PWD’s Basement Backup Protection Program, explained

What the program is

About 60% of Philadelphia is served by combined sewers, where one pipe carries both sewage and stormwater. In very heavy rain those mains can fill up, and water can back up into basements through floor drains, toilets and other low fixtures. PWD’s Basement Backup Protection Program (BBPP) tries to stop that at individual houses, for free.

According to the City’s program page, BBPP pays licensed contractors to install a backwater valve (a one-way valve that lets sewage out but not back in) and to make downspout changes, where those would help. The work comes with a one-year warranty. After that, the owner maintains the device. PWD says the valves usually go in under the sidewalk, and most of the work happens outside the house.

A PWD blog post names Germantown, Kensington, Northern Liberties, Center City, South Philadelphia and Port Richmond as the low-lying areas most affected by these backups.

Who qualifies

• The backup has to come from the City sewer during rain. PWD’s regulations limit the program to rain-event backups from City sewers through basement fixtures, toilets or floor drains. Groundwater seeping through walls doesn’t count, and a clog in your own lateral is a plumbing problem, not a BBPP problem.
• Your water account must be current, or on a payment agreement. The regulations allow arrears of up to $100.
• Outstanding PWD or City violations on the property need to be resolved first.
• Your lateral must be in good condition. If it isn’t, you have to fix it first, either with your own plumber or through the HELP loan. PWD notes that a backflow device can be installed as part of that repair.

PWD prioritizes jobs based on how often and how badly a property floods, whether a long-term flood relief project is planned for the area, and available funding. Qualifying doesn’t guarantee a fast install.

Before you apply: document the flooding

1. Call PWD while the water is still there. PWD’s blog says to call the hotline at (215) 685-6300 during or right after the backup. An inspector may come out and sample the water. Sampling isn’t required to apply, but it creates a record.
2. Take photos and video of the water, where it came in, and the damage. Write down the date and how much rain fell.
3. Keep a log if it happens more than once. Frequency is one of the factors PWD uses to prioritize.

How to apply

The City’s program page says to send the BBPP application form by mail to PWD at 1101 Market Street, 6th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, or by email to [email protected]. Questions go to (215) 685-4901. Download the current form from the City’s program page.

What happens after you apply

1. PWD inspects the property and proposes a scope of work.
2. You sign an agreement. The City chooses the device.
3. A PWD contractor does the work. Contractors need clear access, so you may have to move belongings or open up part of a finished basement.
4. After installation you own the device and are responsible for maintaining and testing it. PWD may ask you not to use certain basement fixtures during heavy rain.

Limits to know

• The City isn’t liable if the device malfunctions, according to PWD’s regulations.
• A backwater valve doesn’t stop water seeping through foundation walls. PWD recommends flood insurance and notes that Philadelphia participates in the NFIP, the federal flood insurance program.
• If you don’t use some basement fixtures, the City’s Rowhouse Manual suggests removing or capping them so an overloaded sewer has fewer ways in.
• If your backups happen in dry weather, the problem is probably your own line. See who to call or get it scoped.

Need the lateral fixed before PWD will install a valve? We can connect you with an independent licensed plumber. Request a quote

We are a free referral service, not a plumber. We connect you with an independent, licensed Philadelphia plumber who quotes and does the work. Disclosure

Related

• Sewer backup emergency
• Who is responsible for the sewer lateral in Philadelphia?
• PWD Notice of Defect & the zero-interest HELP loan
• When to call a sewer repair company in Philadelphia
• Sewer issues by neighborhood