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I have a major plumbing problem that needs to be addressed and I’m looking for advice about how to get it fixed. I’m not sure if I should contact a plumber, engineer, or even a general contractor. Any advice on how to go about this project would be appreciated.

The problem: During periods of heavy rain, water from the combination sewer line under my Clinton Hill street backs up into the basement of my townhouse. The water comes up through the utility room drain, then the basement toilet, then the drain at the bottom of the outdoor basement stairwell at the rear of the house. This has happened about a dozen times during June through September over the past 2 years. This happens when it’s really pouring; those 15 minute summer showers that drop inches of rain. I can get anywhere from a trace of water to 6 inches across the entire basement (1200 sq ft). As soon as the rain lets up, the water drains out quickly through the utility room drain; the lowest drain in the house.

I know I could “simply” have a check-valve installed between the trap and the sewer-main connection. I’ve had a couple of plumbers recommend that, but they acknowledge that it’s not a total solution. There is still the problem of the water coming from the roof, from the outdoor stairwell drain, and from interior plumbing fixtures. That water needs a place to go when the valve is closed, or else it will backup into the basement. I can’t seem to find any professionals to look at the whole problem and come up with some creative solutions. For example, maybe after installing a check valve, I could install an awning over the rear stairwell to prevent water from entering the drain. But what to do about the roof and interior water? Maybe I could install a holding tank to handle the roof and interior water while the valve is closed? Or maybe I can dig up the sewer-main under the street and lower it a few feet I’m will to look at all possibilities!

Anyway, I’m not sure how to go about solving this problem. All the professionals I’ve dealt with so far have only come up with half-solutions. Where are Brooklyn’s plumbing visionaries? I’d be much obliged for any advice you can offer.