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Overhead sewers in Elmhurst

Elmhurst shares the cost of overhead sewers — but the program also requires separating stormwater from the sanitary sewer, which shapes the whole project.

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Elmhurst’s overhead sewer program

Elmhurst’s 2023 Overhead Sewer Program provides 50% city cost sharing of eligible costs up to $5,000. It requires that perimeter drain tile and other stormwater sources be disconnected from the sanitary sewer, and that a sump pit and sump pump be installed.

Source: City of Elmhurst — Overhead Sewer Program (2023 PDF)

Two systems in one project

An Elmhurst conversion usually means an ejector for basement wastewater and a sump pump for groundwater from the drain tile. They are separate pits and separate discharges.

Overhead sewer conversion with an ejector pumpCross-section: basement fixtures drain to a sealed ejector pit. The pump lifts wastewater up to a new overhead sewer line near the basement ceiling, which exits above the old floor-level connection. Upper-floor fixtures drain by gravity to the overhead line. BASEMENT upper-floor drains (gravity) sealed ejector pit WC old low connection (plugged) to street sewer 1234
Diagram An overhead sewer keeps the building's sewer connection above the basement floor so a backed-up street sewer cannot flow in through floor-level openings.
  1. Ejector pump with check valve lifts basement wastewater up; it needs power, so outages matter.
  2. Overhead sewer line runs near the basement ceiling.
  3. Building sewer exits the wall at a higher elevation.
  4. Former floor-level openings are sealed under the design.
Simplified schematic, not to scale. Actual layouts vary by building.
Sump pump system with drain tile and battery backupCross-section: perforated drain tile around the footing collects groundwater and feeds a sump pit. A primary pump and a battery backup pump discharge through a check valve to the exterior, away from the foundation. BASEMENT drain tile at footing discharge away from foundation battery 12345
Diagram How a typical sump system moves groundwater out of a basement. This is groundwater, not sewage — a different system from sewer backflow protection.
  1. Drain tile collects groundwater around the foundation.
  2. Primary pump runs on household power.
  3. Battery backup pump can run during an outage, for a limited time.
  4. Check valve keeps discharged water from falling back into the pit.
  5. Discharge outlet — local rules may say where it can discharge.
Simplified schematic, not to scale. Actual layouts vary by building.

Planning questions

  • Where will the sump discharge outside?
  • Do downspouts or other storm connections go to the sanitary sewer now?
  • Is backup power planned for both pumps?
  • What happens to finished basement areas?

Before you start

What we could not confirm

  • Whether the cap is still $5,000 (2023 document).
  • Elmhurst permit fees and pre-approval steps.

Check with the official source before relying on these points.

What affects the cost

We do not publish prices. Providers typically consider ejector and sump installation, drain tile disconnection, floor work, electrical, backup power, permits and restoration. Ask how the price is calculated before work starts.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Elmhurst require a sump pump for an overhead sewer?

The program requires drain tile and other stormwater to be disconnected from the sanitary sewer; that groundwater then needs a sump pump to leave the house.

Is this the same as Schaumburg’s program?

Both share 50% up to $5,000 as published, but the rules differ — Elmhurst’s 2023 document adds stormwater-separation requirements. Check each city’s current terms.

Related

Sources

  1. City of Elmhurst — Cost-Sharing Programs Official / primary
  2. City of Elmhurst — Overhead Sewer Program (2023 PDF) Official / primary

Information can change; official sources control.

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