Sump Pump Information

Rules and Regulations

It is against city ordinance to discharge your sump pump into the sanitary sewer system, for example: your Floor Drain - Washtub - or any other drain inside your home that empties into the city's sanitary sewer system. Sump pumps must be connected to a rigid pipe that routes water outdoors. Sump pumps must discharge water from the building to the lawn or storm sewer system. Improper installation of sump pumps, through cross connections can increase plant flows drastically during rain events.

Our city code treats sump pump discharge like rain spouts for gutters on a roof. As long as the discharge is composed entirely of ground water or natural precipitation, it should be routed outdoors. As mentioned above, it is against city ordinance Sec. 48-109  to connect a sump pump to our sewage treatment system (for example via a utility sink of floor drain) as it results in additional wastewater treatment costs, causes blockages, and needlessly sends clean water to the plant for treatment.

Homeowners are encouraged to route sump pump discharge at least 6 feet away from their home onto the lawn for infiltration prior to reaching the street. The hose should be placed in a manner that will not cause negative impacts to adjacent property owners or create a public safety concern. If your sump pump runs often and is causing a soggy lawn for your or others, you might consider connecting to the drain tile below the curb (in most new subdivisions).

If you have any questions, regarding sump pump regulations (PDF), please contact the Buffalo Water Reclamation Plant.