Under a city ordinance, sump pumps cannot be connected to a floor drain, laundry sink or other drain that empties into the city’s sanitary sewer system. Sump pumps must discharge water from the building to the lawn or street. They must be connected to a rigid pipe to route water outdoors.
Sump pumps that are connected to the sanitary sewer system result in additional waste water treatment costs to the city. Incorrectly connected sump pumps needlessly send clean storm water is the waste water treatment plant operated by the Metropolitan Council. The city will charge a $100 per month penalty for improperly connected sump pumps.
Most sump pumps only operate during or after rainfall events in the spring, summer and fall. In some rare cases, sump pumps may operate year round. If it is necessary operate a sump pump during the winter to prevent property damage, you can apply for a permit to temporarily discharge into the sanitary sewer system. Permits are valid from Nov. 15 through March 15.
Application for Winter Discharge of Clear Water into Sanitary Sewer (PDF)
Contact
Engineering Division
Plymouth City Hall | 3400 Plymouth Blvd. | Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
P 763-509-5500 | F 763-509-5510 | engineering@plymouthmn.gov