Water damage & flooded basement help in Highland Park, IL

Who to call

• City of Highland Park Sewer Section: 847-926-1150 during business hours (listed on the City's sewer and flood-tips pages).
• Restoration help: (847) 000-0000, a free referral to an independent provider.

How the system works here

According to the City, Highland Park owns and maintains roughly 130 miles of sanitary sewer main. About 10,000 private sanitary laterals, mostly 4- or 6-inch pipes, run from those mains to homes, and property owners own and maintain them. When laterals are cracked, blocked or leaking, stormwater gets in, which can surcharge the system and cause backups into homes. Highland Park is in the North Shore Water Reclamation District's service area for wastewater treatment.

Voluntary Sewer Lateral Cost Share Program

• Reimburses 20% of the cost, up to $1,260, whichever is less.
• Covers lateral lining or replacement, overhead sewer systems, and other approved backflow-prevention devices.
• Single-family homes only, first-come first-served.
• A building permit is required. The City inspects for storm-to-sanitary cross-connections, which the owner must disconnect at their own cost.

The City's own flood tips

• Regularly inspect backflow preventers, sump pumps, battery backups, check valves and standpipes.
• Have a licensed plumber inspect storm and sanitary laterals for roots and debris, and confirm they aren't cross-connected.
• Keep window-well drains, yard drains, gutters and street drains clear.
• Consider an overhead sanitary sewer (ejector pit).
• View FEMA and City floodplain areas on FEMA's map portal or the City's interactive map.

Also useful

• Sewer backup guide
• Flooded basement guide
• Illinois insurance claim tips
• Check your FEMA flood zone

Other towns

• Highwood
• Deerfield
• Lake Forest
• Lake Bluff
• Glencoe
• Winnetka
• Wilmette
• Northbrook
• Glenview