Preventing basement sewage back-ups

Q: How can I prevent sewage from backing up into my basement? With all the flooding trouble over the last few years I’m interested in your thoughts on "floating floor drain plugs." A Google search comes up with several government sites recommending this hardware. Where is it available?

A: A: You're wise to ask, since catastrophic basement flooding can sometimes be completely avoided through the use of simple hardware that prevents the back flow of sewage up through floor drains. Trouble of this sort can happen when flooding occurs outside your home, but also as a result of something as simple as the blockage of a main sewer pipe. Hardware is available that allows only the outward flow of sewage, and different designs are on the market. The floating floor drain plug you mentioned is one. Another type is called a 'back water valve'. I’ve checked with my local hardware store, and though they don't stock these items, they can get them. Contact a specialty plumbing retailer if you can't find a big box hardware store clerk who knows what you're talking about.