Sump Pump Wars Have Erupted in New York State
After the recent significant rainfall across New York State, many areas are still dealing with lingering floodwaters. An incredible amount of rain fell on the first couple of days of September, and portions of Western New York even experienced tornadoes.
As damage continues to be assessed, many homeowners are asking an important question: What are the laws when it comes to drainage and discharging sump pump water onto a neighbor’s property?
What Are the Sump Pump Laws in New York State?
There are few things more frustrating than dealing with flooding in or around your home. While some factors are out of your control, what you do with that water is something you can manage.
If you have been watching online, some neighbors are fighting over where sump pump water ends up after a storm.
Related: New York State Enforcing This Noise Law
In New York State, sump pump and drainage laws typically depend on your specific county or municipality. However, in most cases:
- It is illegal to knowingly discharge sump pump water onto a neighbor’s property
- It is also illegal to cause damage to another property due to that discharge
In emergency situations, such as a flooded basement, you may have limited options. However, even then, homeowners are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent water from impacting neighboring properties.
If you’re installing or using a sump pump, be very mindful of where that water ultimately flows. There was a recent Bill introduced in New York State that would allow for a credit for those who replace their sump pump. "Establishes a sump pump installation and replacement tax credit for homeowners who use the home as their principal residence and who have an income of less than $250,000".
Heavy Rain and Flooding Impact Across Western New York
The heavy rain has dumped more than 2 inches of rain in many areas, leading to widespread flooding that even delayed football games in Western New York.
What To Do If You’re Dealing With Flooding
In some parts of the state, water moved rapidly through roads and neighborhoods, leaving homeowners dealing with flooded basements and water intrusion.
If you’re facing recurring flooding issues, here are a few important steps to consider:
- Contact a drainage professional
Certified contractors can design systems that move water safely away from your home or business. - Maintain gutters, drains, and ditches
Keeping them clear of debris helps water flow away more efficiently. - Upgrade your sump pump system
Consider adding a battery backup or gravity-fed system to prepare for power outages.
Even the best sump systems struggled to keep up with the volume of rainfall this week. When water has nowhere to go, it backs up into sump pumps, drainage pipes, and eventually into homes.
Perfect Weather is Coming Our Way
The sunshine and cooler weather is coming for the unofficial end of Summer this Labor Day weekend. Now is a good time to prepare for the fall and the storms that could come later this season.
Now is a good time to:
- Get estimates from local contractors
- Inspect or replace your sump pump
- Prepare for the next heavy rainfall event
A little preparation now could save you from major headaches later.