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Service · Joliet

Sewer backup protection in Joliet

If your Joliet basement has backed up because the sanitary sewer main was overloaded, the City may share the cost of an overhead sewer conversion or backflow prevention.

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

The City cost-sharing program

Joliet’s Overhead Sewer Conversion and Backflow Prevention Cost Sharing Program requires that the property be a City sewer customer with an active account in good standing, that a documented basement backup has occurred due to excess water in the sanitary sewer main, that City plumbers visit to assess feasibility and confirm there are no storm water connections or lateral defects, and that the owner schedule an inspection after the work (including electrical) is complete.

Source: City of Joliet — Overhead Sewer Conversion and Backflow Prevention Cost Sharing Program

The two approaches

Overhead sewer conversion with an ejector pumpCross-section: basement fixtures drain to a sealed ejector pit. The pump lifts wastewater up to a new overhead sewer line near the basement ceiling, which exits above the old floor-level connection. Upper-floor fixtures drain by gravity to the overhead line. BASEMENT upper-floor drains (gravity) sealed ejector pit WC old low connection (plugged) to street sewer 1234
Diagram An overhead sewer keeps the building's sewer connection above the basement floor so a backed-up street sewer cannot flow in through floor-level openings.
  1. Ejector pump with check valve lifts basement wastewater up; it needs power, so outages matter.
  2. Overhead sewer line runs near the basement ceiling.
  3. Building sewer exits the wall at a higher elevation.
  4. Former floor-level openings are sealed under the design.
Simplified schematic, not to scale. Actual layouts vary by building.
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.

Storm water connections and laterals

Because the City checks for storm water connections and lateral defects, downspouts, sump pumps or drain tile connected to the sanitary sewer — and cracked or root-filled building sewers — may need to be fixed as part of the project. Camera inspection

What we could not confirm

What we could not confirm

  • The program’s cost-share percentage and maximum amount.
  • Whether pre-approval must be granted before work starts (the feasibility visit suggests yes).

Check with the official source before relying on these points.

What affects the cost

We do not publish prices. Providers typically consider which protection is chosen, basement fixtures and floor work, ejector and electrical, any required lateral or storm-connection corrections, permits and restoration. Ask how the price is calculated before work starts.

Frequently asked questions

Do I qualify if my basement flooded from groundwater?

The program refers to backups caused by excess water in the sanitary sewer main. Groundwater seepage is a different problem. Compare sources

Does Joliet replace lead service lines too?

Joliet offers free full replacement when a lead line is disturbed by a leak repair or testing finds lead above limits. Joliet overview

Related

Sources

  1. City of Joliet — Overhead Sewer Conversion and Backflow Prevention Cost Sharing Program Official / primary
  2. City of Joliet — Lead Service Line Information Official / primary

Information can change; official sources control.

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