Detroit, MI
Basement backup protection in Detroit
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Detroit's Basement Backup Protection Program, an up to $15 million DWSD initiative, offers free backwater valves, sump pumps, lateral camera inspections and downspout disconnection to homeowners in 11 flood-prone neighborhoods. Eligible homeowners, including landlords, apply online at detroitmi.gov/basementprotection.
What's different in Detroit
Detroit's Basement Backup Protection Program is an up to $15 million initiative helping homeowners protect property in rainstorms by installing a backwater valve and/or sump pump. [1]
Phase 1 covered Aviation Sub and Victoria Park; Phase 2 covers Barton-McFarland, Chadsey Condon, Cornerstone Village, East English Village, Garden View, Jefferson Chalmers, Morningside, Moross-Morang and Warrendale. [1]
Services include a camera inspection of the sewer lateral, downspout disconnection with extensions three feet from the foundation, a backwater valve only if the lateral is viable, a sump pump where possible, or both with overflow. [1]
The program is free to homeowners, including landlords, in the 11 selected neighborhoods; applications are online at detroitmi.gov/basementprotection. [1]
Neighborhoods covered
- Aviation Sub
- Victoria Park
- Barton-McFarland
- Chadsey Condon
- Cornerstone Village
- East English Village
- Garden View
- Jefferson Chalmers
- Morningside
- Moross-Morang
- Warrendale
Outside the 11 neighborhoods
Homeowners elsewhere in Detroit can still reduce risk by disconnecting downspouts, keeping drains clear and having a plumber evaluate a backwater valve or sump pump. A camera inspection first is important, since a valve on a damaged lateral can cause problems. See sump pump repair and installation.
Further reading: Signs of a main sewer line clog.
What Detroit homeowners usually check next
- SymptomDrain backing up
- SymptomBasement flooding
Common questions
Is Detroit's basement backup program free?
Yes, for homeowners and landlords in the 11 selected flood-prone neighborhoods.
Which Detroit neighborhoods qualify for basement backup protection?
Aviation Sub, Victoria Park, Barton-McFarland, Chadsey Condon, Cornerstone Village, East English Village, Garden View, Jefferson Chalmers, Morningside, Moross-Morang and Warrendale.
How do I apply for Detroit's basement protection program?
Online at detroitmi.gov/basementprotection.
Can Detroit landlords get backwater valves installed?
Yes, landlords in eligible neighborhoods can participate.
Why does Detroit inspect the lateral before installing a valve?
A backwater valve is only installed if the lateral is in viable condition.
How much is Detroit spending on basement backups?
The program is funded at up to $15 million.
What if my Detroit home is outside the program areas?
You can still disconnect downspouts and hire a plumber to assess a backwater valve or sump pump.
Does the program include sump pumps?
Yes, where the property allows, alone or combined with a backwater valve and overflow.
How far should Detroit downspout extensions reach?
The program installs extensions three feet from the foundation.
Why do Detroit basements back up in storms?
Heavy rain can overload sewers, pushing water and sewage back into the lowest drains of nearby homes.
More plumbing help in Detroit
- Water Line Repair in DetroitHow Detroit and Michigan law handle lead water service line replacement: who pays, full-line requirements, timelines, and what homeowners should do meanwhile.
- Sewer Backup: the full guideWhat to do when sewage backs up into your home, the health precautions, common causes, cleanup rules, and how backwater valves and maintenance prevent it.
- Plumbing in DetroitLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Detroit homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- Sewer backup help in CincinnatiHow MSD of Greater Cincinnati's Sewer Backup (SBU) program works: 24/7 reporting, cleanup for public-sewer backups, and free backup prevention devices.
- Basement sewer backups in MilwaukeeWhy Milwaukee basements back up in storms, the downspout disconnection rule in the combined sewer area, MMSD's Pipe Check incentives, and city lateral programs.
- Sewage backup cleanup in Baltimore and the city's reimbursement programSewage backups in Baltimore: the DPW Expedited Reimbursement Program (up to $5,000), the 90-day deadline, the 1/4-inch rain test, and what to document.
- Sewer backups in Louisville and MSD's programsSewer backups in Louisville: MSD pays $100 per downspout disconnected, the inspection you need first, the drainage options, and backup protection.
- Sewer backups in Washington, DCSewer backups in DC: owners maintain the lateral and clear its clogs, DC Water usually doesn't pay for backup damage, and how to ask for an investigation.
- Sewer backups in Seattle: usually the side sewerSeattle sewer backups: most backup calls trace to the privately owned side sewer, when SPU claims apply, and the backwater valves that protect basements.