Littleton sump pumps usually fail because of a float that sticks, a check valve that leaks back, a lost power supply or a motor at the end of its life. Littleton splits water and sewer between Denver Water and the city, which shapes where your sump water can go and who you call when a drain backs up. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Littleton.
Who handles what in Littleton?
Water comes from Denver Water for all City of Littleton residents, but sewer is a city service. Most city residents are billed for sewer and storm drainage by the City of Littleton, and wastewater is treated at South Platte Renew, which Littleton and Englewood own together. Residents of connecting communities are billed by their own sanitation district. Either way, a sanitary sewer is built for household wastewater, so a sump discharge connected to a laundry tub or floor drain should be moved outdoors. If a floor drain is backing up instead, the city takes after-hours sewer emergencies at 303-794-1551 and calls during normal hours at 303-795-3959.
Does an older Littleton house change anything?
Littleton grew rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s, and some of those homes have basements where a pump was added well after construction. Those setups sometimes have a discharge that empties right next to the foundation, so the same water cycles back into the pit. Moving the outlet farther out can cut run time and wear. A pump that has been running for years in an older basement is also worth testing before spring snowmelt and summer storms, when it has to work hardest. Lots in low spots near the South Platte River may see the pump run more often after wet weather.
Do I need a permit, and which office issues it?
The City of Littleton Permit Center requires permits to install, alter, repair or replace any plumbing system within city jurisdiction, and homeowners doing their own single-discipline work sign a Homeowner Affidavit. Ask whether your pump job falls under that. Be aware that Littleton ZIP codes reach well past city limits into unincorporated areas such as Columbine, Ken Caryl and parts near Highlands Ranch. Addresses with a Littleton mailing address outside city limits get permits from the county instead.
A note on backups
A battery backup with its own float is the simplest protection for an outage. If you prefer a water-powered unit on Denver Water service, it will need backflow protection on the supply line, so ask the plumber what Denver Water expects before you buy one.
Sump Pumps questions in Littleton
Who do I call if water is coming up through a floor drain instead?
Do I need a permit to replace a sump pump?
Should I buy a bigger pump if mine can't keep up?
How can I test my sump pump myself?
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