Basements Are the Problem in West Hartford; MDC Responds

SECOND UPDATE: In a heavy rainstorm, the 1 million gallons of water typically running through the Metropolitan District Commission system in a day can become 10 million gallons. That extra volume in an aging system is part of what causes basements to flood and sewage to back up, according to MDC Chief Operating Officer Scott Jellison.

Jellison said Monday that towns such as West Hartford can see more basement problems than others because the water table is high and residents have older homes with sump pumps that push rainwater into the sewer system. The MDC is working to upgrade its pipes and to work with towns on its Clean Water Project to get that rainwater out of the system.

"We have a lot of pipe that's getting relined because water is seeping into the pipe," he said.

In the meantime, Jellison said, it's up to homeowners to maintain the backwater valves that prevent sewage from discharging into their basements and to keep their lateral sewer lines clear of roots and debris. He recommended an annual checkup by a plumber because homeowners are responsible for any problems caused by the faulty operation of the valves or the lines that connect from the house to the street.

If, on the other hand, the backup or flooding was caused by a burst MDC pipe, which happened today in Bloomfield, the district will pay for the repairs.

"We've had a lot of calls today," Jellison said.

Homeowners concerned about their MDC pipes should call 860 278-7850, ext. 3600. The MDC should also be notified if sewage backs into a house, and information is available on the MDC website at this link. Another link offers information on the MDC's backwater valve program, which helps homeowners replace non-functioning valves.

With an extended flood warning for Hartford County as a backdrop, the spent all night pumping out basements and doesn't expect to stop any time soon.

"We're 111 calls behind, so it's going to be a long day," Assistant Fire Chief Gary Allyn said Monday morning.

Allyn said some residents are calling with a "spot of water" on the basement floor, but he said the fire department's equipment is not effective unless the entire basement is covered with at least 3 inches of water.

Allyn asked residents to unplug appliances — particularly refrigerators — that might be affected by standing water, but he also cautioned people not to enter a basement with outlets that could be under water.

"If you have a sizable amount of water, you probably don't want to be going down there," Allyn said.

Beyond basements, West Hartford is experiencing minor flooding in parks such as and near water sources such as the Trout Brook, but road conditions are generally good and there were no school delays or cancellations.

Town Manager Ron Van Winkle said a cul-de-sac on Still Lane was flooded, but that the major problems in town are related to basements filled with water or even sewage.

"In an older home, the basement sump is connected to a sanitary sewer line," Van Winkle said. "It's an old system, and my guess is the system is overwhelmed."

If a basement gets filled with sewage, the fire department can't pump it out, Van Winkle said, because it contaminates the equipment. Residents with sewage in their basements will have to call a private contractor to pump and disinfect the basement, he said.

In all, Van Winkle said, the town is faring better than most with the heavy rain and snow melt, but "if your house is flooded, it's a catastrophe."

Public Works Director John Phillips said he had crews out Monday cleaning up areas where the water left silt and debris behind.

"Considering the amount of rain last night and what other local communities are dealing with, West Hartford fared well, all things considered," Phillips said.