Saturday, January 28, 2017

Flood Control for Chicago Condos and Apartment Buildings


Why are flood control systems important to Chicago landlords?

Flooding basements are a huge issue in Chicago. It is a dense city with of over 2.7 million people, many of whom live in apartment and condo buildings. With the density of buildings, streets and parking lots, there is very little green space to absorb or slow down the onslaught of water in a heavy downpour or a sustained amount of rainfall. Because the city of Chicago has a combined storm and sanitary system it means that every time there's a serious and heavy rainstorm, which is happening more and more frequently, sewers can backup, and apartments and condo buildings get water and worse in their basements. Installation of a flood control system in Chicago is a necessary solution to prevent this flooding and to protect your property from water damage. It is very reassuring to residents of the buildings that no sewer water will take over the basement of the building, exposing them to unsanitary and at least, unsettling conditions.


A flood control system can be defined as any way or method used to systematically reduce the risk of damage to your building or basement due to flooding. This flooding can be from basement cracks, floor drains or floors, through an overwhelmed catch basin, or even worse, up through the city connection to the sewer system. One of the easiest ways to protect from sewer backup is by installing a backflow valve, which will automatically shut close the pipe when water tries to flow back into the building from the sewer/storm water connection. It allows for outward flow only and is very effective when the city’s sewer system is overwhelmed. Some other flood control system components may be catch basins, sump pumps, overhead sewers, lift stations, backup sump pumps, battery backup systems for pumps, drain tile systems, French drains, or any number of other methods which are appropriate for a given property. Overland flooding is when water collects around the building and finds entry from without the structure through window wells, basement cracks, or even through doors or windows when the water is that high enough. 

Who to call to prevent flooding problems in Chicago?

When flooding does happen in your building, or if it is a concern for your future, you should call the company that has proven experience in providing Chicago flood control systems for residents. Since 1981, when Parks’ Plumbing & Sewer, Inc. opened their doors in their original Chicago location, they have been solving flooding problems in Chicago and their patented Double Guard Valve is their number one solution. Many companies have tried to duplicate this valve but don’t get it right because they cut corners in production and in installation. The innovators at Parks’ are always finding new ways to save money for their customers through creative new ideas and their years of experience with these systems.

Friday, January 20, 2017

Ejector Pumps vs Sump Pumps


What is a sump pump and why do we need them?

A sump pump is a small, submersible water pump that is usually located in the basement of a home within a small cylindrical container or basin that is usually about 2 feet across and 3-4 feet deep. The basin is typically set into the floor of the basement so the homeowner would just see an electrical wire and a pipe coming out of the top. The vault is typically connected to the drain tile system (interior and/or exterior) underneath the basement floor. Water collected by the drain tile system flows into the basin and when the water level gets high enough to trigger the pump’s float switch, the pump will pump the water out of a discharge pipe to an outside location. The outside location could be the lawn or a bubbler or dry well, or the outside location could be the city storm or sewer system. If the pump does not work, the water would push into the basement and cause flooding. In the event of a heavy storm, the pump must have the capacity to remove all the water that is collecting or else, flooding occurs. If the power goes out, the pump can’t operate and again, flooding occurs. Many people install a second pump which is battery operated that can work even during a power failure. If the power failure lasts long enough, the secondary pump could also fail.


The water that collects in the basin is ground water, which is basically from the gutter system or the water that collects around the exterior of the residence.

To test a sump pump, you will need to fill the basis with water until the pump is triggered.


Sump pumps can be installed by typical plumbers, but their selection will be small and they are not experts. Flood control system specialists are a much better choice as they can offer a larger selection and pick the system that will work best for your environment. They can offer longer-life pumps and choose the appropriate capacity and backup system for your situation. Find out more about sump pumps in Chicago here.


What is an ejector pump and why do we need them?


An ejector pump looks just like a sump pump and is also installed in a basin in the basement floor. However, ejector pumps are able to pump any water, including sewer water. This is typically connected to the floor drains, washing machine, water conditioner, water heater, basement sinks, and/or any basement toilets that are below the grade of the regular sewer line. The waste water is pumped directly to the sewer line, just like other home plumbing fixtures. The pump basin will have a sealed lid and a vent pipe as well as the output pipe, and is connected to an electric source. Failure of the ejector pump can also cause flooding, but typically less water will be discharged. However, because it is sewage water, it is much more of a health hazard and the flooded area needs to be cleaned and disinfected.


Because ejector pumps are connected to the sewer system, the possibility exists for the city’s system to become overwhelmed at times of flooding and heavy rain, and it is possible for the water to back up into the homes that are connected to the system. Special backflow valves are used to stop the water from coming back in to the home at these times. If you are looking for flood control systems in Chicago, and in most of the suburban areas around Chicago, one company is the innovator and has patented their own Double Guard Valve for keeping the sewer from backing up into your home.


Typically, you can flush a basement toilet once or twice to trigger the ejector pump.


Ejector pumps can be installed by typical plumbers, but their selection will be small and they are not experts. Flood control specialists can offer many more options for ejector pumps and are experts in removing water from basements. They can determine your exact needs and offer an optimal solution to you. Find out more about ejector pumps in Chicago here.


Why are these pumps important to Chicago residents?

Flooding is a big issue in Chicago. There is a great density of buildings, streets and parking lots, and very little green space to absorb or slow down the onslaught of water in a heavy rain. Because the city of Chicago has a combined storm and sanitary system it means that every time there's a serious rainstorm, sewers can backup, and people get water and worse in their basements. Installation of flood control systems in Chicago is a necessary solution to protect your property and possessions from water damage. Even though the city has started installing valves to allow streets to back up vs. basements, the streets can become overflooded and cause a different kind of basement flooding to happen – overland flooding. Overland flooding is when water collects around the building and finds entry from without the structure through window wells, basement cracks, or even through doors or windows when the water is that high. To protect your home, you should install a Double Guard Valve before it is too late. 

Friday, January 13, 2017

Flood Prevention in Chicago’s NW Neighborhoods Part 3


Basement flooding is becoming more and more prevalent in Chicago and its neighborhoods because of the changes happening in the weather. Chicago is seeing new storms that can produce heavy rains that are very localized and harder to predict. These storms can bring 2 or more inches of water per hour to a given Chicago neighborhood. When that happens, the local sewers, which were not designed for these types of storms, fill up very quickly and overwhelms the local systems. One of the recent storms dumped 8 inches of water on Chicago. When that happens, instead of the water coming from homes into the sewer, the water backs up from the sewer into the homes making for a homeowner’s nightmare. What can be done? How can you protect your property and keep your basement from flooding? Isn’t it time to invest in Flood Control Systems Chicago?

The city itself has acknowledged this problem and has started to work to improve the sewer infrastructure, but there are some 4,400 miles of sewer main in Chicago, so it can’t happen quickly. The city will work with residents to solve localized flooding problems, but a majority of the residents must be onboard for it to work. So, they are asking that residents help keep as much water as possible out of the sewer system during the heavy rains.

It is the same in Chicago’s northwest neighborhoods because they are under Chicago’s plumbing and sewer systems. It should help to know that Parks’ Plumbing & Sewer, Inc. can be called to help prevent flooding in the first place. A flood control system is like an insurance policy for your basement except that it actively keeps the water out of your basement instead of just reimbursing you once your possessions and basement are damaged. Check out the pages listed below for more information for selected neighborhoods.



One of the only ways to protect yourself from flooding to install a flood control system in Chicago to protect your home from this pervasive problem. A sewer backflow valve will not allow water to come from the sewer into your home. It works by simply closing when water comes from the sewer into your home.

Flood Control Systems in Chicago can be installed by certified plumbers who are aware of all the nuances of Chicago’s plumbing regulations. Many plumbers offer the service but why take your chances on getting someone who doesn’t’ specialize in these types of systems? Parks’ Plumbing & Sewer, Inc. has been serving Chicago with quality flood control systems since 1981 and is the innovator in the space. They have patented valves that will keep the water from coming through your pipes into your basement. They are also the most cost effective solution because, as the innovators, they do not only make better equipment but also less expensive equipment. They were even featured on Just Ask This Old House for their flood control expertise.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Flood Prevention in Chicago’s NW Neighborhoods Part 2


Basement flooding is becoming more and more prevalent in Chicago and its neighborhoods because of the changes happening in the weather. Chicago is seeing new storms that can produce heavy rains that are very localized and harder to predict. These storms can bring 2 or more inches of water per hour to a given Chicago neighborhood. When that happens, the local sewers, which were not designed for these types of storms, fill up very quickly and overwhelms the local systems. One of the recent storms dumped 8 inches of water on Chicago. When that happens, instead of the water coming from homes into the sewer, the water backs up from the sewer into the homes making for a homeowner’s nightmare. What can be done? How can you protect your property and keep your basement from flooding? Isn’t it time to invest in Flood Control Systems Chicago?

The city itself has acknowledged this problem and has started to work to improve the sewer infrastructure, but there are some 4,400 miles of sewer main in Chicago, so it can’t happen quickly. The city will work with residents to solve localized flooding problems, but a majority of the residents must be onboard for it to work. So, they are asking that residents help keep as much water as possible out of the sewer system during the heavy rains.

It is the same in Chicago’s northwest neighborhoods because they are under Chicago’s plumbing and sewer systems. It should help to know that Parks’ Plumbing & Sewer, Inc. can be called to help prevent flooding in the first place. A flood control system is like an insurance policy for your basement except that it actively keeps the water out of your basement instead of just reimbursing you once your possessions and basement are damaged. Check out the pages listed below for more information for selected neighborhoods.



One of the only ways to protect yourself from flooding to install a flood control system in Chicago to protect your home from this pervasive problem. A sewer backflow valve will not allow water to come from the sewer into your home. It works by simply closing when water comes from the sewer into your home.

Flood Control Systems in Chicago can be installed by certified plumbers who are aware of all the nuances of Chicago’s plumbing regulations. Many plumbers offer the service but why take your chances on getting someone who doesn’t’ specialize in these types of systems? Parks’ Plumbing & Sewer, Inc. has been serving Chicago with quality flood control systems since 1981 and is the innovator in the space. They have patented valves that will keep the water from coming through your pipes into your basement. They are also the most cost effective solution because, as the innovators, they do not only make better equipment but also less expensive equipment. They were even featured on Just Ask This Old House for their flood control expertise.