How to waterproof your home before the next flood

If flood survivors were soldiers, Beverly Becker would be a combat veteran.

She and her husband Fred, whose house is nearly surrounded by a bend in the Des Plaines River, have rebuilt their home' interior three times following devastating floods.

Most recently, they spent $130,000 - only some of it paid by insurance - to remodel after last September's flood inundated not only their basement but the main level.

Now, their house is armed with two sump pumps and an ejector pump, a portable pump and an overhead sewer.

They have backup batteries for the pumps, and a generator for when the power goes out.

They reinforced the landscaping in their back yard, with terraced earthen retaining walls and a raised deck. They've added glass block windows to the basement, and are looking into the next big project, to waterproof the basement walls.

In case the worst happens again, they've gotten used to taking the bedroom doors off their hinges, placing them on top of chairs, and putting upholstered furniture on top of them.

They stay in the house, Beverly says, because they can't sell it, are too old to move, and because, as an artist, she loves the beauty of being surrounded by water - as long as it stays outdoors.

The Becker's house in Des Plaines stands as a model of ways homeowners can fight the elements.

For anyone who's had problems with water in the past, or who has a house with a standard gravity-operated sewer system, the Plumbing Council of Chicagoland warns it's just a matter of time before water tries to find its level in your home.

"Someday you are going to flood, that's a given," assistant director Joe Albergo said. "Now's the time to take care of it, because it seems like we get a 100-year-flood every other month."

Try these preventive options that beat cleaning out a flooded basement:

Know your flood risk: Enter your address at floodsmart.gov under "Assess Your Risk," or ask your insurance agent. Or check with your municipality to see a local flood map, which will detail what permits or building requirements you may have.

Get insurance: If you live in a floodplain, you need flood insurance. Homeowners' policies generally don't cover flood damage, so you'll probably need to go through the National Flood Insurance Program. Some policies must be in effect up to 30 days before a flood. Check with your insurance agent or call 1-800-427-2419 for information.

Back up your sump pump: Sump pumps should have a backup sump pump and power source, either a battery pack or a generator. The part that usually breaks is the mechanical float switch which turns the pump on and off, so consider an electronic switch.

Monitor your basement: An electronic water detection alarm can alert homeowners when moisture is present. Electronic shut-off valves can shut off leaking washers, water heaters or refrigerators before they cause water damage from within.

Check the exterior: Make sure gutters and downspouts are draining into a rain barrel or at least 10 feet away from the house.

Don't be shocked: The electrical switchbox should be at least a foot above the projected flood elevation for your home. Connect all outlets to a ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuit to minimize the risk of electrocution.

Raise appliances: Consider raising basement washers, dryers, the furnace, water heater and refrigerator, and external air conditioning units by putting them on masonry blocks or pressure-treated wood, or store them on the second floor.

Raise storage: Keep storage safe by building cabinets with shelves off the floor.

Check drains: Make sure your floor drain is clear and unobstructed.

Waterproof: If your foundation has cracks or seepage, you can hire a firm to waterproof the walls with epoxy or other sealants, and install drainage inside or outside the house.

Hire a plumber: A plumber can conduct a home inspection, offer various flood prevention solutions, and estimate their costs. The two primary options are a backflow prevention valve, to keep sewage from backing into the house, or an overhead sewer with an ejector pump. Get three bids before choosing one.

Think big: Hire contractors to build an underground drainage system and sump pump around the property; seal walls and low windows; build a levee; build floodwalls around basement doors and windows.

In case of emergency: If the worst happens, keep a waterproof supply of food, water, first aid and medicine ready to go. Fill your bathtub with water in case the water supply gets contaminated or cut off. Keep copies of personal files in a portable waterproof box, including proof of property ownership, insurance, pay stub, passport, and photos of your family and valuables.

Bag it: If you must sandbag around your house, do so away from the walls to prevent water from seeping in.

Sources: Federal Emergency Management Agency, City of Des Plaines, Plumbing Contractors Association of Chicago and Cook County, University of Idaho, Illinois State Bar Association.