Home Inspector
  • Home
  • Home Inspection
  • Services
    • Radon
    • AHI Mold Testing and Air Quality Testing
    • Termite
  • About
    • Videos
    • Testimonials
    • Help wanted
    • Service Areas
    • Contact
  • Blog
  • LOGIN
Call (414) 349-6896

Boring Home Ownership Stuff...

More Boring Home Ownership Stuff:  Storm Sewer vs. Sanitary Sewer

2/19/2019

16 Comments

 
When a rain gutter/downspout and sometimes a sump pump send their discharge below grade to a pipe, it may appear that rainwater is draining into a sanitary sewer, but it really isn’t. In municipal areas with sewer systems, gutter (rainwater) discharge is normally routed into a storm sewer. This storm piping routes water to rivers and streams and is separate from the sanitary sewer system.  Connecting your sump to a basement sink or floor drain sends your stormwater to sewer system, is against the rules.

Municipal systems include a sanitary sewer system that routes toilet, shower and sink water to a sewage treatment plant. The flow of storm and sanitary sewer systems would never be combined unless a really old system is in place or there are problems with the system. In the old days before good sewage treatment, homes had combined sewers – but that is not common today.

When you live out in the country, your gutters may discharge below grade and be directed underground to the side of a hill or a lower spot. Rural areas don’t have storm sewers.
​

Look at the curb and gutter in front of your house. If you see grates there, rainwater flows into a storm sewer system below the street.  If you sump pump is connected to drain line in the wall, it is most likely storm water.

Picture
16 Comments
Gutter Cleaning Manchester link
1/18/2022 03:01:55 am

I found this article very informative about "Boring Home Ownership". Looking forward for more informative articles like this related to <b><a href="https://guttercleaningmanchester.co.uk/" rel="dofollow">Gutter Cleaning Manchester
</a></b>

Reply
https://septictankserviceocalafl.com/ link
2/11/2022 03:44:10 am

Looking forward to your better and better articles. See you next time.

Reply
Rain Solution Gutters link
9/17/2022 10:25:32 pm

Nice to see you pointed out some rural homes may discharge below grade and not likely to have storm sewers.

Reply
john link
9/26/2022 02:31:04 am

Great content shared and very knowledgeable information shared . thanks

Reply
john link
9/26/2022 02:29:37 am

great content shared . knowledgeable information shared. Thanks

Reply
Derek Foster link
10/10/2022 05:33:03 pm

Of build again ground. Their kitchen past rule camera. Development check threat remain. Ago push cause process clearly.

Reply
Robert link
10/11/2022 09:19:57 am

Being a homeowner who has my gutters cleaned out by a professional company, I never thought about how important it is to route that rain water directed by your gutters and downspouts somewhere that will not affect your property or your neighbors property. Luckily our downspouts run right into the creek.

Reply
restorerz link
11/29/2022 07:47:23 am

Local responders may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere. You should know how to respond to severe weather or any disaster that could occur in your area.

Reply
Braden Bills link
1/4/2023 08:22:31 am

I want to make sure that my home has a proper way to dispose of rainwater. It makes sense that connecting the rain gutters to a sewer system would be beneficial. I'll be sure to work with a professional to ensure that we handle things correctly.

Reply
Emma Liles link
2/14/2023 01:51:55 am

Such an informative article and it is useful for many people, thank you so much for sharing.

Reply
Charlie Ward link
2/15/2023 02:52:07 am

Great information, thank you so much for sharing.

Reply
Tex Hooper link
2/21/2023 05:01:50 pm

Great tip about making sure storm flow is intact. My gutter is broken and needs replacing. We'll have to have it fixed so that the water can flow correctly.

Reply
Jacob Poulin link
3/25/2023 04:37:57 pm

That illustration is very helpful in understanding the different sewer systems.

Reply
Mortgage Broker Australia link
5/8/2023 11:41:40 pm

This news about storm sewer is really interesting. This is awesome. Props to the writer this article.

Reply
Dave Hinson link
5/26/2023 01:14:48 am

I came across your blog post titled "More Boring Home Ownership Stuff: Storm Sewer vs. Sanitary Sewer," and I wanted to thank you for shedding light on this important topic. While it may seem like a mundane aspect of homeownership, understanding the difference between storm sewers and sanitary sewers is crucial for maintaining a healthy and functional plumbing system.

Your post provided a clear and concise explanation of the key distinctions between these two types of sewer systems. By explaining their separate functions and how they handle different types of wastewater, you've helped homeowners better comprehend the infrastructure in their communities and the potential implications for their properties.

I appreciate how you emphasized the importance of preventing cross-contamination between stormwater and sanitary waste. By highlighting the risks associated with improper connections or blockages, you have underscored the significance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the integrity of the sewer system.

Furthermore, your suggestion to consult with local authorities and professionals when dealing with sewer-related issues is valuable advice. It's crucial for homeowners to reach out to the appropriate experts who can provide guidance and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Your blog post serves as a helpful resource for homeowners, particularly those who may be unfamiliar with the nuances of sewer systems. By demystifying the subject matter and offering practical insights, you empower readers to make informed decisions about their homes and take necessary precautions to prevent potential problems.

Thank you for addressing this "boring" yet essential aspect of home ownership. Your informative post contributes to raising awareness and promoting responsible maintenance practices for sewer systems.

I look forward to reading more informative content from Amelia's Home Inspection in the future.

Reply
Ryan Sainthill link
9/19/2023 09:55:14 am

The distinction between stormwater and sanitary sewer systems is crucial to maintain the integrity of wastewater treatment. It's interesting to learn that older systems sometimes combined these two flows, but it's reassuring to know that it's not a common practice today.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author 

    Our blog is to further educate and empower you to help you to keep your home safe and well maintained.

    Amelia's Home Inspection offers the highest quality Home Inspection services in Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin at an affordable price. A home inspection provides an analysis of potential fire hazards, home safety and health risks to your family. 

    Archives

    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Amelia's Home Inspection  •  ​[email protected]  •  www.AmeliasHomeInspection.com
Proudly powered by Amelia's Dad
Where, I take care of your family as if they were mine!
​
Copyright © Amelia's Home Inspection. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Home Inspection
  • Services
    • Radon
    • AHI Mold Testing and Air Quality Testing
    • Termite
  • About
    • Videos
    • Testimonials
    • Help wanted
    • Service Areas
    • Contact
  • Blog
  • LOGIN