Sewage Backflow Prevention

Reduce the Risk of Basement Flooding

There are two devices that may assist homeowners in reducing the amount of excess water in their pipes and basements: overhead sewers and check valves.

Overhead Sewer System

The overhead sewer system diverts sewage from plumbing fixtures on the first and higher floors to a new sewer line running above the basement floor, typically along the basement ceiling “overhead.” A sump is installed under the basement floor to intercept sewage flowing from basement fixtures and the basement floor drain. An ejector pump in the sump pushes sewage up above the flood level. From there it can drain by gravity into the sewer service line. Plumbing fixtures on the first floor continue to drain by gravity to the service line. The overhead sewer system is probably the most effective, but also the most expensive option.

Check Valve System

Another device is the check valve. Valves use a gate-like device to keep water from backing up into your basement. This usually happens due to excessive rainstorms that fill-up sewer lines and have nowhere to go.

How Do I Know Which Device Is Best for Me?

Contact a licensed plumber to check the status of your current sewer line. Depending on your situation, the plumber may recommend the best option for you and your home.

Sewage Backflow Prevention Program

The Village of Schiller Park has launched a program to assist single-family, two-flat, and three-flat homeowners that want to take additional steps to protect their homes from basement flooding due to sewer backups. Beginning May 1, 2009, the Village has helped defray the costs of installing a check valve or an overhead sewer device in the sewer links of single family residential homes. Please keep in mind that the funds for this program will only be available to the extent that they are budgeted in the Village.

Who Qualifies for the Sewage Backflow Prevention Program?

The grant is only available to single family, two-flat, and three-flat homes that are owner occupied.

What Are the Benefits to the Program?

• The Village will pay 50% of the cost of the installation of a check valve or overhead sewer device up to a maximum grant amount of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).
• The normal cost of the permit will be waived by the Village.

How Do I Apply for the Program?

• The homeowner must obtain a permit from the Village before installation begins. Fill out a Building Permit Application (PDF) as well as a Plumbing Supplement Form (PDF). Please submit both documents to the Building and Safety Division. For questions about obtaining a permit to install a check valve, contact the Building and Safety Division.
• The work must be done by a licensed professional of the homeowner’s choosing. Additionally, all contractors must be licensed with the Village. To receive a Village license, contractors must fill out a Contractor License Application Form (PDF) and pay a fee to the Building and Safety Division.
• The homeowner must present a paid invoice from their contractor showing the total cost of the check valve or overhead sewer device installation, a copy of their Village Permit, and a copy of the final inspection report in order to obtain reimbursement from the grant fund. Homeowners must also fill out the Sewage Backflow Prevention Program Application (PDF) in order to process their reimbursement. The reimbursement process will be administered by Village Hall (not the Building and Safety Division). To obtain your reimbursement, submit all relevant documents and forms to:
  Village of Schiller Park
  Attn: Sewage Backflow Prevention Program
  9526 W Irving Park Road
  Schiller Park, IL 60176
  Phone: 847-678-2550