Heavy spring rains, summer downpours, and snowmelt can turn a dry Homer Glen basement into a headache fast. If you have a sump pump or are thinking about installing one, a few smart choices can make the difference between peace of mind and a costly cleanup. In this guide, you’ll learn how sump pumps work, where you can legally discharge water in Homer Glen, what to budget, and the simple maintenance steps that keep everything running. Let’s dive in.
Why basements get wet in Homer Glen
Homer Glen sees about 40 inches of precipitation each year, with the heaviest totals in spring and early summer. Local climate data helps explain why groundwater and surface runoff are common concerns. Even homes outside FEMA’s mapped floodplains can see seepage during intense storms or when gutters and grading are not doing their job.
The Village uses FEMA flood maps and local stormwater rules to guide development and drainage work. You can follow current projects and stormwater updates on the Village stormwater page.
Sump pump basics that work here
A sump system collects water from footing drains and pushes it away from your foundation. The most common options are:
- Submersible pumps that sit in the pit, run quieter, and handle higher volumes.
- Pedestal pumps with the motor above the pit that are easier to service and usually lower cost.
- Backup systems that keep water moving during outages. InterNACHI’s homeowner guide recommends battery backups or combination units for storm-related power loss.
Key components to expect:
- A correctly sized basin and pump matched to your lift height and required flow.
- A check valve on the discharge line to prevent water from flowing back into the pit.
- Discharge piping routed away from the foundation to an approved outlet with freeze protection.
- Optional alarm or remote notification for high water.
Local rules: where your sump can discharge
Homer Glen and Will County prohibit sending sump or roof runoff into the sanitary sewer. The county code confirms this to prevent sanitary backups and treatment plant overload. You can review the county guidance on sanitary discharge prohibitions.
Overland discharge must not create a nuisance. Village rules advise avoiding discharge that terminates on or within about 10 feet of the public right of way or a neighbor’s property line when feasible, and you must not create icing, ponding, or erosion hazards. See the Village’s rights of way and nuisance language for details.
Some subdivisions include a storm sewer tie-in. The Village has adopted Will County stormwater standards, and certain areas may allow or require a connection using approved fittings. Always confirm your exact discharge location and any tie-in permissions with Village Public Works or Engineering before you install or alter a system. You can review the Village’s stormwater standards and adoption language here.
Simple drainage fixes with big payoff
Start at the surface. Your goal is positive drainage so water moves away from your home.
- Grade soil to slope away from the foundation.
- Clean gutters regularly and extend downspouts several feet from the house.
- Use splash blocks, pop-up emitters, or a swale to carry roof water to safe ground.
If surface fixes are not enough, subsurface drainage helps. Perimeter drains that feed a sump are common, and exterior waterproofing is effective but more costly. Dry wells or infiltration trenches can work if soils allow and the Village approves the design.
What to budget in the Chicagoland region
Costs vary by home and scope. A simple pump replacement can be a few hundred dollars, while a new pit with drain tile and discharge routing often falls in the 600 to 2,000 plus range. Battery backups usually add several hundred dollars. Check recent ranges and then get multiple local quotes to confirm your numbers using this regional cost reference. Ask about permits and inspections before work starts.
Winter and safety tips
Frozen discharge lines can block flow and lead to backups. Position your outlet so it does not ice over sidewalks or streets, which violates Village rules and creates a hazard. If freezing is a recurring issue, consider insulating exposed piping or adding heat tracing. Review the Village guidance on avoiding nuisance discharge.
Quick maintenance checklist
A little routine attention helps avoid surprises during the first big storm.
- Monthly or quarterly: check the pit, make sure the float moves, and clear debris from the outlet.
- Twice a year or before storm season: pour water into the pit to test the pump, inspect the check valve and discharge line, and test your backup system. See this seasonal checklist for a simple routine.
- Annually: schedule a professional inspection if your sump is critical to keeping the basement dry. Replace backup batteries every 3 to 5 years per manufacturer guidance.
Buyers and sellers: disclosures and insurance
If you are selling, Illinois law requires you to disclose known flooding or recurring leakage, floodplain status, and material basement or foundation defects. Review the state’s disclosure requirements in the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act.
Standard homeowners policies usually do not cover flood damage. NFIP flood insurance or a private flood policy is how you insure for flood. Basements have special coverage limits, so confirm details with your carrier. You can review NFIP basics in this overview. Also check whether your homeowners policy includes a sump or sewer backup endorsement, which many insurers treat as an add-on.
How we can help
A dry, well-maintained basement protects your equity and offers peace of mind. If you are getting ready to sell or planning a purchase, we can help you think through disclosures, inspection priorities, and simple updates that boost confidence for buyers. For friendly, local guidance and connections to trusted contractors, reach out to Lena Matariyeh.
FAQs
Do Homer Glen homes need a sump pump by code?
- There is no blanket requirement for every home. Many newer builds include footing drains and a sump, and a sump is recommended where basements face high groundwater or drainage issues. Confirm any retrofit permits with the Village.
Where can a Homer Glen sump pump discharge legally?
- Not into the sanitary sewer. Discharge to an approved storm tie-in if available and permitted, or overland on your property without creating nuisance. Avoid outlets close to the public right of way or a neighbor’s line, and confirm exact standards with the Village.
What size sump pump should I buy for my Homer Glen home?
- Match the pump to your lift height and required flow, not just horsepower. Many homes use 1/3 to 1/2 HP, but high groundwater or long discharge runs may need more. A local contractor can size the system using pump curves.
How much does sump installation or replacement cost around here?
- Expect a wide range. Simple replacements can be a few hundred dollars. New pits with drain tile and a backup system often run 600 to 2,000 plus depending on complexity. Get multiple quotes and ask about permits.
How often should I test my sump pump in the Chicago suburbs?
- Do quick checks monthly or quarterly, then a full test and cleaning twice a year, especially before storm season. Replace backup batteries every 3 to 5 years and consider an annual professional inspection.
What insurance covers basement water in Homer Glen?
- Flood damage requires NFIP or private flood insurance. Homeowners policies often exclude sewer or sump backup unless you add an endorsement. Review your policy and talk to your agent about both coverages.
