Local guide
Before work starts: flood maps, 811 and the street drain
Three things outside your property line affect a waterproofing job in Montgomery: the flood map, the utilities under your yard, and the city's own storm drains. Each has an office you can ask.
1. Look up your flood zone
Whether your lot is in a mapped flood hazard area changes what can be built or regraded on it, and it tells you whether you are dealing with seepage or with a creek. Two official maps are open to anyone: FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, where you can search by address, and Alabama's flood map website. The City of Montgomery links to both.
For questions about a particular property, the city's Engineering and Environmental Services department handles flood mitigation and determination and can be reached on 334-625-2690.
The city has its own floodplain development permit and ordinance. If the map puts your house in a flood hazard area, ask the company whether filling, regrading or a new drain outlet needs that permit, and who will apply.
2. Have buried lines marked: Alabama 811
This applies to any trench: a French drain, a buried downspout line, a pump outlet, digging beside the wall.
Outline the dig in white
Alabama 811 recommends marking the area with white paint, flags or stakes. White only: other colors stand for utilities.
Send the request
Dial 811 or use al811.com, at least two working days before digging and not more than ten, not counting the day you ask. The homeowner is not charged.
Wait for every utility to answer
Alabama 811 does not mark anything itself. It notifies the utility companies, and each marks its own lines or reports that it has none there. Digging waits until all of them have responded.
If a line is hit
Stop, move away, and if you smell gas or see a damaged line call 911. Do not try to repair it.
3. Know which water is the city's
Water standing in the street, a clogged inlet at the curb or a ditch that has stopped flowing is the city's to deal with, and a waterproofing company cannot fix it for you. Montgomery takes drainage and flooding concerns through 311: dial 311 or 334-625-4636, or use the online form.
Report it even if you are also fixing your own yard. If street water is backing onto your lot, no drain on your side will keep up with it.
Anything that threatens life or property right now is a 911 call, not a 311 one.
Montgomery and nearby towns
Ready to have someone look at it?
Call and describe what you are seeing and when it happens. You will be put through to an independent local waterproofing company, and they arrange the visit with you.
Phone calls may be recorded. See the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.