Water damage & flooded basement help in Northbrook, IL

Who to call

• Overhead sewer eligibility inspection: Development & Planning Services, 847-664-4050.
• Yard drainage cost-share questions: Public Works via the GONorthbrook service request system.
• Restoration help: (847) 000-0000, a free referral to an independent provider.

50/50 Overhead Sanitary Sewer Program

• The Village pays 50% of contractor construction cost, up to $5,000, to convert a gravity system to an overhead system.
• The home must have been built before 1965, and drain tile and downspouts can't be connected to the sanitary sewer.
• Start with an eligibility inspection, then submit an application with three Illinois-licensed contractor bids and site plans. Reimbursement is based on the lowest responsible bid.
• Work must start within 90 days of permit approval. The permit fee is listed at $130.
• Reimbursement comes within 30 days after final inspection and paperwork. Part of it must be refunded if the house is demolished within five years.

How an overhead sewer helps

As the Village explains, in a gravity system the sewer under your basement drains to the street by gravity, so when the Village sewer is inundated, water backs up into the house. An overhead system routes basement plumbing to an ejector pit and lifts it up and out, so a backup usually only rises into the outside pipe.

Private Property Cost Share Drainage Program

For overland, rear, side or front yard flooding, the Village reimburses up to $5,000, subject to funding. It covers up to 30% for drain or pipe projects and up to 70% for natural solutions like swales and rain gardens. A permit and inspection are required either way.

Also useful

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

Other towns

• Highland Park
• Highwood
• Deerfield
• Lake Forest
• Lake Bluff
• Glencoe
• Winnetka
• Wilmette
• Glenview