Chicago basements flood two ways: seepage from the yard and backup from the sewer. We fix the yard side and dig for the plumber who fixes the sewer side.
Basement flooding in Chicago has two causes, and they need different fixes. Water that seeps through the walls comes from the yard: bad grading, short downspouts, a failed drain tile. Water that comes up through floor drains during a big storm comes from the sewer. We fix the outside: regrade the yard, carry downspouts away underground, shape gangways and install exterior drain tile where it is needed.
Chicago's flat clay ground leaves little room to move water. We set grades carefully so water heads to the alley, the street or a drain, and where there is no slope at all we use catch basins and pipe. Clay soil does not soak up much water, so dry wells rarely work here, and rain gardens need good design to drain.
For sewer backup, many homeowners add a backflow valve or convert to an overhead sewer. Those are plumbing jobs for a licensed plumber, but they usually need digging to the sewer line, and we do that excavation. Downspouts and sump lines are piped to safe outlets, and we never send water onto a neighbor's lot. Sump discharge lines get enough slope that they do not freeze in January.
Drainage solutions in Chicago: common questions
Why does my basement flood from the floor drain?
Usually because the sewer backs up during heavy storms. A plumber can add a backflow valve or an overhead sewer, and we can dig for that work.
Will a dry well work in Chicago?
Rarely. The clay holds water, so a pipe to the alley, the street or a drain usually works better.
Can you fix water in my gangway?
Yes. We regrade gangways and side yards and add drains where water collects.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quote: Scope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & plan: We have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean up: We complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.