Can a Sump Pump Drain Into The Street?

Many homeowners get lazy and drain their sump pump line to the street. Before you think about directing the discharge line to the street, you should know, can a sump pump drain into the street?

It largely depends on the city you’re living in and the local administration. Generally, a permit is necessary for the municipality to inspect the drainage system and make any necessary changes. Without a permit, the municipality may charge you for making repairs.

In this article, we’ve put together some detailed information regarding this fact. Therefore, stick around to find out what new details we may have on this topic.

Why Sump Pump Drains into Streets Not Allowed in Many Countries?

First of all, discharging sump pumps to the street is completely prohibited by the local government in many countries. That’s what we’ve said previously; it depends on the city you’re living in.

There are some reasons why draining a sump pump into a street is illegal in many countries, these may include:

• Safety hazards: The key reason why it’s prohibited is safety hazards. Rather than solving the problem in your home, it merely creates another issue for others.
• Public disturbance: Associating the drain pipe with the street may cause difficulties for everyone in town, and lower-rated water lines lack the necessary technical expertise to deal with it adequately.
• Damage to neighboring properties: If your sump pump discharges onto the street, standing water in the front yard is predictable. This change might be hazardous to little kids or elderly people, and you could end up with serious problems for your home’s neighboring properties. 

For these reasons, your local authority might set specific rules about the discharging of sump pumps concerning you to follow.

Usually, the rules for discharging your sump pump onto your street can be found on your PWD website; if not, you must go to the PWD. 

Depending on the PWD rules, you can discharge your sump pump from the private property for a particular time, usually from early November to early spring. 

As a rule, after the discharge schedule, you must clear pipe drains from the right-of-way. It’s forbidden to cut off the line to the alley in the curb line. In addition, it’s necessary to secure the water away from your neighbor’s property 5 or more feet. 

Ensure that all regulations allow for the city Department of Public Works. If you cause damage to the adjacent property or the property of the city, you’re held to pay for the repair expenses.

When Discharging Your Sump Pump Into Street Is The Only Option?

At this point, you may believe that clearing your water pump line to the street is merely pointless and bothersome. It seems clear that draining a sump pump to your yard would be far more sensible, especially given that you don’t wish to encounter the aggravation. 

However, that reasoning doesn’t hold up all the time. If you convince yourself that it’s not a big deal if wastewater is on your own ground, you may be mistaken. 

The greatest and probably most serious problem that can occur is a flood of water in your house. This will result in severe structural damage. 

People living nearby are not either safe from the discharged water, and it’s quite obvious you are all using the same yard as a discharging point. 

You might think the yard is dry enough to soak the water, but who knows whether your neighbor is using it as a discharge for many years. 

It’s difficult to predict where the surge will reach, but discharging your sump pump to storm drains is the smartest thing to do to make sure that you’re prepared. You’re equipped to let the water flow where you want it, and your city is too.

How To Discharge Your Sump Pump To Street Properly 

If you live in an area where sidewalks and streets intersect, you are probably aware of the danger of frozen or ruptured water mains. 

Fortunately, there is a fairly simple process for properly discharging your sump pump to the street so that you don’t have to worry about any potential hazards. Here’s a guide to discharging your sump pump safely. 

• Call your municipality and ask if you need a permit in order to discharge your pump.
• If you do not need a permit, check with the local municipality whether they have any regulations concerning pumping operations on streets.
• Discharge the pump according to local regulations and always use caution when operating the machine.
• Clean up any debris left behind after pumping and be sure to close off all openings near your home that could lead water into the house in case of a flood.
• Open your main valve on the top of your sump pump and wait until the water level in the tank falls below the outlet pipe on the side of the pump.
• After you’ve discharged your sump pump to the street, close any openings in the pipe with a stopper or plug.

Video of Draining Sump Pump Water

Check the video below to get a proper visualization of the fact and more details:

FAQs

Can a sump pump discharge underground?

A sump pump can discharge water underground, but it’s not always a good idea. If the discharge pipe is too short, the water can back into your home and cause flooding. In addition, if the discharge pipe is connected to a storm drain or sewer system, the water may end up in those systems.

Can you connect a sump pump to the main sewer line?

Though it may be permissible for your area to connect the sump pump to the sewer drain, in some regions of the United States, it’s unlawful to connect the sump pump to the sewer system. When there is heavy rainfall, the sewage treatment plants are liable to acquire overload.

Can a sump pump drain into the yard?

If drainage is unsuccessful, the only option is to dispose of the fluids on the outside of the home. Get in touch with a sump pump installer to assist you in choosing a location for the sewage to leave the building and introduce it someplace in your yard that will effectively drain.

How long can a sump pump discharge pipe be?

Make sure to use an appropriately sized pipe when doing plumbing with a sump pump. Installing an overly long pipe is not necessarily a concern, but you have to ensure that you don’t embed a too tiny one for downspout operation, and it should be at least 20 feet long.

Final Words

So, what do you think? Can your sump pump drain into the street? Well, yes. However, you should consider what is best for your specific situation before making a decision on whether to drain your sump pump into the street.

You have to consider some factors, including the location of your sump pump, the type of street, and whether there are any obstructions in the way of the drainage. Ultimately, it’s important to consult with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.

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