Philadelphia, PA · plumbing problem
Basement sewer backups in Philadelphia
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
When storms overload Philadelphia's sewers, wastewater can come up through basement floor drains. PWD's Basement Backup Protection Program installs a backwater valve and downspout modifications for free for eligible customers whose bill is current, who have no outstanding violations, and whose sewer pipe is in good condition. After the one-year warranty, maintenance is the owner's.
What's different in Philadelphia
The Basement Backup Protection Program provides free backwater valve installations and downspout modifications for qualifying customers. [1]
Eligibility requires a current water bill (or a payment agreement), no outstanding PWD or city violations, and contractor access to the plumbing where the valve goes. [1]
The pipe connecting the home to the sewer must be in good condition; a broken or leaking pipe can be fixed first through the zero-interest HELP loan or a private plumber. [1]
PWD pays for all installation work; the owner is responsible for maintenance after the one-year warranty. [1]
What you're seeing
- Water rising from the basement floor drain during or right after heavy rain.
- A sewage smell in the basement after storms.
- The basement toilet or laundry tub gurgling or backing up when it rains.
During a backup
Stop using water
Every flush adds to what's coming up.
Stay safe
Keep away from water near outlets, the panel or appliances.
Document
Photos before cleanup.
Clean and disinfect
Porous items soaked in sewage are usually discarded; see sewer backup cleanup.
How a backwater valve helps
The valve lets wastewater leave the house but closes when the sewer pushes back. It needs cleaning and inspection to keep working, which is the owner's job after PWD's warranty. If the lateral itself is broken, it has to be fixed first; see Philadelphia sewer line repair and the HELP loan.
You may also be dealing with
- SymptomDrain backing up
- SymptomWater heater leaking
- SymptomSewer smell in the house
Common questions
Does Philadelphia install backwater valves for free?
Yes, for eligible customers through PWD's Basement Backup Protection Program.
Who qualifies for Philadelphia's Basement Backup Protection Program?
Customers with a current bill or payment agreement, no outstanding violations, plumbing access, and a sewer pipe in good condition.
What if my Philadelphia sewer pipe is broken?
Fix it first, through PWD's zero-interest HELP loan or a private plumber, then apply.
Who maintains a PWD-installed backwater valve?
PWD covers a one-year warranty; after that, maintenance is the owner's.
Does the Philadelphia program change downspouts too?
Yes, downspout modifications are part of it.
How do I apply for PWD's backup program?
Complete the program application and mail it or email [email protected].
Does PWD's program fix a broken lateral too?
No; the pipe must be in good condition first, and HELP can finance the repair.
Can I still qualify if I'm behind on my water bill?
Yes, by paying in full or entering a payment agreement.
How often should a backwater valve be cleaned?
Regularly, per the installer's guidance; debris can keep the flap from sealing.
Is basement sewage dangerous?
Yes; wear gloves and boots, and discard soaked porous items.
More plumbing help in Philadelphia
- Water Line Repair in PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia lead service lines: owner responsibility, free replacement during main work, the free ZIP-code pilot, and 0% HELP loans.
- Sewer Line Repair in PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia sewer and water line repair: PWD's HELP loan covers repairs at 0% interest over 60 months after a Notice of Defect.
- Leak Detection in PhiladelphiaIn Philadelphia, the owner is responsible for water piping from the city main, including the ferrule and curb stop. How leaks are found, and PWD's Notice of Defect.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in PhiladelphiaFrozen pipes in Philadelphia: keep the meter area above 40°F, trickle a faucet, shut off outdoor lines, check neighbors first.
- Backflow Testing in PhiladelphiaPWD backflow rules: test at installation, after any repair and yearly by a City-certified technician, file Form 79-770 within 48 hours.
- Drain backing up in PhiladelphiaWhy Philadelphia drains back up: grease hardens in the lateral connecting homes to the sewer, sewage backs into houses, and how PWD says to dispose of it.
- Basement flooding: the full guideWhether basement water is groundwater, sewer backup or a burst pipe changes what you do first. How to tell, how to stay safe, and how to prevent the next one.
- Plumbing in PhiladelphiaLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Philadelphia homes need most.
How other cities handle it
Sources (1)
- City of Philadelphia, Basement Backup Protection Program · checked 2026-10-03