If you have a problem with a wet basement, it may be that your cellar drain, which is connected to the storm sewer, is clogged.

Most houses in Windsor have perimeter drains around the foundation of the home that collect the groundwater at a low point in the cellar. This is called a sump pit. The sump pit often has a drain that connects to the public storm sewer system in the street.

Your house drain, leading from the sump pit, should have a backwater valve. This back water valve, or flapper, allows the water from around your foundation to flow, while preventing unwanted water from the surrounding area from flowing into your cellar.

The sump pit should be kept clean of debris. Keep the sump pit covered and never sweep dirt and debris into the sump pit. For the backwater valve to operate properly, it must be free of all foreign material. Check it periodically. We recommend you look at it twice a year. We have found several cases where toys, dirt, chunks of wood, stone, and other material have been left in the sump and have jammed the back water valve in the open position.

REMEMBER:

• Keep the sump pit covered;
• Never sweep dirt and debris into the sump pit;
• Inspect the backwater valve periodically for all foreign matter.

If you have any questions about your cellar drain system, both the Town Engineering (285-1861) and Building Department (285-1960) are available for your assistance.