Sump Pumps in Centennial, CO

Districts, not one city utility

The City of Centennial does not run water or sewer. Service comes from several water and sanitation districts, and much of the water arrives through Denver Water distributors. The city's sanitation district map lists Castlewood, Southgate, South Arapahoe, Havana, East Cherry Creek Valley, South Englewood No. 1 and the Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority. Any of those sewers is built for household wastewater, so pit water should not be routed into a floor drain or cleanout.

Backflow rules depend on the district too. In Southgate's area, district rules make backflow devices the property owner's responsibility to maintain, repair and replace, but an annual testing requirement for homes was not confirmed for Centennial districts. If a water-powered backup interests you, ask the plumber to check with your district first.

Choosing a backup

Signs to watch

• Pit full after rain and the motor never starts
• Constant running with little drop in the water level
• Short, frequent cycles
• Backflow into the pit when the pump stops
• A damp basement smell or stained drywall near the floor
• Tripped breaker or GFCI when the pump starts

When to schedule

Most pumps fail after sitting idle, not from overwork, so a quick test twice a year catches a seized impeller or stuck float early. In winter, look at the outdoor end of the line after a hard freeze; ice there can back water up into the basin. Centennial's rolling hills and ravines mean some lots shed water toward the house during summer storms. Having the pump checked during a dry stretch, before snowmelt and thunderstorm season, beats calling mid-downpour. The City of Centennial Building Division requires a permit for any work on plumbing systems, so if the job involves new drain piping, the plumber can arrange it.