What is the Sump Pump Inventory Program?
Homeowners and businesses use water every day for cleaning, bathrooms, etc., and send it down their drains when they are through with it. This water goes into the sanitary sewers where it is conveyed to the Hutchinson Wastewater Treatment Facility. This is what is supposed to happen.
To avoid groundwater or rainwater from entering homes/business basements, some homes/businesses have sump pumps in their basements.
These pumps are designed to pump groundwater or rainwater to the outside of the home/business to storm sewers.
- During the first Sump Pump Inventory Program in 2001, the City found that 8-9% of homes and businesses were out of compliance. This meant that before the 2001 program, an estimated 100 million gallons per year was being contributed to the City of Hutchinson Wastewater Treatment Facility for treatment. Treating sump pump water is not necessary and increases operating cost at the Wastewater Plant.
- Another round of inspections in 2007, which included over 700 properties, showed a similar rate of non-compliance around 10%. City staff is available to inspect sump pump discharges at the request of a property owner. As improperly connected sump pumps are identified the City requires that they are corrected.
Reasons for Sump Pump Program
- Sump Pump cross-connections are prohibited by both the City of Hutchinson’s Ordinance and the Plumbing Code
- Protects the Environment by reducing the chance of causing an upset to the Wastewater Treatment Facilities process
- Reduces flooding and overloading of the sanitary sewer system
- Reduces public health risks
- Extends the design capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Facility
- Reduces the City of Hutchinson wastewater treatment costs.
How should my sump pump be installed?
Correctly Installed
In a correctly installed system, a rigid section of pipe, such as PVC, takes water from the sump pump, through the basement, and deposits it outside the home or business.
Incorrectly Installed
Incorrectly installed or cross connected sump pump systems drain to the sanitary sewer. Sometimes the tile line is routed directly to the floor drain and not into a sump pit. This is also an illegal cross connection.
Connecting Your Sump Pump to a City Tile
In some areas of town you may have the option of connecting your sump pump discharge to a city tile line that may be located behind the curb line. Only sump pump water is allowed to discharge into the tile line. No down spouts or surface inlets are allowed to be connected because of the potential of plugging the tile line. You will need to obtain an excavation permit to perform the work and make the connection. We will also provide you with specifications to ensure that your system operates as intended.
An inspection will need to be done by city staff to verify that the connection was made according to the city specifications.
If you are interested in connecting your sump pump discharge, would like to know if the tile is available adjacent to your property, or you have any other questions please call: (320)234-5682.