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.

What is a flood control system?

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.