Basement Waterproofing in Madison, WI

Wet basement help in Madison

City Engineering says sump discharge to the sanitary sewer, such as a basement floor drain, is not allowed, and that pumps running several times a day should go to the storm sewer if at all possible.

Madison's downtown sits on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona.

Madison is in the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District service area. See what that means for sump pumps and drains.

Sources: Wikipedia · City of Madison Engineering, Sump Pumps

Madison at a glance: city in Dane County

Water and drainage in Madison

City of Madison Engineering says many older areas of Madison were built on "made land." These are old wetlands or low areas that were filled so homes could be built. Average yearly rain and snow has risen about 3 inches over the last 20 years, per the city. In many of those areas the groundwater table now reaches basements, and some sump pumps run around the clock. (Source: City of Madison Engineering, Sump Pumps.)

Groundwater can stay high long after a wet spell. City of Madison Engineering notes that after the city's last long stretch of high lake levels (August 2007 to August 2008), it took about another year for groundwater to drop back to normal (City of Madison Engineering, Sump Pumps). Pumps that run all year can also ice a curb or gutter in winter.

Prices: the Madison basement cost guide collects published 2026 ranges by job type.