Dear Robin:
We live in an older neighborhood and have owned our home for 15 years. Ou neighbor built a room addition last summer. Since then, every time it rains, the water from their property flows directly to our home and floods our basement. Are there any city codes that monitor new construction and control diversion of water flow? Sincerely, My neighbor is flooding my basement.
Dear Neighbor Water Flow flooding my basement:
Dear My Neighbor is Flooding my Basement, the short answer is Yes, there are water drainage requirements established by the municipalities for construction projects. But these can sometimes be overlooked and it can be a real challenge to get city officials to help you after the fact. The responsibility is actually ALL ON THE CONTRACTOR/BUILDER. If you have a good neighbor and can bring the water flow issue to his attention, he may fix the problem and redirect the water away from your home. But if your neighbor is not cooperative, you will need an engineer with grade and drainage experience to advise you on the best way to redirect the water. Our engineers and designers can help with most conflict resolution, You can read up on Berms, French Drains and Sump Pumps and start taking pictures of the water flow during the rain. But be careful what you do or have done before hiring an engineer. Any of these installed in the wrong manner can cause more damage or can be a waste of time, energy, and money.
