Q: We maintain apartment buildings by the river. When heavy rains come in the spring and fall, the river rises, causing basement floor drains to back up. Is there a device that can prevent a major mess? A: Yes, you have two options. There are a number of water sensors on the market that will detect water on the floor and sound an alarm. But by the time you know you have a problem, it’s too late. The water is already on the floor. A better alternative is a device call a Flood-Guard. It operates like a check valve to seal off water back-up caused by overloaded sewers. Water flows normally through the drain until the sewer begins to back up. Then a float rises to seal off the drain opening until the water recedes. A screwdriver and a couple of minutes are all you need to install a Flood-Guard. Once in place, it can prevent property damage and a very messy clean-up job. It’s available for 2”, 3” and 4” drains. For extreme, extended pressure, a standpipe model is recommended. The 4″ Standpipe model is threaded to receive 1-1/2″ IPS pipe. On the 3″ model, the pipe is slipped through the rubber gasket before the screws are fully tightened. The Flood-Guard works well for floor drains, but it cannot be used to prevent a toilet from backing up and overflowing. And of course, if the water is coming in under the front door, it’s too late for the Flood-Guard. See Our Products in Action More Ask the Drain Brains Tool Selection Guide Not Sure Which Tool? We Can Help! Check out our Pro Tool Selection Guide or chat with a Drain Brain! We’re here to answer any questions and help you find the right tool for the job. Custom spring and wire forms © 2026 General Wire Spring Co. All Rights Reserved.