Alexandria Warns About Drainage Issues With Heavy Rainfall

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The City of Alexandria has some warnings for residents in light of the extended rainy forecast. The city says the storms have produced rainfall faster than storm drains could handle, resulting in flooding on the ground and sewer backups. Alexandria is under a flood watch through Wednesday afternoon.

Flooding is known to happen on floors and through plumbing drains. But while the city works on fixes for public infrastructure, residents are urged to follow number of precautions to prevent flooding and sewer backups on their private property.

Drainage issues include flooding on the roadway, in the structure, clogged or malfunctioning underground pipes and culverts and stream bank pollution.

Residents can follow these preventative steps on drainage:

• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris
• Ensure sump pumps are working properly
• Keep grading slopes away from homes and buildings
• Ensure driveway and stairwell drains are free of debris and possible blockages
• If rainwater is draining from an adjacent property, call 703-746-HELP (4357) to get a city inspector to investigate

Residents and businesses are also responsible for backups in private sewer lines and for installation, maintenance and inspection of backwater valves. Sewer backups can be caused excess rainwater or other problems like blockages in pipes (grease, debris, etc), damage by contractors, power or mechanical failures at sewer pump stations and settlement or movement of the soil near the pipe.

However, untreated sewage discharges from the sanitary sewer system should be reported immediately to 703-746-HELP (4357). People and pets should avoid contact with overflow discharges.

Residents can take these steps to prevent sewer backups during storms:

• Install a backflow preventer and ensure that it is in working order and closed as necessary
• Stuff a rag, softball or other material into floor drains to stop the flow into basements
• Cover floor drains with mats and weigh them down
• Place a heavy object on the closed cover of basement toilets
• Restrict the use of plumbing as much as possible until rains subside, including dish and clothes washers, showers and toilets
• Wear waterproof boots and gloves to prevent exposure to contaminated water
• After the rain stops, if sewage has come through a floor or plumbing drain, open the drain to allow as much water to drain out as possible. Use buckets, a sump pump or other means to remove as much contaminated water as possible.
• If the backup occurs only when facilities like toilets and sinks are used, you may need a plumber. If sewage backs up when facilities are not in use, it may be an issue with the city's sewer line.
• Check insurance policies to determine coverage of sewage backup or water damages. The city recommends residents with below-grade fixtures look into this coverage.

The city distributes sandbags during threats of flooding. Here are some tips on properly using sandbags to minimize flooding:

• Remove debris from the area where bags will be used.
• If tied bags are used, flatten them and flare the tied end. If untied bags are used, fold the open end to form a triangle.
• To form a sandbag wall, place bags tightly against one another to form the first layer of defense.
• Place succeeding bags on the folded or flared portion of the previous bag and stamp into place to eliminate gaps and to form a tight seal.
• Stagger the second and subsequent layers of bags, similar to the pattern of bricks on a wall.
• Never use bags to build a fortress around your property because this approach can trap water between sandbag walls and structures, causing further damage.

Learn more about flooding safety tips on the city's website.

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