I have an ejector pump plus I recently had a well-known company install a waterproofing system throughout the basement interior complete with an additional sump pump. Yet, I still flooded at the last bad rainstorm and my plumber says the only foolproof system would be overhead sewers and quoted me $28,000. Does that sound like a reasonable cost? If so, there's no way I could afford this!:confused:

What water is getting in, rain water or sewage. An overhead system is not your answer if rain storms cause the issue. Lets look more closely at the root cause first, tell us more like where the water enters

Sewage and it comes up the floor drain in basement. It does not happen with every rainstorm, just when the rain comes down fast and furiously.

Is your storm water runoff connected to your sewer? Is this back up frrom your system or is it coming in from the street? Let me know. Tom

I have no idea if storm water runoff is connected to my sewer but I do know the sewage came from the street.

I have no idea if storm water runoff is connected to my sewer but I do know the sewage came from the street.

If you can't tell get someone in that can tell you what you have.
If it's the city sewer's backing up and you're not contributing to the problem by combining runoff with sewage I would consider installing a check valve (see image) on your floor drain. What else do you have in your basement? A washer? Slop sink? Bathroom group? Give us some details to work with here. Regards, Tom

Washer, dryer, stationary tubs, hot water tank, furnace, finished bathroom and at one time carpeting in what is supposed to be a family room, until the first flood came.

washer, dryer, stationary tubs, hot water tank, furnace, finished bathroom and at one time carpeting in what is supposed to be a family room, until the first flood came.
You really should know where your rainwater goes. If you have backups when it rains it become very important to know what's going into your drainage. Finding out would be the first thing I did. If It were connected I would have it changed at once. In my area it's illegal to combine runoff with sewerage. Once I knew what I had I would give some thought to installing a backflow preventer,(see image) on my sewer. That would prevent any backups from the city from entering your basement. You have too much down there not simply stand by and do nothing. Find out where your rainwater goes and get back to ne. regards, tom

Check to see if drains in basement stairwells connect to sewage pit. Put hose in drain and look for water coming into sewage pit.

$28K sounds a bit too much. I would do as Tom suggested. Than proceed with installing Back Flow Preventing valves on sewer line and check valves on floor drains. Much cheaper solution.

We've had such a post here few months back. This guy was getting sewer back ups from overflowing City sewer line when it was raining.. Depending where you are located, you may have the same situation.