Columbus, OH
Sump pumps and backup prevention in Columbus
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Blueprint Columbus is the city's program to end sanitary sewer overflows by fixing the private side. In Blueprint neighborhoods, eligible homeowners can get a sump pump and a backflow check valve on the sanitary line, plus lateral lining and roof water redirection, at no direct cost.
What's different in Columbus
Blueprint Columbus has four pillars in every Blueprint neighborhood: lateral lining, roof water redirection, a voluntary sump pump program and green infrastructure. [1]
Homeowners in Blueprint neighborhoods may be eligible for roof water redirection, lateral lining, and a sump pump with a backflow check valve on the sanitary service line, installed by city-hired contractors at no direct cost. [2]
The program is paid for through fees on Columbus water and sewer bills, including a clean water fund fee and a storm sewer maintenance fee. [2]
After mainline sewer lining in Clintonville, Columbus reported a 64% reduction in basement backups and a 72% reduction in manhole overflows. [3]
What Blueprint Columbus does on your property
| Service | What it fixes |
|---|---|
| Lateral lining | Seals cracks that let groundwater into your sewer line |
| Roof water redirection | Keeps downspout water out of the sanitary sewer |
| Sump pump | Pumps foundation water away instead of into the sewer |
| Backflow check valve on the sanitary line | Helps keep sewage from backing into the basement |
If you're not in a Blueprint neighborhood
Homeowners elsewhere can take the same steps privately: a correctly sized sump pump with a battery backup, a backwater or check valve where code allows, and downspouts that discharge well away from the foundation. A camera inspection shows whether your lateral needs lining. See sewer backup cleanup and repair.
Keeping a sump pump ready
- Pour a bucket of water into the pit every few months to confirm the pump starts and stops.
- Keep the discharge line clear and pointed away from the house.
- Test the alarm and battery backup before storm season.
- Replace pumps that cycle constantly or run hot.
Further reading: Sump pump troubleshooting.
What Columbus homeowners usually check next
- SymptomBasement flooding
Common questions
Can I get a free sump pump in Columbus?
If you live in a Blueprint Columbus neighborhood, you may be eligible for a sump pump and backflow check valve at no direct cost.
What is Blueprint Columbus?
The city's program to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows through lateral lining, roof water redirection, sump pumps and green infrastructure.
Who installs Blueprint Columbus sump pumps?
Contractors hired by the city.
How is Blueprint Columbus paid for?
Through fees on water and sewer bills, including a clean water fund fee and a storm sewer maintenance fee.
Does Blueprint Columbus work?
After lining in Clintonville, the city reported 64% fewer basement backups and 72% fewer manhole overflows.
Is the Blueprint sump pump program mandatory?
The sump pump part is voluntary.
What does roof water redirection mean?
Disconnecting downspouts from the sanitary sewer and sending roof water elsewhere.
Why line a sewer lateral in Columbus?
Lining seals cracks that let groundwater into the sanitary sewer during storms.
What is a backflow check valve on a Columbus sanitary line?
A valve on the sanitary service line that helps stop sewage from flowing back into the basement; Blueprint installs one alongside the sump pump.
Does Blueprint Columbus line my sewer lateral for free?
In Blueprint neighborhoods, lateral lining is offered at no direct cost to eligible homeowners.
More plumbing help in Columbus
How other cities handle it
Sources (3)
- City of Columbus, Blueprint Columbus · checked 2026-10-03
- WOSU, Columbus plans to add $2.5 million in sump pumps (Sept. 2022) · checked 2026-10-03
- Trenchless Technology, City of Columbus Designs Blueprint to Control Overflows · checked 2026-10-03