There are several measures a homeowner can take on their own to reduce the risk of basement backups.
Grading
One of the simplest things you can do to help keep water out of your basement is to make sure the dirt next to your home is properly graded, meaning it is pitched, or sloped away from your house.
Sealing Cracks
Seal cracks in concrete next to your house, such as where a sidewalk meets your house, with something like a polyurethane sealant. Doing so can help keep water out of your basement.
Extend downspouts
Make sure the downspouts on your house are extended at least six to ten feet away from your basement. Every downspout can deliver up to 12 gallons of water a minute during a heavy storm, water you do not want causing damage to your basement.
Backup your sump pump
Get a backup system for your sump pump. When you lose power at home, your sump pump becomes useless, unless you have a backup system. Battery backup systems can buy you enough time to get a generator running, or to borrow a generator for longer periods without power. Make sure the discharge pipe from your sump pump is at least six to ten feet away from your house.
Learn more and see "how to" videos at the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District website.