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Q&A
Why do I need to disconnect my downspouts or sump pump?
When downspouts and sump pumps are connected to the city sanitary sewer system, their flow is taking up space needed to carry sewage to our treatment plants. These incorrect and possibly illegal connections can cause sewage to back up into your basement or overflow into our rivers and streams. In a neighborhood of 200 homes, it only takes six to eight sump pumps working full time during a rain storm to cause sanitary sewers to back up into basements, streets and our waterways.
How do I know if my downspouts or sump pump are connected?
If your downspouts disappear into the ground, they are most likely incorrectly connected to the city's sanitary sewer system. The water from your downspouts should discharge into your yard, a storm sewer or other appropriate drainage structure.
The pipe from your sump pump should also discharge into your yard. If your sump pump is connected to any other pipe in your home, it is most likely incorrectly connected to the city sewer system. However, if your sump pump is connected to your washing machine or water softener, it should be directed to the sanitary sewer and not to your yard.
Does the city plan to do testing to verify illegal/incorrect connections?
The city is conducting surveys and inspections of targeted neighborhoods where incorrect connections are suspected. If you are not sure whether your home is correctly connected, contact your plumber or the Mayor's Action Center at 327-4MAC (4622).
How much will it cost to disconnect?
Disconnection costs will vary depending on the type of incorrect connection. You can disconnect most downspout connections yourself for $100 or less.
Sump pump disconnections are often more complex and the cost associated with the disconnections will vary. You must be familiar with plumbing and electrical work to disconnect a sump pump. Your plumber or home improvement professional can give you an estimate for the work.
Can I perform the work on my own?
Yes. It is possible to disconnect your downspouts and sump pumps on your own. The Department of Public Works and the Indianapolis Clean Stream Team have developed helpful how-to brochures and video to guide you through the process. To request a copy of the how-to materials contact 327-4MAC or go to http://www.indycleanstreams.org/ to view the materials on-line. If you are unfamiliar with plumbing work, do not attempt to disconnect your sump pump; contact a licensed and bonded plumber or approved home improvement professional for help.
How do I find a licensed and bonded plumber or approved home improvement professional?
Ask your friends, co-workers or neighbors to recommend a plumber or home improvement specialist. Always ask these professionals to show you evidence they are licensed and bonded.
Where should I direct the water flow?
The overflow from a downspout or sump pump should flow onto your property and percolate into the ground. Never direct the water onto a neighbor's property, street, right of way or easement.
Can I get around obstacles and slope problems using basic downspout material?
Yes. You can use a combination of elbows and extensions to help route water away from property lines, trees, shrubs, and pathways to a proper location.
Can downspouts and sump pumps be hooked to a storm sewer?
Yes. Clear water sources such as downspouts and sump pumps can be hooked up to a storm sewer. However, if your sump pump contains water from your water softener, washing machine, bathtub or shower, it should not be connected to the storm sewer.
Do I need a permit to direct my downspout and sump pump overflow to a storm sewer?
Yes. If you are redirecting clear stormwater to the storm sewer you must contact the city for a permit before beginning the work. Contact 327-4MAC for more information.
What kind of water should not be discharged into my yard or property?
Only clear, stormwater should discharge into your yard. Drainage from sinks, washers, bathtubs, showers, water softeners, swimming pools and toilets must discharge into the sanitary sewer.
Why does the stormwater fee on my property tax bill not cover the cost of processing the water from my connected downspouts or sump pumps?
The stormwater fee was created by the City-County Council in 2001 to fund flood control, drainage and stormwater quality improvement projects in Marion County. It funds the design, repair and installation of storm sewers in high priority areas determined by the Stormwater Master Plan. It does not fund projects at our wastewater treatment plants or sanitary sewer system.
Does city law prevent hooking up downspouts and sump pumps to sanitary sewers?
Yes. Clear water sources such as downspouts and sump pumps cannot be hooked up to sanitary sewers because they steal capacity needed to transport sewage. Sanitary sewers are not large enough to carry stormwater and can overflow from the impacts of just a few of these illegal connections. If your downspouts and sump pumps are connected to the sanitary sewer system, you must disconnect them.
What if disconnecting my downspout or sump pump will cause flooding in my neighbor's yard or the street, and there is no other alternative?
Downspouts can provide a source of water for your garden and landscape. In locations where the stormwater causes ponding in your yard or the street, you could install a rain barrel, rain garden, drainage swale or pond. Talk to a home improvement professional for ideas and information that will fit your yard's size and configuration. There are also good information sources on the Internet. One Web site with links to many on-line resources is http://www.rainscapes.org/, a partnership involving government and non-profit groups in Maryland.
What if I choose not to disconnect?
If a homeowner refuses to correct their incorrect/illegal downspout or sump pump connection or to seek assistance in correcting the connection, the City may use its authority to enforce compliance. The City has authority to assess a fine of up to $2500 and to recover costs if necessary. The City will not pursue penalties against any homeowner who makes a good-faith effort to rectify the improper connection.
The City's aim is to gain voluntary compliance. All residents will benefit from keeping rainwater out of the sewers. Reducing the waterflow to our treatment plants will help keep our sewer rates down and help keep our rivers and streams clean.
What if I can't afford to pay to have my downspouts or sump pump disconnected?
The City will make every effort to work with a homeowner to correct an incorrect connection of a downspout or sump pump. The City will provide notice to the homeowner with incorrect connections and provide adequate time to correct the problem. The City also will offer advice to the homeowner on low-cost ways to gain assistance if they cannot make the correction themselves or cannot afford to hire someone to make the correction.
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