HomeGuard

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With an increase in major storms throughout the state, helping mitigate stormwater has become critically important in Oakland County. HomeGuard, introduced by Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, creates an opportunity for community action. The aim is to help you safeguard your home in the event of heavy rain.

With HomeGuard, a team of professionals will install a backwater prevention system to protect your home. These systems are designed to prevent stormwater from getting into your home through the city’s sewer system.

HomeGuard is:

Affordable: Save up to $15,000
Easy: Qualified contractors included
Resilient: Strengthen the community
Proactive: Maintain a healthy environment

Get Started

Apply to the program or share your address if you already have a system installed.

Get Started

Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The HomeGuard City of Berkley Pilot Program is currently limited to a small pilot area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HomeGuard and how does it work?

HomeGuard is subsidized program created to help prevent wastewater and stormwater from entering homes during heavy, localized rains. It does that by installing a one-way valve that prevents sewage from homes to the public sewer system from flowing back into homes. By allowing the flow to travel in only one direction, it prevents wastewater from backing up into basements following a heavy downpour. In short, it provides an extra layer of defense to prevent wastewater and stormwater from getting into your home through the city’s combined sewer system. Depending on your home’s plumbing arrangement, the installation of a backwater prevention system may also require a sump pump. If a sump pump is needed, it will be provided at no extra charge.

How much does HomeGuard cost?

I want to participate but I’m not sure if my home is within the pilot program area. What do I do?

How will I know if I’m qualified?

After you apply online, a program representative will call to schedule the initial inspection. An inspection team will visit your home to verify the location of your home’s main sewer line and ensure that installing a backwater prevention system and sump pump, if needed, is feasible. If the sewer line is not in good structural condition, or other impediments such as an inaccessible work area, a home may not qualify for the program.

Do I need to be home for the inspection?

What is the inspection team going to look at?

The inspection team will need to look at your home’s plumbing cleanouts and electric circuit breaker panel. A plumbing cleanout is a point in a home’s plumbing system, typically located at the basement level, that allows for easy access for cleaning and maintaining the pipes. It is typically white plastic or dark metal pipe with a cap or cover that can be opened to allow equipment into the pipe to further access the home’s sewer drainage system. Please clear the area near the cleanout of any personal belongings so it may be easily accessed by the inspection team. Please also allow for easy access to the electrical circuit breaker panel and have a small space available for the inspection team to set up their tools and camera to look at your home plumbing system.

Once I’m approved for participation in this program, how long will the project take?

I already have a backwater prevention system. Can I get reimbursed for it?

What if my existing system needs to be repaired or replaced. Will the program cover that cost?

Will you need to dig up my yard?

Want to know more?

View the Access Agreement for the HomeGuard voluntary program.

Questions?

Call us at 248-424-7180 or via email WRCHomeGuard@oakgov.com

Oakland County, MI

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