Project Dry Basement

Our sewer backflow prevention program, known as Project Dry Basement, began in July, 2004. This program will cover the cost of an approved backflow prevention device for single and two-family homes in Columbus that have experienced sewer backups from surcharging of the public sewer system during wet weather or blockages.

You must report your basement backup to the 24-hour Sewer Maintenance Operations Center (SMOC) at 614-645-7102*. You will be given a service request number - please keep it. For information about the program, please view the Project Dry Basement fact sheet(PDF, 197KB).

Stormwater Capital Improvement Projects are developed to solve neighborhood surface flooding problems. Please report any street flooding to the Sewer Maintenance Operations Center by calling 311 or 614-645-3111.

Backflow Prevention Device Maintenance Information

Once installed in your home, the device must be maintained to ensure it remains in proper working condition. You should inspect and clean the device monthly.

Procedure for cleaning backflow valve:

1. Use provided key to open lid. If you cannot get it open, please use something such as two pieces of hallow pipe to assist in lifting (untighten) the lid.
2. The tube that sits on top of the lid, you do not need to do anything with it in order to remove the lid. There will be enough slack provided to remove the lid for the remaining steps.
3. Clean the O-ring at the top of the lid after opening. Apply a light coat of silicone grease to prevent the O-ring from drying out. You can purchase silicone grease from any hardware store. 
4. Grab T-handle and remove flapper by pulling up on the handle. Place it into a bucket of soapy water.
5. Rinse and clean off the flapper on both sides with a dish soap. Nothing acidic or corrosive.
6. Clean the lip that the flapper sits on down inside the valve with the same dish soap and a soft bristle brush. Also makes sure to remove the build-up inside the inlet side of the valve (the side the water starts to flow out of first, or the same side the flapper sits up against). 
7. Place flapper back in the valve. Please pay attention that the indentation is lined within the groove - this will ensure a proper seal.
8. Make sure it is properly locked into place. It should not spin freely. To check, grab ahold of the pipe below the tee and see if it moves. If it does, shine a light and verify that the indentation is in the groove (see #7).  
9. Use key to securely tighten lid (if the lid isn't tight, the alarm may not sound in a back-water condition). 
10. Repeat cleaning once per month.

Following the above instructions for your particular backflow prevention device will help to ensure that your backwater valve is in proper working condition to protect you from sanitary sewer backups.

For questions about the Project Dry Basement program, please read the fact sheet above, call 614-645-8404 or email your question to DOSD@columbus.gov. Be sure to include the service request number given to you by SMOC.