Sump Pump Connections

Connection & Installation of
Sump Pump to Drainage System

Many residents may find it necessary to install a sump pump to remove accumulating water from their basement. While there are currently no regulations to require that sump pump discharges be connected to the town’s drain system, doing so is strongly encouraged in most situations.

If a homeowner decides to connect their sump pump discharge line to the drain system, they must first complete this form, ”License Agreement for Private Connection to Town Drainage System” which is also available at the Department of Public Works Office, 3 Tower Way.  There is a $25.00 fee for this license.

The homeowner is responsible for all costs associated with the installation of the sump pump and subsequent connection to the drain system. The completed connection must be inspected by the Drain Department.

Homeowners who choose not to connect their sump pump to the drain system have the responsibility to assure that the water removed by the pump is deposited in such a manner as not to cause any hazard or potential hazard on any public way.  This includes, but is not limited to, the formation of ice from the discharge.

Article III, section 162-9 of the Town of Marblehead By-Laws provides that, “No person shall deposit or cause to be deposited any snow and/or ice on or against a fire hydrant or on any sidewalk or roadway.”  Section 162-10 states that, “Whoever violates any section or provisions of this By-Law shall be liable to a penalty of $50.00 for each offense.”

Additionally, homeowners are prohibited from discharging sump pump connections into to sanitary sewers. The sewer system should only be connected to drains inside of your house (toilets, showers, sinks, etc.). Everything that enters the sanitary sewer system goes to the South Essex Sewerage Treatment Facility to have waste removed.

Article III, Use of Public Sewers section 248-16 of the Town of Marblehead By-Laws provides that, “No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, uncontaminated cooling water, or unpolluted industrial process waters to any sanitary sewer.

If you are interested in connecting a sump pump to the Town’s drainage system, contact the Department of Public Works at 781-631-1750 or email at drains@marblehead.org.

Additionally, the Sewer Department is running a program to remove existing sump pumps connected to the sanitary sewer. They can help determine if your sump pump is connected to the sanitary sewer and advise on how to remove any sump pumps that are connected improperly. For more information please visit www.resump.org.