Sump Pump & Downspout Connections
The Town of Speedway is asking residents to check their sump pump and downspout connections to ensure they are properly installed. In order to prevent pollution of our waterways, damage to residents' property, and financial burden of an overloaded sewage system, town ordinances regarding wastewater will be enforced more strictly by the end of 2020. Free inspections and permit fee waivers will be offered as an incentive for residents to resolve issues in the meantime.
Sign up for your free inspection - Inspections should take about 15-20 minutes. Clearing a path to access the sump pump will speed up the process.
The Problem
Illegal drainage of water into the sanitary sewer system has caused challenges with inflow and infiltration. Overflow can cause sewage backups into residents' homes, town streets, and public waterways. In a neighborhood of 200 homes, it only takes six to eight sump pumps working full-time in wet weather to cause a backup. Because of this, the Town of Speedway is encouraging residents to ensure their connections are hooked up properly.
(Currently, the Speedway Wastewater Department is offering free inspections to homeowners and permit fee waivers for work needing to be done after inspections. Please continue reading for more information.)
When downspouts and sump pumps are connected to the town's sanitary sewer system, their flow is taking up space needed to carry sewage to our treatment plant. These incorrect and illegal connections can cause sewage to back up into your basement, streets, or overflow into our rivers and streams.
The water from your sump pump and downspouts should discharge into your yard, a stormwater flow, or other appropriate drainage structure.
According to Chapter 13.40 of the Speedway, IN - Code of Ordinances,
The connection of sump pumps to the town's sanitary sewer lines is declared illegal. Sump pump systems which have valves, flexible hoses or other means that can be used to route sump pump discharges to sanitary sewer lines are also declared illegal. It shall be the responsibility of the resident and the owner of such property to disconnect such connected sump pumps or systems from sanitary sewer lines.
Free Inspections
The Speedway Wastewater Department has offered to provide free inspections to its wastewater customers as a way of reducing the burden improper sump pump connections are placing on the town's wastewater system. Homeowners are encouraged to ensure their sump pumps and downspouts are in compliance with the Town of Speedway's ordinances. Repairs to improper drainage are suggested prior to increased compliance monitoring of the wastewater ordinances mentioned above, starting at the end of 2020.
If your sump pump is connected to any other pipe in your home, it is most likely connected incorrectly to the town's sewer system. The pipe from your basement sump pump should always discharge directly into your yard or a storm sewer. The water should be directed away from your home so that it doesn't puddle along the wall and seep back into your basement. Be sure the pump discharges are not directed onto your neighboring properties or onto sidewalks.
The connection of sump pumps can often be more complex than it appears. Having a Speedway wastewater employee inspect your connection can help prevent backups into your home and your neighbors' homes. Certification of compliance will be provided upon inspection. If an issue is found, the inspector will provide potential solutions that can be provided to your plumber and a waiver for plumbing work for the following six months.
FAQ
Below are some answers to common questions being posed to town staff. For more information, or if you have an additional question, please call 317-246-4111.
Is the Town requiring homeowners to get an inspection?
No. The Town of Speedway is currently offering to help homeowners check their sump pump and downspout connections. We will provide a certificate of compliance for those homes that pass inspection.
Is the Town providing free inspections?
Yes. The Speedway Wastewater Department has offered to provide free inspections to residents of Speedway. Plus, if a problem is found, the Town of Speedway will waive the permit fee for work needing to be completed after the inspection for up to six months.
What if my home doesn’t pass inspection?
If there are improper connections, you may be contributing to sewage backups and unnecessary water treatment, costing the town and wastewater customers. If changes are needed, we will provide a permit fee waiver for any work needing to be completed by a licensed plumber for up to six months after your inspection.
What will happen during an inspection?
Inspections will likely last between 10-20 minutes. Clearing a path to access the sump pump will speed up the process. An employee from the Speedway Wastewater Department will arrive, inspect the connections, and either provide a certificate of compliance or recommendations on changes needed to the connections.
How do I set up an inspection?
Inspections can be scheduled online or over the phone. Please call 317-246-4111 or visit http://bit.ly/pumpinspection to schedule online.