Memo- Sump Pump Inspection Program•
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Steven J. Stadler, Public Works Director r
Date: January 8, 1998
Subject: Sump Pump Inspection Program
Public Works Department
The city -wide sump pump inspection program, Phase I will begin soon. The latest
schedule proposed by the City's consultant, Howard R. Green Company, includes
completing the communication/education phase by February 28 and beginning physical
inspections the first week of March. The attached packet includes materials and
information to be used during the sump pump inspection program.
The informational pieces stress the benefit of the program being cost avoidance by
reducing sewage treatment charges. Staff will add words on the additional benefit of
improving the reliability of the sanitary sewer collection system by reducing the
likelihood of overload during high flow periods.
The project schedule also shows Phase II inspections (balance of the city) from
November, 1998 - April, 1999. Howard R. Green Company has provided information
on the anticipated Phase II inspection services fees and potential savings. Based on
their final program results in the Cities of Savage and Plymouth, they estimate that
(following completion of the entire city-wide program) the City of Hopkins could avoid
sewage treatment costs of up to $33,626/year. The total city -wide inspection program
fees are estimated at $104,151. This results in an estimated payback period of just
over three (3) years. Staff intends to request City Council approval at a future Council
meeting for a contract to complete the Phase II inspections per the above mentioned
schedule.
Materials and Information
Used During the
Hopkins Sump Pump
Inspection and
Cross Connection Program
INDEX
Proposed Schedule for Phase 1 of the Hopkins Sump Pump Program 1
The following is used to inform Residents about the Sump Pump Inspection Program
News Release 2
Script for the Video 5
Letter which will be sent to the Residents schedule for an inspection 10
The letter is missing the highlights of the City's ordinance
The following will be presented at the Informational Meetings
Information on Sump Pump Inspection and Cross Connection 11
Common Causes of Wet Basement 13
Typical Sump Pump Installation Details 14
The following is used during Inspection
Sump Pump Cross Connection Inspection Form 15
This is a triplicate form the Resident will receive one copy for their records
Inspector's Identification Badge 16
Door Hanger
Left on the door when the inspector has not been able to reach the
resident at home after trying at least 3 times.
Sump Pump Basket Seal
Placed half way over the sump pump basket lid and floor if no sump
pump is found in the basket. Resident would have to break the seal
in order in stall the pump.
17
18
The following is given to residents who fail the inspection
List of Area Plumbers 19
Recommended Sump Pump Discharge 20
Working with Plastic Pipe
Note: Some of this information is given to the residents several times during the course of the
program.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE
HOPKINS SUMP PUMP INSPECTION PROGRAM
POSE I1
January 13, 1998 Council work session to review program.
January 14 - February 28, 1998 Communication/Education Phase of Program including:
March 2 - April 10, 1998 Physical Inspections
April 10 - May 1, 1998 Analysis of Results
May 1998 Report /Presentation of Program Findings
November 1998 - April 1999 Phase II Program (If Approved)
O: \proj \801570 \570- 0801.jan
• Video Production/Airing
• Neighborhood Meeting(s) - 1 or 2
• Plumbers /Contractors Meeting
• Newspaper Articles (2)
• Newsletter Mailing
• Staff Training
1
FOR RELEASE THE WEEK OF February 9, 1998
Date:
Contact:
Hopkins Begins Sump Pump Connection Inspection Program
Approximately 550 Hopkins residents received notices this week informing them that their
homes are included in the first phase of Hopkins's new Sump Pump Inspection Program
Through the program, city officials seek to reduce the estimated $35,000 the city currently pays
in treatment fees for essentially clean water sent to the Metropolitan Council Environmental
Services (MCES) treatment plant in St. Paul from sump pump sources. The purpose of the
inspection is to correct sump pumps that are cross - connected. Cross - connected sump pumps are
those that incorrectly drain clean water into the city's sanitary sewer system.
The inspection program will be explained in detail at a public meeting for first phase residents on
Tuesday, February 17, at Hopkins City Center, 1010 First Street. The second phase of the
program, in which the remaining 2,300 homes will be inspected, is slated to begin in November,
1998. A second public meeting will be held for that phase. The program will continue until all
Hopkins homes have been inspected for sump pump cross - connections.
2
Hopkins Sump Pump, page 2
(more)
City of Hopkins Public Works Director, Steve Stadler, who is coordinating the program, said that
between March 2 and April 10 inspectors from Howard R. Green Company will go house to
house in the selected areas, checking sump connections. Inspectors will work weekdays until 8
p.m. and on Saturdays during the day. The average inspection will take between 10 and 20
minutes.
Homes with correctly installed sump pumps will be issued a "passed inspection" certificate.
Those with cross connected sump pumps will be given two weeks to correct the problem, before
being reinspected. Failure to correct a cross connection within a reasonable period, or refusing to
allow inspection, will result in a $100 surcharge being added to that home's utility bill each
month until inspection has been passed. City staff estimate that the typical correction in an
unfinished basement will cost under $100.
Stadler explained that the Hopkins City ordinance that prohibits discharge of sump pump water
into the city sanitary sewers was amended in January to allow the inspections and surcharge.
Residents who are not at home, or who find it inconvenient to allow the inspector inside when he
or she arrives, will be given a phone number to call to make an appointment for inspection. The
number is 644 -2072.
The inspection program is designed to alert homeowners to the problem, mandate its correction,
and reduce the amount of money paid for sewage treatment by decreasing what engineers call
"clear water" in the sanitary sewer system.
3
Hopkins Sump Pump, page 3
(more)
According to Stadler, the extra $35,000 in fees Hopkins pays annually covers the cost of
treatment for 25 million gallons of already clean water. This "clear water," is mostly rain water
and ground water from individual homes with cross connected sump pumps. Most often, these
have flexible hoses leading to a laundry tub or floor drain, which leads to the sanitary sewer
system.
Correctly installed sump pumps drain water into the storm drainage system, not the sanitary
sewer. They use rigid pipe (PVC is most common), that passes through the wall and drains to the
yard, where water can follow the slope of the land to the nearest stone drain or pond. Some
systems have pipes that go all the way to a gutter in the street in front of the home. Other,
usually older systems, are connected underground directly to the stone sewer.
"A large part of the inspection program's success will hinge on public cooperation," said Stadler.
He added that "Reducing the amount of clean water in the sanitary sewer system will save money
for the city and city sewer customers by helping to keep future sewer rate increases to a
minimum "
END
4
Shot of mayor, either at park,
or in office... maybe council
chamber or perhaps at home,
in front of his TV He could
turn and hit the remote switch
as if he's running the video at
home...
Shot of lake at Community
Park recreation facilities, then
zoom in on homes across
water.
Steve Stadler, either in office,
very official, or at picnic bench
in recreation area, more
informal.
Mayor: Hi, I'm ChuckRedepenning, your mayor. I'm here to
ask you to please take just a few minutes to watch this video
about the city's efforts to reduce our wastewater treatment
expenses. The City Council and I are vitally interested in
where and how the city spends your money, and in getting
the best possible value for each dollar. The new sump
inspection program explained here is one way our Public
Works Department is working to keep a lid on the costs of
wastewater treatment.
Narrator: In the land of 10,000 lakes, water is usually an
asset. Waterfront homes are worth more than others, views of
lakes, ponds and rivers are prized, and fishing is considered a
birthright. With all this water around, it shouldn't come as a
surprise that some of it manages to find its way into our
basements.
To combat this problem, many homes in Hopkins have sump
pumps that builders and owners have installed over time to
pump the water out. While this may empty the basement, in
many cases, incorrect installations are also emptying our
pockets. How can this happen? Public Works Director Steve
Stadler explains.
Steve: Hopkins, like most metro area communities, has two
sewer systems; a storm sewer system, designed to handle
runoff from rain and spring thaws, and a sanitary sewer
system, designed to handle household wastewater. Sump
pump water is clean enough to go into the storm sewer
system, which drains directly into area lakes, ponds and
streams.
5
Map with route highlighted,
camera traces...
shot of Metro Treatment Plant
Back to Steve
Shot of Ellen at home, in
kitchen, running water in sink
Basket of clothes on table or
floor, somewhere in sight.
Sound offlushing, child comes
into room, ... turns and goes
back, ostensibly to wash hands,
sound of water running nearby
as Ellen picks up clothes basket
and heads for basement door.
Wastewater, on the other hand, must be treated before it's
safe to release into the environment. Hopkins' sanitary sewer
system takes wastewater to the Metro treatment plant in St.
Paul, operated by the environmental services division of the
Metropolitan Council. They measure how much water we
send, and charge the city for every gallon. Most of this water
needs to be treated. It's wastewater. But sump water is clean
enough to go straight into the environment. It doesn't need to
be treated.
It's a waste of money to pay someone to clean water that is
already clean. Pumping sump water into the sanitary sewer is
a simple mistake that many people make, just because they
don't understand how sewer systems work. While you are not
required to have a sump pump, if you do have one, it needs to
be correctly installed. Cross connected sump pumps are a
serious problem. Every month they cost the City, and you,
money.
Narrator: This is Ellen, a typical City of Hopkins
homeowner. Ellen and her family use water every day and
send most of it right down the drain when they're through
with it. They wash clothes... and dishes... Ellen mops the
floors... they take showers and baths... they flush the toilet...
Ellen: "Did you wash your hands?"
2
6
Basement: shot of Ellen
coming downstairs with
clothes. Follows her across
room, stays on sump pump
hose in floor drain (close up)
as Ellen continues out of shot.
Pull back to include Ellen as
she speaks, and puts clothes
basket down.
Ellen listens
Closeup of water bill, MCES
costs highlighted ...
Text over bill:
Repair Leaks
Seal Manholes
Inspect Sump Pumps
Narrator: Each time Ellen and her family use water, they
send wastewater down the drain and into the city's sanitary
sewer. This is exactly what is supposed to happen.
Unfortunately, they have a cross connected sump pump, so
every time it rains, they send clean sump water down the
drain too. This is not what's supposed to happen.
Ellen: "What do you mean, cross connected? This hose goes
straight to the drain. What's wrong with that ?"
Narrator: When sump pumps send water into sinks and
floor drains, it goes into the City's sanitary sewer, which
flows to the treatment plant.
Sump water should flow into the storm sewer system which
will discharge it directly into ponds, streams and rivers in our
neighborhoods.
This is Ellen's water bill. Her family is charged for the
amount of water they use, and for a pro -rated share of the
extra water sent to the treatment plant. Everyone pays a share
of this cost. The City of Hopkins is trying to reduce this
amount by finding and repairing leaks in the sanitary sewer
lines that let ground water in, sealing manholes that let
rainwater in, and by inspecting private property sump pumps
that send clean water to the treatment plant.
3
(text continues)
Educate Homeowners
Shot of inspector going up
walk to Ellen's door, he
knocks, she answers. Child
peaks out from behind.
from top of stairs, we see Ellen,
child and inspector head down
basement stairs.
In front hallway of house,
inspector hands diagram and
pamphlets to Ellen, she
examines, then opens door and
inspector leaves.
Back in Ellen's basement,
shot of correctly installed
system, camera follows pipe to
wall, then pulls back to show
Ellen, loading washer
Over the spring of 1998, the city is carrying out a public
education program, informing homeowners of the problem,
and beginning the sump pump cross connection inspection
program
This winter, and into the spring, inspectors will be going
door to door throughout portions of the city, to make sure
sump pumps are properly connected. You'll get a notice in
the mail letting you know when the inspectors will be
checking in your neighborhood. If you're not home, or if it's
inconvenient just then, don't worry. The inspector will leave
a number for you to call and set up a convenient time for
inspection. Once in your basement, the inspector will
determine if your system is set up correctly.
If your system is cross connected, as Ellen's was, the
inspector will provide you with a diagram that illustrates the
correct type of installation, and some pamphlets that explain
how to do the work yourself. You'll also get a list of area
plumbers who can do the work for you, if you prefer to pay
an outside person. A simple correction should cost around
$200, when done by a licensed plumber.
In a correctly installed system, a rigid section of pipe (this
one is PVC), takes water from the sump pump, through the
basement and deposits it outside the home
Narrator: Well Ellen, that looks very nice now.
4
8
As she speaks she moves to
sump pump and puts her hand
on one of the pipes, and looks
at the floor drain where the
hose used to go as she finishes.
Mayor, in same spot as he was
at the beginning.
Ellen (with pride): "Thanks, I did the work myself. The
materials cost about fifty dollars, and it took me most of one
Saturday to do. Now my friends are asking me for advice on
how to fix their systems... I'm the neighborhood expert/.
When spring arrives I'll be checking the pipe outdoors, just
to be sure the water is draining away from the house
foundation. It's nice to know we won't be sending money
down the drain anymore.
Mayor: Putting this inspection program in place is good
move, not just because it will help keep the City's costs under
control, but because it's a waste of everyone's time and
money to mix storm water with sewage and then pump it all
the way to St. Paul for treatment. As your Mayor, it's part of
my job to guard those resources, and I'm going to do my best
to do that. Please help, by cooperating with the inspectors
when they're in your neighborhood. Thanks.
Narrator: For more information on Hopkins' sump pump
inspection program, call the sump pump line at 644 -2072.
5
9
Attention Please:
Your home is among those
scheduled for sump pump
cross connection inspection
beginning in March, 1998.
Each year an excess of 100 million gallons of storm water, incorrectly drained into sanitary sewers,
costs the City of Hopkins an extra $140,000 in treatment fees. In order to save money for all Hopkins resi-
dents, the Hopkins City Council has adopted an ordinance requiring the inspection of sump pump connec-
tions.
On Monday, March 2, the City of Hopkins will begin inspecting homes for cross connected sump pumps.
(Cross connected means sump pumps that are connected to the sanitary sewer lines instead of the storm sewer
lines.) Inspectors from HRG Consulting Engineers (HRG) will begin by going house to house, without ap-
pointments, looking at connections in basements to insure that when sump pumps are in place, they are properly
connected, and that those connections are made with rigid PVC -type pipe, not flexible hoses.
You are not required to have a sump pump, but if you do, it must be properly connected.
Inspectors will work weekdays between 12:00 noon and 8:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00
PM, through the month of April. The average inspection will take between 10 and 20 minutes. These door -to-
door inspections are the quickest and most cost - effective way to inspect a large number of homes in a short
time. Homes with a correct connection, or without a sump pump, will be issued a "passed inspection" docu-
ment. Previous experience has shown that 90% of all Hopkins homes will pass this first inspection with no
problems.
Homeowners who have incorrectly connected sump pumps will be required to correct the connection and
have the installation reinspected, before being issued a "passed inspection" document. Those who do not
arrange for inspection, or who do not correct a cross connection, will incur a surcharge of $100 per month.
This will be added to their sewer bill each month until the problem is corrected and they have scheduled and
passed city inspection. (A copy of the City Code detailing these penalties is enclosed. A few major points from
the code are on the reverse of this letter.)
You will have 30 days to correct a cross connection.
Extensions are available for those who request them for valid reasons.
If you are not at home when the inspector arrives, or if it is not convenient for you to allow inspection at
that time, a notice will be left with a number you may call to make an appointment. The number, 644 -2072, is
equipped with a voice -mail feature so you may leave a message at any hour of the day or night. Once the door -
to -door portion of the program is as complete as possible, appointments will be scheduled for both weekdays
and Saturdays. If you do not call and make an appointment, we will attempt to contact you to arrange for
inspection first by telephone, then through the mail, and lastly by certified letter.
If you have questions, or want more information,
please call the sump pump inspection program at 644 -2072.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our sewer rates as low as possible for everyone.
10
Information on Sump Pump
Inspection and Cross Connection
The City of Hopkins Sump Pump Inspection program is designed to help homeowners identify cross connected
sump pumps, so they can be properly connected, and to alert homeowners who don't have sump pumps to the
ordinance requiring that they be inspected if installed in the future.
What is a cross connection?
A cross connection happens when a sump pump is connected to a sanitary sewer line Often, this can be a hose
leading into a laundry tub or a floor drain. Sump pumps are supposed to drain into storm sewers, either
through a direct connection (a pipe from the home connecting with the main storm sewer line), or through
draining directly onto the ground or into the gutter outside the home.
Why are cross connections a problem?
Sump water is what engineers call "clear water," most often rain water, ground water, or snow melt. This
water is clean enough to drain directly into area streams, ponds and lakes, without treatment. Wastewater -
water from your sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and washing machines - must be treated at your area wastewater
treatment plant before it can be safely discharged into the environment.
When "clear water" is added to wastewater, it can overload the collection system. The Minnesota Pollution
control Agency (MPCA) has estimated that a single home with a cross connected sump pump can add up to
1,400 gallons of water to the system during one average rain storm. That's the equivalent of flushing your
toilet 280 times (based on a standard toilet with a five gallon tank - if you have a low -flow toilet with a three
gallon tank, you'd have to flush 466 times). Multiply that by the number of homes in your neighborhood, and
the magnitude of the problem becomes evident.
Why should I care?
Excess water in the treatment system costs the city, and you, money. Rates at the treatment plant are based on
the number of gallons that flow through the system. When "clear water" enters the system through cross
connected sump pumps, everyone pays to treat water that is already clean. According to MPCA estimates,
Hopkins sends approximately 100 million gallons of "clear water" through the system annually. This costs the
city an extra $140,000 in wastewater treatment bills, a cost that is passed to consumers through increased
sewer rates. Sump pump cross connections are likely responsible for about 25 percent of this, around 25
million gallons. Clearing up cross connections will help solve a portion of the "clear water" problem, and help
keep rate increases to a minimum.
How can they tell when storm water gets into the system?
It is not difficult to find out if extra water is entering the system. All homes have water meters that measure
the amount of water you use. Think of that water as flowing through your home - it enters, is used (for
cooking, washing, cleaning), and then goes down the drain. If the amount of water that reaches the treatment
plant is far in excess of the amount being delivered to homes, then obviously, extra water is entering the
system.
Are cross connections the only cause of this?
No. Water can infiltrate the system through bad joints, cracks, or breaks in the sanitary sewer pipe. Hopkins
regularly inspects the interior of the sanitary sewer pipe with TV cameras so these problems can be found and
corrected.
11
How do I know if I have a cross connected sump pump?
The illustration below shows one correct method of connection. The key thing to look for is where the
water goes when the sump pump is running. If you have a rigid, PVC -type pipe that goes outdoors and
drains into your yard (well away from your foundation, of course), you're probably okay. If you have a
hose that drains into your laundry tub or floor drain, you're definitely not okay. If you can see right away
that your sump pump is cross connected, it would be to your advantage to get it rerouted prior to inspec-
tion. This will save you time, as only one inspection will need to be done to confirm your correction. If
you're not sure, information available at the public meeting may help you decide. If you still can't tell,
don't worry. The inspectors will let you know, and you will have time to get the problem corrected before
the surcharge is applied.
If you are rerouting your system, be sure to buy the right kind of pipe. It must be a rigid, PVC -type pipe, not
flexible hose. Even in systems that already pump water outside, inspectors will require that flexible hoses be
replaced with rigid pipe. Household
/wastewater
Roof downspout with
extension
Exterior foundation drain
system (directs water to
sump basket)
Sump basket
To sanitary sewer
To curb and gutter over ground
Optional flexible hose
Optional rigid pipe underground
to curb and gutter
How do I make an appointment for an inspector to visit my home?
HRG personnel will be going door to door to try to get as many homes as possible inspected without appoint-
ments. If they don't find you at home, they will leave a notice on your door knob with the number to call for
an appointment. Voice -mail has been installed on the phone so you shouldn't have to call more than once. If
you don't reach a person when you call, please do leave your name, telephone number, address, and the best
time to reach you. We will return calls during business hours and in the evenings.
Why inspect my house?
Neither your home nor neighborhood has been singled out for any reason. All Hopkins homes and businesses
with sanitary sewer connections will be inspected. In the next eighteen months inspections will be completed
in over 3,000 Hopkins homes.
What will correcting a cross connection cost me?
If you do the work yourself, less than $50, assuming your basement is unfinished and you already have a
sump pump. If an outside contractor is used, most corrections will be around $200, again assuming your sump
pump is in place and it's just a matter of replacing flexible pipe and /or rerouting your flow.
12
GOMMON CAUSES OF WET BASEMENTS
POOR DRAINAGE AROUND HOUSES. AS ILLUSTRATED HERE. CAUSES MOST
WET BASEMENTS.
TO ORY UP YOUR BASEMENT, CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS FIRST.
. NO PIPE EXTE)I3ION:
WATER DEPOSITED BY FOUNDATION
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IMPROPER GRADING:GRaUND
SLOPES TOWARD FOUNDATION
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LEAKY GUTTER •
EARTH DISTED F' OR )
FOUNDATION PLANTINGS
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UTILITIES SUCH AS WATER OR SEWER
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• r z
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/./ SIDEWALK OR/
J DRIVEWAY DAMS WATER
AGAINST THE FOUNDATION
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FIGURE NO. 1
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14
Sump Pump
Cross Connection
Inspection Form
Name:
Address: First Inspection ❑ Second ❑
Hopkins, MN 55 Phone Own: ❑ Rent: ❑ Age of Home:
Date:
Time: a.m. /p.m.
A.
White: Homeowner
BASEMENT ❑ yes ❑ no
SUMP BASKET ❑ 0 ❑ I ❑ 2 ❑ 3 ❑
SUMP PUMP ❑ 0 ❑ 1 ❑ 2 ❑ 3 ❑
WATER IN BASEMENT (flow over floor) ❑ yes ❑ no
WATER IN BASKET ❑ yes ❑ no
(Ifno pump, place sticker across edge of sump cover and basement floor so any removal of cover will break seal. Skip to
part B of this form.)
Discharge Point
at first inspection:
❑ laundry tub
❑ floor drain
Prior to first Inspection:
When was system installed, or most recently modified? (date) and why
❑ home came with system
❑ water in basement or
previous system failed
B. ROOF LEADERS ❑ yes ❑ no
Discharge: ❑ near ❑ away
C. HOMES WITH SUMP PUMPS
When does pump run? ❑Fall ❑ Summer ❑ Spring ❑ Winter
(check all that apply)
How often does pump run?
Notes:
PASS ❑ V -PASS ❑ FAIL ❑
Inspector: Date
Resident: Date.
You have 30 days to bring your system into compliance with current regulations.
When you are ready for reinspection, call 644 -2072 to make an appointment.
Yellow: City
❑ sanitary sewer ❑ outside
❑ other?
❑ response to inspection program
❑ other
Howard R.GreenCompany
WNSULTNG ENGINEERS
Pink: MSA
15
To verify the identity of the inspector
pictured on the reverse,
please call The City of Hopkins at
935 -8474
or HRG Consulting Engineers at
644 -4389
between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM
16
17
THE SUMP PUMP
'�� INSPECTOR WAS
un
14 HERE
IN YOUR ABSENCE
DATE:
TIME:
ADDRESS:
Please call the
Sump Inspection
Appointment Line at
644 -2072,
even if you do not have a
sump pump, to make an
appointment for an inspection.
17
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HOPKINS AREA PLUMBERS
The following list does not constitute a recommendation from the City of Hopkins or Howard R.
Green Company. We make no representations about these firms' competence nor the quality of
their work. These names were obtained from the local yellow pages.
This list is provided only as a starting point for those homeowners who prefer to hire outside
help to correctly install sump pumps, or correct installations not in compliance with city code.
Any competent plumber and most "handyperson" homeowners can perform these tasks.
Homeowners who have already established relationships with a professional are, of course,
encouraged to hire the person they know and trust to work in their home.
A Art's Quality Plumbing 938 -6939
A -1 Rootmaster Plumbing - Drain & Sewer Cleaning 922 -6659
American APS Plumbing Services Co 935 -3119
Bonfe's Plumbing Service and Repair Inc. 941 -8131
Bredahl Plumbing 939 -0702
Cherry Plumbing 933 -5669
Doug's Plumbing 933 -2836
Duda Leon Plumbing Service 933 -5636
Hopkins Plumbing & Heating 938 -3933
Interlachen Plumbing Services 933 -7455
Lee Plumbing 938 -7500
McGuire & Sons Plumbing Heating & Cooling Inc. 931 -9676
Motzko Tom Plumbing & Heating Co 929 -3377
Pokomy Co Plumbing & Heating 938 -9659
Pokomy Steve Plumbing 938 -7933
Richfield Plumbing Co 869 -7517
Ross Plumbing 888 -3251
Roto Rooter Plumbing Service 544-9551
Royal Plumbing & Heating 933 -4793
Ryan Plumbing & Heating Co 927 -6488
Standard Plumbing & Appliance Co Inc 938 -3589
Sufka Plumbing & Water Conditioning 934-2061
Symington Plumbing 933 -1780
Thompson Plumbing 933 -7717
Tim's Quality Plumbing 938 -6939
Voson Plumbing Inc 938 -9300
19
MATERIALS
LIST
ESTIMATED
COST
GLUE
$2.00
PIPE CLEANER
$2.50
1 1/2" PVC OUTLET PIPE
$10.00/20 FT.
1 1/2" 90 PVC ELBOW
$0.50
1 1/2" PVC PIPE
-
1 1/2" FLEXIBLE COUPLING
1 1/2" CHECK VALVE
$15.00
1 1/2" FLEXIBLE COUPLING
1 1/2" PVC PIPE
-
1 1/2" PVC MALE COUPLING
$1.00
SUBTOTAL
$31.00
SUMP BASKET
$20.00 -65.00
SUMP PUMP
$50.00- 125.00
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST
$101.00 - 221.00
FIRST FLOOR
BASEMENT FLOOR
4 a
SVOO6SP
1326 ENEMY PAIR DRIVE
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(617) 614 -43ee
Howard R. Green Company
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
FOOTING
TO BACK OR FRONT YARD
FOUNDATION WALL
RECOMMENDED
SUMP PUMP DISCHARGE
2 n
Results of Sump Pump Inspection and I/1 Reduction Program
for the City of Savage, MN
by MSA Consulting Engineers
From 6/96 to 6/3/97
Number of Homes in Savage to be Inspected
4793
100%
Basements
Yes
4495
93.8%
No
280
5.8%
Reason Installed
Home came with system
1997
41.7%
Response to Inspection program
112
2.3 %
Water in Basement
138
2.9%
Reinspection Rate
High
14
0.3%
Sump Pump Basket
Multiple
27
0.6 %
Single
3676
76.7%
None
1074
22.4%
Sump Pump
Multiple
25
0.5%
Single
1614
33.7%
None
3149
65.7%
Water Present
Yes
1117
23.3%
Sump Discharge
Laundry Tub
81
1.7%
Sanitary Sewer
59
1.2%
Floor Drain
40
0.8%
Outside
1424
29.7%
Roof Leaders
Yes
3279
68.4%
Roof Leaders Discharge Points
Near
107
2.2%
Away
2825
58.9%
Inspection Results
Passed First Inspection
4521
94.3%
Passed Second Inspection
232
99.2%
Passed Third Inspection
8
99.3%
Failed First Inspection
254
5.3%
Failed Second Inspection
10
0.2%
Granted V -Pass First Inspection
5
0.1 %
Granted V -Pass Second Inspection
4
0.2%
Homes not in compliance
20
0.4%
Homes not yet inspected
4
0.1 %
790 /006- 1709.jun
Page 3
Final Sump Pump Report
Results for City of Plymouth, MN
Sump Pump Inspections for I/I Reduction Program
By Howard R. Green Company
From June 1996 to October 8, 1997
Number of Homes in Plymouth to be Inspected
17,780
Basements
Yes
14,333
80.6%
No
1,436
8.1%
Reason Installed
Home came with system
5,379
30.3%
Response to Inspection program
753
4.2%
Water in Basement
434
2.4%
Reinspection Rate
High
3,843
21.6%
Sump Pump Basket
Multiple
304
1.7%
Single
10,361
58.3%
None
5,397
30.4%
Sump Pump
Multiple
242
1.4%
Single
8,361
47.0%
None
7,309
41.1%
Water Present In Sump Basket
Yes
4,216
23.7%
Sump Discharge -
Laundry Tub
253
1.4%
Sanitary Sewer
330
1.9%
Floor Drain
171
1.0%
Outside
6,932
39.0%
Roof Leaders
Yes
12,605
70.9%
Roof Leaders Discharge Points
Near
325
1.8%
Away
10,910
61.4%
Inspection Results
Passed by Others
1,815
10.2%
Passed First Inspection
14,324
91.1 %
Passed Second Inspection
1,231
98.0%
Passed Third Inspection
21
98.1 %
Failed First Inspection
1,379
7.8%
Failed Second Inspection
21
0:1 %
Granted V -Pass by City Staff
21
0.1 %
Granted V -Pass First Inspection
179
1.1%
Granted V -Pass Second Inspection
117
1.8%
Granted V -Pass Third Inspection
2
1.8%
Home not in compliance
16
0.1 %
Homes not yet inspected
14
0.1 %
>',,156003V003.0411.dedkit, - .
Paaa d
Howard R. Green Company
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
December 22, 1997
File: 000400
Mr. Steve Stadler
Public Works Director
City of Hopkins
1010 1st Street
Hopkins, MN 55343
RE: CITY OF HOPKINS SUMP PUMP PROGRAM — PHASE II
Dear Steve:
We enjoyed visiting with you on December 8th to kick off the Phase 1 Sump Pump
Program for the City of Hopkins. As I understand, you will be bringing the matter to the
City Council for discussion at the January 13th Work Session. In anticipation of that
meeting, I have provided you some additional information that may be helpful in
considering the Phase II Sump Pump Inspection Program for the City of Hopkins. 1 have
put together a report that outlines benefits and potential savings from a Sump Pump
Inspection Program and have incorporated City of Hopkins population and household
data. Also attached for your review are summary reports which we completed for the
Cities of Plymouth and Savage. In addition, we have prepared a fee proposal to
complete inspections for the entire City.
I would be happy to discuss this information further with you. If you have any questions
regarding this information, please contact me. We would also be available to attend the
January 13th Council Work Session to provide technical support or answer questions if
you desire. Thank you for considering Howard R. Green Company for this work.
Sincerely,
Howard R. Gre mpany
e effD. Gatlin, P.E. 01/4
SDG:tw
Attachments
\ \SPNWFS \VOLI \ DATA \PROJ\000400 \400 -1604 dec.Hopkins Sump Pump.doc
1326 Energy Park Drive • St. Paul, MN 55108 • 612/644 -4389 fax 612/644 -9446 toll free 800/888 -2923
H51
WBSIIITIhG£M BIS
Formerly MSA
Consulting Engineers
Howard R. Green Company
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Benefits and Potential Savings From
Sump Pump Inspection Program
The main focus of a Sump Pump Inspection Program is to eliminate the
discharge of clear water from the sump pumps into the sanitary sewer
system. These extraneous flows typically occur during wet weather
conditions, and they have a major impact on a community's peak wet
weather flows to the sanitary sewer system.
Elimination of the sump pump discharges will reduce the City's wet
weather flows. This will also help the City meet the I/I reduction goals
that they receive from MCES. Reducing the peak wet weather flows
provides indirect savings to all by:
• Reduces the potential for sewer backups into residential basements
and /or the need for sewer bypassing.
• Reduces the costs associated with conveying the wastewater in lift
stations.
• Reduces the need for extra capacity in sanitary sewers and
wastewater treatment facilities.
The City of Hopkins has the potential to receive long -term financial
benefits from the Sump Pump Inspection Program. The following
illustrates the potential savings and /or avoided costs which can benefit
the City of Hopkins:
\ \SPNWFS \VOLI\DATA\PROI\000400 \400- 1604.dec.Hopkins Sump Pump.doc
Population 16,665 (1996)
Households 8,013 (1996)
Number of housing units (single
family to 4 -plex) 2,781 (1997)
Multiple housing units (estimate) 55
commercial establishments (estimate) 140
Based upon the results of sump pump inspections done in nearby
communities, it is estimated that the City of Hopkins would have
these approximate results:
Estimated Sump Pump Installations:
Single Pumps 7% of total 208
Multiple Pumps 1.5% of total 45
Estimated Number of Sump Pumps 253
Howard R. Green Company
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Benefits and Potential Savings From
Sump Pump Inspection Program
\ \ SPNWFSWOLIDATAWRO]\000400 \400- 1604.dec.Hopkins Sump Pump.doc
The estimated clear water discharge is as follows:
208 sump pumps x 1,400 gpd x 62 days /year
= 18,054,400 gal /year
45 multiple sump pumps x 2,800 gpd x 62 days /year ✓
= 25,866,400 gal/year
Total Estimated Clear Water Discharge
From Sump Pumps 25,866,400 gal /year
This is a significant flow related to sump pump discharges. Currently,
MCES charges for wastewater treatment equals approximately
$1,300 /million gallons. At this rate, the City of Hopkins has the ability
to avoid MCES wastewater treatment costs of up to $33,626/year by
eliminating sump pump discharges throughout the entire City.
Most communities see a two to three year payback through avoided costs
for wastewater treatment by conducting a Sump Pump Inspection
Program. The community benefits with continued reduction of costs by
enforcing the sump pump codes beyond the initial payback period. Some
communities that rank high in peak wet weather flow ratios, such as
Farmington (see ranking by the MCES) have received paybacks within
one year or less. Today, Farmington's $90,000 investment in a Sump
Pump Program has resulted in over $1.0 million in avoided wastewater
treatment plant costs to the MCES since 1993.
The phased program being implemented in Hopkins allows problem
areas experiencing highest I/1 to be inspected first. This will be most
effective in reducing 1/1 flows for the lowest cost.
Based upon an estimated budget for the entire program of $104,151 (see
Proposal) it appears that for Hopkins the Sump Pump Inspection program
could pay for itself in approximately three years. ($104,151/$33,626/year
= 3.1 years)
Howard R. Green Company
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Fee (from September 5, 1997 Proposal)
Howard R. Green Company will complete your project for the
following fees:
Inspected Residential Properties
Inspected Non - Residential Properties
Reinspections for Both
\ \SPNWFS \VOLI\DATA\PROJ\000400 \400- 1604.dec.Hopkins Sump Pump.doc
$27.50 /property
$38.50 /property
$49.50 /property
The above costs include time allotments for documentation and
setting up forms.
Additional costs to assist in the training of City personnel (if
required) and in the citizen communication portion of the project
are.
Preparation of a Video
$3,200 estimated for Howard R. Green Company time and
expenses plus not more than $1,000 production costs to be paid
directly by the City.
Handout Preparation
$1,600 estimated for Howard R. Green Company time. Printing
and distribution costs to be paid for by the City. Actual Howard
R. Green Company costs will be determined by Hopkins'
wishes.
Training of City Personnel
$800 maximum cost for Howard R. Green Company time and
expenses. This will only be required if the City of Hopkins'
wishes to have their personnel trained to perform the sump pump
inspections.
Proposed Fee
Howard R. Green Company
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Anticipated 1997 -1998 Budget for Entire Program
1. Initial Residential Inspections
(Single family to 4 -plex)
2. Initial Non - Residential Inspections
29 Commercial
26 Multiple Residential
3. Reinspections
4. Video
5. Handouts
6. Training
TOTAL BUDGET $104,151
Anticipated 1997 -1998 Budget for Phase I Program
1. Authorized Contract Amount $22,297
Net Additional Fee to Complete Entire Program $81,854
NOTE: If the City considers completing remaining inspections with City
personnel, Howard R. Green estimates that approximately 2,000 person
hours will be required. That could be a full -time person for one year or a
part -time person over an extended period of time. Also, our fees for the
program are based on estimated numbers of inspections. Actual final
program costs will be based on a number of units actually inspected and
reinspected.
\ \SPN W FS \VOLI \DATA\PROJ\000400 \400- 1604.dec.Hopkins Sump Pump.doc
2,781 x $27.50 = $76,477.50
140 x $37.50
55 x $37.50
278 x $49.50
7,312.50
13,701
4,200
1,600
800