BACKFLOW PREVENTION

Prepared by
Catherine L. Morley, P.E.

The Surcharged Sewer Problem

WHEN MIGHT IT BE NEEDED?

Common Situations
Geographical Low Point

Bottom of the Hill

Common Situations
Geographical Low Point
Influence of Pump Station Wet Well
Sewer Lateral Connects to Interceptor

Common Situations

Common Situations

Geographical Low Point

Influence of Pump Station Wet Well
Sewer Lateral Connects to Interceptor
Downstream of Force Main Discharge

Downstream of Force Main Discharge

Common Situations

Geographical Low Point

Influence of Pump Station Wet Well
Sewer Lateral Connects to Interceptor
Downstream of Force Main Discharge
Downstream Interceptor Exhibits Control
Reverse Flow

Downstream Control
1.2

Flow (MGD)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

10

20

30

Depth of Flow (in)

40
50

60

70

80

90

Common Situations

Geographical Low Point

Influence of Pump Station Wet Well
Sewer Lateral Connects to Interceptor
Downstream of Force Main Discharge
Downstream Interceptor Exhibits Control
Reverse Flow
Amid Foundation Drain Clusters

BACKFLOW PREVENTION OPTIONS

Backflow Prevention Options

Floor Plug
Stand Pipe
Backwater Valve
Clean Check
Overhead Sewer
External Pump-Over (EverReady)

Floor Plug / Stand-pipe

Floor Plug / Stand-pipe

Pros
Cheapest options
Easily accessible

Cons
Effective up to 3 head
Need good seal with floor
Cannot use basement facilities while
operating

Floor Plug / Stand-pipe

Backwater Valve

Internal installation shown

Can be installed externally but
needs access chamber

Backwater Valve
Pros
Cheapest of the valve-type options ($2,000 $4,000)
Easily accessible

Cons
All drains need to connect prior to be effective
Should not be used if foundation drain
connected
Cannot use basement facilities while operating

Clean Check
PVC THREADED PLUG
PVC FEMALE
ADAPTER

PVC INSERT PIPE

PVC RISER PIPE*

FLAPPER ASSEMBLY
VALVE BODY

FLAPPER

Clean Check
Pros
Relatively inexpensive ($2,500 - $6,000)
Low maintenance
Easily accessible
Also a cleanout

Cons
Cannot be used if foundation drain
connected
Minimal use of facilities while operating
Roto-rooter

Before Overhead Sewer Installation

After Overhead Sewer Installation

Overhead Sewer

Overhead Sewer
Pros
Full protection
May remove foundation drain from sanitary
system

Cons
Expensive ($7,000 - $15,000)
Requires battery back-up system for power
outages

External Pump-Over

External Pump-Over

External Pump-Over
Pros
Full protection
May remove foundation drain from sanitary
system

Cons
Very Expensive ($15,000 - $20,000)
Requires auxiliary generator for power
outages

LIMITATIONS

Limitations
Maintenance
Rags, check valve blockages, etc.

Power Outages (overhead systems)

Requires backup power supply or cannot use
facilities

Limited Facility Use (check valve systems)

Laundry and toilet overflows

COSTS

MUNICIPAL INVOLVEMENT

Municipal Involvement

Education
Benefits
Cost Sharing
Ordinance Changes

Education
Public

Maybe the only solution given their location

Pros and Cons
Maintenance

Elected Officials

Understand the issues

Expensive but for some homeowners only option

Staff

Knowing your system identifying at risk areas

Tracking the clusters
I/I removal
Moving the problem upstream and making it worse

Overhead Sewer Conundrum

Excess flow migrated upstream

Current Basement Backups

Benefits
Less Complaints
Less Reporting to IEPA - SSOs
I/I Removal Through I/I Compliance

Cost Sharing
Various Plans

50/50 up to max amount

Full cost up to a max amount
Higher reimbursement (or %) for FD removal
100% front with clawback
100% for at risk properties

Funding

Capital allocation
Sewer surcharge

Ordinance Changes
Any Backflow Prevention
Building permit
I/I compliant

Foundation Drain

Ordinance Changes
Any Backflow Prevention
Building permit
I/I compliant

Cost Sharing
Closing Ordinance

Sump pump removal

Fines for reconnection

Teardown Policies I/I Compliance

Remodeling Policies