SOLUTIONS

3. Install a holding tank. A holding tank can also be installed to collect excess water and sewage that backs up into the home, holds it until the surcharge ends, and then discharges it. (Price: $1,500 - $2,500)

4. Install a sump pump. Sump pumps may be needed is a ground water problem exists. A hole at the lowest point of the basement is made so that water can be drained down to it. The system pumps rising ground water from the basement into the sewer. (Price: Unfinished basement - $300 - $500, plus materials. Finished basements - $500 and up, plus materials.)

5. Install a gate valve. Gate valves may be installed on a home's plumbing to stop sewage from backing up into the toilet, sink, or washing machine. The valve closes the pipe completely so that no water enters or exits the house. There are disadvantages to this corrective method however. The homeowner has to remember to turn the valve off during a rain storm and then to turn it back on when it is over. Secondly, the homeowner cannot use the sink, toilet, or washing machine when the gate valve is turned off. (Price: $100 - $125)

Free Town Services for Residents

The Town of West Hartford offers services to help homeowners with flooded and sewage-contaminated basements free of charge. Services range from removing water to offering professional advice.

The Fire Department will remove water from basements, day or night, with their portable pumps ranging in size from 50 to 300 gallons. Even if flooding is not caused by an act of nature, such as a washing machine hose gone astray, the Fire Department will take care of that wet mess, too. The number to call is (860) 570-3800.

Before pumping water from the basement, the Fire Department will check the water for sewage contamination. If it is contaminated, the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), the organization that maintains the town's storm sewer network system, will investigate the origin of the sewage. The MDC telephone number is (860) 278-7850.

The West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District's Environmental Health Services offers homeowners a step-by-step approach to disinfecting a contaminated basement. The Division is available to answer questions and offer advice. They can be reached at (860) 561-7900.

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