Sump Pump Discharge
It's important to make sure your sump pump discharge is in the right place to avoid flooding and to avoid violating City of Winkler By-Laws.
Right way to place your sump pump hose: Place the hose so that the water from your sump pump drains away from your house, preferably onto a grassy area or non-paved surface and is absorbed on your property.
TIPS:
- Use the water from the sump pump to water grass, shrubs, garden, rain barrel and large trees on your property.
- Move the hose often so that you don't over water any one area.
DO NOT place the hose so that water from your sump pump drains:
- Into the floor drain in your home
- Onto neighbouring properties
- Onto streets, lanes, sidewalks or boulevards
If you do this, you are violating City of Winkler By-Laws
View the City of Winkler Sump Pits and Pumps By-Law here.
View the City of Winkler Lot Grading Guidelines here.
FAQ's
Why can't I drain water from my sump pump into my floor drain?
Weeping tile water that collects in your sump pit should not go in the sewer system for two reasons:
1. It increases the risk of basement flooding for you and your neighbours. The sewer system is designed to manage only normal flows of wastewater, not sump pump water.
2. It prevents unnecessary increases in sewer costs to you since it is clean water and does not need to be treated. If you discharge sump pump water to the sewer, it flows to a wastewater treatment facility. This can result in extra wear and tear on equipment, and even require an increase in the size of the plant. We then recover these added treatment costs by increasing the sewer rate.
Why can't I drain water from my Sump Pump onto the street, sidewalk or boulevard?
It causes hazardous conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
In summer algae or mould can grow on sidewalks and the street, creating slippery conditions.
In winter, ice build-up causes slippery conditions.
Do you inspect homes to see if water from sump pump discharge is draining properly?
Yes. If we find a property where the water is draining improperly, we will issue a notice of By-Law violation. The owner must then correct the violation by the deadline on the notice.
Contact City of Winkler Utilities at 204-325-7535 if you have questions about sump pump discharge.
Can I use the water from my sump pump to water trees on city property?
No, because there is a risk of overwatering. young, newly transplanted trees are particularly sensitive.
What should I do if my neighbour is draining his or her sump pump water onto my property?
If the water is draining towards the property line between you and your neighbour:
- Check your own to ensure that your property is sloped to the property line and not draining back towards your house. Draining sump pump water to the property line, which then drains towards (but not directly onto) the street or lane, is normal.
- Talk to your neighbour to try and work out a solution. he or she may not realize there is a problem.
If your attempts to find a solution with your neighbour do not work you can consult with a professional landscape contractor or you can contact us to investigate. Our lot grading inspector will examine both properties and recommend improvements. To contact City of Winkler Utilities call 204-325-7535
Should I unplug my sump pump in the winter?
Never unplug your sump pump.
What should I do with my sump pump hose in the winter?
If water in the sump pump hose freezes, your sump pump can overheat and burn out. There are two ways of preventing this. Try them out to see which works for your property.
In the fall, once the weather drops below freezing, disconnect the flexible sump pump hose outside.
- If you don't already have one, attach a 90 degree elbow to the discharge outlet, and place a splash pad under the discharge outlet
- Fasten a larger size flexible, perforated drain hose or pipe (4" or 6" diameter) of suitable length to the discharge outlet (e.g. a piece of weeping tile pipe)
- Remember in spring to reattach the hose your normally use or leave the winter one in place if it drains the water properly in spring and summer
- What can I do if I have tried these suggestions for dealing with sump pump water in the winter, and I still have a problem?
- Call City of Winkler utilities at 204-325-7535 and we can arrange a time to meet you at your home to inspect your situation