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Rain garden maintenance – Early Fall 2026: Record-setting rainfall and stormwater runoff across Columbus led to the accumulation of weeds, trash and debris in our rain garden basins. This accumulation shows basins function as designed, removing pollutants from our rivers and streams. Contractors are currently removing those items, ahead of planned mulching, pruning and replanting of the basins as necessary this fall.  All Blueprint rain gardens continue to receive monthly maintenance. You can learn more about the maintenance program HERE

Sump Pump

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SUMP PUMP UPDATE:

Blueprint Columbus has concluded our voluntary sump pump program in the Clintonville 1 project area (Find your project area using our interactive map). If you are on the waitlist as of 10/2/2026, we will still contact you to schedule an inspection.

Thanks to many of you, Blueprint has exceeded our goal of sump pump installations in Clintonville 1 over the last 10 years, meeting regulatory requirements to keep rainwater out of the sanitary sewers. You can learn more about the sump pump program goals and requirements below. No other Blueprint project areas are impacted by this change.

Please contact the outreach team with any questions. 

Sump Pumps for Blueprint Neighborhoods

One of the central goals for Blueprint Columbus is to keep rainwater out of the sanitary sewer system, preventing it from filling up beyond its capacity and overflowing into rivers or basements. To reduce water entering our sanitary system from pipes near home foundations, Blueprint is installing sump pumps for qualifying homeowners. 

 

NOTE: The goal of the Blueprint sump pump program is to reduce sanitary sewer overflows as designated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Consent Order governing this critical work. While a sump pump can reduce basement flooding, such reductions are not the primary goal of the installation program. Contact a Blueprint representative if you have individual property questions. 

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How Does A Sump Pump Help My Home?

Older homes were built before sump pumps were commonly used to direct rainwater away from the foundation drain. In homes built before the 1960s, the foundation drain connects directly to the sanitary sewer. During heavy rain events, those foundation drains push a lot of rainwater into our sanitary sewer system, contributing to sewer overflows.

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Sump Pumps: From Application to Installation

Application & Written Agreement

Interested homeowners can apply for the sump pump program, after which City staff will determine eligibility. Those eligible will enter into a written agreement with the City of Columbus authorizing the installation of a sump pump.

Eligibility

All residents living in single family or duplex homes within an active Blueprint project area are eligible for a sump pump through Blueprint.

Pit & Pump Installation

A hole measuring 2-3 feet deep and 2-3 feet wide is dug in the basement floor. The sump pit is installed in the hole and weighted down, following which the sump pump is placed into the pit.

Direct Water Away

To direct water away from the house, a PVC pipe is installed from the pump, through the basement wall, into a shallow trench leading to the discharge location – usually the street, but always at least 7 feet from the house.

We Replace Your Concrete

The final step is to replace the concrete around the sump pit in the basement floor. Once that’s done, the homeowner has their new sump pump, free of charge and complete with a backup battery and 1-year warranty!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sump pump?

A small pump inside a pit in the basement floor that directs water away from the home’s foundation, into a pipe that leads to the street. Sump pumps have been a standard requirement in new homes since the mid-1960s.

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Why is the City installing sump pumps in homes in my neighborhood?

Sump pumps keep rainwater out of the sanitary sewer by directing it away from your home’s foundation and into a pipe that leads to the street where it can drain into the storm sewer system. The City is offering sump pumps to eligible homeowners in areas where a lot of rainwater is getting into the sanitary sewer.

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Who is eligible for a sump pump?

Residents with a single-family or duplex home can apply for the program if the home is located in an area where the City is implementing Blueprint Columbus. The City will determine eligibility after investigating whether a sump pump would be a cost-effective application.

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Will this cost me anything?

There are no direct costs to the homeowner. Blueprint Columbus is a solution to a problem that affects the entire community and is being paid for with revenue from City sewer bills.

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How does water get into a sump pit?

The foundation drain, which is a perforated pipe around the perimeter of the basement, collects groundwater and directs it to the pit.

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Can I choose my own contractor?

No, the City will select the contractor and enter into an agreement with the contractor.

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If the sump pump fails, who will replace it?

The sump pump will come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Once the warranty period is over, the homeowner will be responsible for replacing a failed sump pump.

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Will the sump pump keep my basement dry?

There is no guarantee that a sump pump will keep rainwater from seeping into your basement. For example, a sump pump will not stop water from seeping into a basement through windows or walls. However, in most cases, a sump pump will improve a basement’s drainage.

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What happens if the electricity goes off during a storm?

The sump pump will have a battery back-up.

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Who is responsible for maintaining the sump pump?

Once installed, the homeowner will be responsible for maintaining the sump pump.

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Is there an income requirement to participate in this program?

No, anyone in the project area is eligible to apply for the sump pump program. Residents who do not have a sump pump or have a non-working sump pump qualify for an inspection.

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Will the sump pump waterproof my basement?

The sump pump program is not a waterproofing program.  Putting in a sump pump helps us reach our project goal of keeping rainwater out of the sanitary sewer system.  Sump pumps also help with drawing water away from a home’s foundation and directing it out to the street—which helps keep basements drier.

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Do the rain gardens make a sump pump necessary?

No, the rain gardens are directly connected to the storm sewer system.  Rain gardens help get rainwater runoff out of the street and act as natural filters for rainwater before it reaches our storm sewers and eventually a river or stream.  Rain gardens do not cause basement flooding.

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Why should I get a sump pump?

The goal of the project is to carry away as much rainwater as possible from your home. The sump pump is provided as an additional component of the project to address any direct connections of the foundation drain from the lateral line and to mitigate additional rainwater from seeping into the sanitary pipe at the connection joints.

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