Sump pumps are one of the most important mechanical system in your home. Found in the lowest level of your home, a sump pit and sump pump are responsible for keeping your basement water-free and helps to keep you worry-free by eliminating damage, leaks and even basement shifting due to ground water in and around your home.

In 1990, the City of Winnipeg implemented a by-law that specified weeping tiles, which are installed around the perimeter of your foundation, channel ground water to a sump pit and sump pump system. When the water reaches a certain level in the pit, the sump pump sends the water up and out of the house and away from the foundation.

If the pipe or hose coming from the home is not properly placed, the water coming from the pump can cause problems by creating standing water if there is not additional drainage, ice build-up in the winter, or even damage to neighboring homes if the water flows toward their foundation.

Now, the City of Winnipeg has implemented a new Lot Grading by-law that will now make it mandatory for positive water drainage from your sump pump away from your home and onto a splash pad and not on adjacent properties and streets.

Sump Pump Discharge Pipe
(10) All sump pump discharge pipes discharging weeping tile water shall be located such that effective positive drainage away from the structures is achieved. These sump pump discharge pipes shall be fitted with a suitable elbow and shall discharge onto a splash pad as detailed in Schedule C or by an equivalent method approved by the designated City Administrator, and shall not be located nor directed so as to cause discharge water to drain directly onto adjacent property and streets. Sump pump installation requirements are specified in Building By-law No. 4555/87.

In a community list Sage Creek, which is home to breathtaking prairie landscapes made up of natural wetlands and native grasses, it’s recommended that sump pump water does not drain into the wetlands directly or across trails or other community pathways.

If you have any questions about the new by-law and what that means for your home or future home in Sage Creek, contact __________.