Milwaukee Metro Sewerage
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Basement Connection
Your basement. The foundation of your home. The storer of your things. Your extra square footage of
living space. And, ultimately, the big giant hole underground that you want most desperately to stay
dry when it rains. Funny thing is, the dryness of your basement could depend on your neighbors. We’re
all connected by sewer pipes. If you own a home, you own a sewer pipe. And, most of us don’t maintain
that pipe until there’s a problem. So, you have a lot more in common with your neighbors than you
thought you did after that last block party.
Private Property Program
What is the Private Property Program
The goal of MMSD's Private Property Program is to reduce the risk of basement backups by cutting down
on the massive amount of excess water that leaks into privately-owned sanitary sewers and from older
homes that have foundation drains connected directly to sanitary sewers. MMSD is providing funding to
the 28 communities that it serves to get the work done and approving work plans submitted by the
communities.
Foundation Drains
What is a Foundation Drain?
They're pipes located under your basement walls that collect ground water to help keep it from
damaging your home or anything you store in the basementby preventing water from seeping through the
floor or walls.
Laterals
What is a lateral?
All homes and businesses connected to sanitary sewer systems have a lateral. It's the pipe that
transports water used inside your home out to your city's sanitary sewer system in the street. Just
like roofs and driveways, maintaining a lateral is the homeowners responsibility.
Preparing for a Flood
- MMSD - How to Reduce Flood Risks at Home
- YouTube - Make Sure You Have Proper grading around your home
- YouTube - Sealing cracks in concrete by your house
- YouTube - Extend Downspouts Away From Your Basement
- YouTube - Get a Backup System For Your Sump Pump
- YouTube - Storing things in your basement
- Consider Buying Flood Insurance
- Flood Clean-up Tips