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.)
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. (Source: City of Madison Engineering, Sump Pumps.)
Common sump pump installation & replacement calls
- Pump cycles every few minutes, even in dry spells
- Pit with no pump, or a pump that hums but doesn't move water
- Discharge hose ends on the lawn and the water comes back
- Discharge plumbed to a floor drain
- Ice building up where the hose ends
In Madison the discharge point matters as much as the pump. City Engineering says it can't go to the sanitary sewer, and a pump that runs several times a day should go to the storm sewer if at all possible.
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Sump Pump Installation & Replacement questions for Madison homes
How much is a new sump pump in Madison?
Nationally, Angi says sump pump installs average about $1,100 and usually land between $800 and $1,500, with battery backup another $1,000 to $2,000. A Madison contractor prices your basement after a visit.
Do I need a permit?
Often. Angi notes permits ($75 to $500 or more) are often triggered by excavation or structural repairs. In Madison, installing a basement drainage system without structural repairs falls under a building repair or replace permit that can be applied for online. Ask your contractor who pulls it.
Can a Madison sump pump drain to the storm sewer or curb?
Not into the sanitary sewer or a basement floor drain. City Engineering lists the property, a nearby storm sewer, the curb or an infiltration bed as options, and a storm sewer connection needs an Excavation in the Right-of-Way Permit. Check with City Engineering before you install.
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