Sump Pumps Connected to the Sanitary Sewer Cause Big Problems!
If you have a sump pump in your basement, you might think that connecting it to your home’s sewer line is a simple and effective way to get rid of excess rainwater. However, this practice is illegal and can cause major problems for both your home and the entire community’s sewer system.
Why Is It a Problem?
Sanitary sewer systems are designed to handle household wastewater only—things like water from sinks, showers, dishwashers, and toilets. They are not built to handle large amounts of groundwater and rainwater from sump pumps or downspouts. When these illegal connections occur, they overwhelm the sewer system, leading to:
- Sewer Backups – Excess water can cause sewage to back up into homes and streets.
- Increased Costs – Sewer rates are based on water usage, not on how much is discharged into the sewer. When large amounts of rainwater enter the system, it unfairly raises treatment costs for everyone.
- Overloaded Treatment Plants – When the system is flooded with rainwater, wastewater treatment plants must process far more than they were designed for, reducing efficiency and increasing expenses.
What Should You Do?
If your sump pump or downspouts are currently connected to your home’s sewer line, act now to prevent future problems. Call NBCJMA at (215) 968-4109, and we will work with you to find a legal and effective alternative for redirecting sump pump discharge away from the sanitary sewer system.
Protect your home, prevent sewer backups, and help keep costs down for everyone—disconnect illegal sump pump connections today!