Let’s cut to the chase and answer this up front. Can you? Yes. Should you? No. At the end of the day it’s your call, but connecting your sump pump to the sewer line will very likely bear some harsh consequences.
More Context Please?
It’s important to understand that there are two different types of drainage systems that cities have. The first is a sanitary sewer line. These pipes carry sewage from your kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers, and toilets, and transports it to the nearest wastewater treatment plant. The second is a storm drain. Storm drains are seen on the side of virtually every city street and carry rainwater to the nearest creek, river, lake, etc. If you’re thinking of connecting your sump pump to your house’s sewer line, oh boy are you in for a sh*tty situation.
Sump Pump? More Like Sump Dump
The first and biggest reason not to connect your sump pump to the sanitary sewer line is because it’s straight up illegal. Windsor Bylaw 11446 outlines that it’s a big no-no. Why is it illegal? The city cannot track your water usage that way, so you’d be committing fraud. If you’re still feeling like the Bonnie and Clyde of hydro bills, then here’s the next reason. Sanitary sewer drains aren’t as efficient as storm drains. With 25cm diameter pipes on average, they are only designed to carry a limited amount of wastewater. If you’re pumping extra water into it during an already bad rainfall or flood, the sanitary sewer line can get backed up. Then guess what’s flowing back into your house? It sure as hell isn’t just rainwater.
Honestly, we wish we had more of a debate about this to present you. We love informing our community members as fully as possible so you can make the best decision for yourself, but this one is straight forward. Don’t do it. Do the right thing and pump the water into your yard graded away from the house, or connect your sump pump to the storm drain. It’s what it’s meant to handle.
We at Supreme Basement Solutions offer only the best advice, solutions, and products to our customers, because we treat every home like our own. If you want to speak to an expert about more details, we encourage you to chat with us. Get in touch or call us at (519) 946-0363.