check the current rules.

Do I need a permit to claim the rebate?

Yes. The City requires the permit along with invoices and proof of payment.

Related

Sources

  1. City of Des Plaines — Flood Rebate Program Official / primary
  2. City of Des Plaines — Sanitary sewer rebate form (PDF) Official / primary

Information can change; official sources control.

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