How the Lansing Basement Backup Protection Program Works

Water Damage Lansing is a water damage restoration company serving Lansing, MI and the surrounding area. After a floor-drain backup, the most useful thing we can tell a City of Lansing homeowner is that the Lansing Basement Backup Protection Program (B2P2) will pay for most of the fix. Here’s how it works, based on the city’s updated program brief.

What the program pays for

B2P2 reimburses the installation of a backflow prevention valve, also called a backwater valve, or equivalent private infrastructure, installed by a licensed plumber or contractor. A backwater valve sits on the sewer line leaving your house and closes when sewage tries to flow back in. Depending on how your basement is plumbed, the right solution may also involve a sump pump to handle drains below the valve. The city encourages owners to talk with a licensed plumber about the best approach for their property.

The math

The city reimburses 100% of the first $1,000 of eligible cost and 75% of eligible cost above $1,000, up to $4,750 total.

Your eligible cost	City reimburses	You pay
$1,000	$1,000	$0
$2,500	$2,125	$375
$4,000	$3,250	$750
$6,000 or more	$4,750 (maximum)	the rest

The $2,500 example is the city’s own. The cap is one $4,750 payment per property owner and per property. Joint owners share one maximum, and an owner with several properties gets one maximum total.

Who is eligible

Per the updated program brief, you must own property within Lansing city limits. That includes homeowners and rental property owners. Earlier descriptions of the program also required being current on property taxes. Confirm the current requirements with the Public Service Department before you start. Lansing mailing addresses outside city limits (parts of Delhi, Delta, Lansing, and Meridian townships) are not in the city program.

Step by step

1. Get proposals. The city recommends more than one. A good proposal explains the solution, outlines your basement sewer connections, covers maintenance, and discloses all costs.
2. Hire a licensed plumber or contractor. They must obtain a plumbing permit from the City of Lansing Building Safety Office.
3. Pass the final inspection by the Building Safety Office.
4. Apply after the work is done, with these attachments:
   • Itemized invoice from the licensed plumber or contractor
   • Proof of payment
   • Copy of the plumbing permit
   • Proof of the approved final inspection

Questions about the application go to the Public Service Department, (517) 483-4456. Permit and inspection questions go to the Building Safety Office, (517) 483-4355.

Why it matters in Lansing

Older parts of Lansing still run on a combined sewer that carries storm water and sewage together. The city is spending about $250 million between 2020 and 2035 to separate it. Until your area is done, a heavy storm can push sewage back up through the lowest drain in the house. A backwater valve is the most direct protection. The city itself notes no solution is completely fail-safe.

If you already have a backup

The valve is prevention. For the damage already done:

• Cleanup: a floor-drain backup is Category 3 water. See sewage backup cleanup.
• A claim against the city: Michigan law requires written notice within 45 days. See the 45-day rule.
• Insurance: covered only with a water backup endorsement. See sewer backup insurance in Michigan.