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Service · Evanston

Overhead sewers in Evanston

Evanston’s combined sewers and century-old basements make overhead sewers one of the most common basement-protection projects in the city.

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Why Evanston homes consider it

Evanston describes a combined sewer system, in which storm and sanitary flows share pipes in many areas.

Source: City of Evanston — Combined Sewer System

With about four in ten homes built before 1940 (ACS-based estimate), many have floor drains and basement fixtures below street-sewer level. During intense storms, those are the openings that back up.

How it works

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.

Older-home challenges

  • Original basement floors may need to be broken out to reroute drains.
  • Cast-iron or clay building sewers may need repair while open.
  • Basement laundry, baths and floor drains all need to drain to the ejector.
  • Finished basements add demolition and restoration.

Permits and contractors in Evanston

All contractors working under a City of Evanston permit must be registered with the City; licensed plumbers are not registration-eligible because they are State-licensed.

Source: City of Evanston 311 — Contractor registration for permitted work

Water and sewer permits are handled by the City’s Permit Desk.

Financial help

Evanston publishes a Sewer Repair Financial Assistance Program for private sewer lateral repairs in the City right-of-way.

Source: City of Evanston — Sewer Repair Financial Assistance Program

What we could not confirm

  • Whether Evanston currently offers an overhead-sewer cost share. Earlier programs have been reported in the region; confirm with Evanston Public Works.

Check with the official source before relying on these points.

What affects the cost

We do not publish prices. Providers typically consider the number of basement fixtures, floor removal and restoration, building sewer condition, ejector and electrical work, permits and finishes. Ask how the price is calculated before work starts.

Frequently asked questions

Will an overhead sewer work during a power outage?

Upper floors keep draining by gravity. Basement fixtures depend on the ejector pump, so avoid using them during an outage unless there is backup power.

Is a backwater valve an alternative?

Yes, in some homes. It is simpler but closes the whole building’s drain while shut. Compare options

Related

Sources

  1. City of Evanston — Combined Sewer System Official / primary
  2. City of Evanston — Sewer Repair Financial Assistance Program Official / primary
  3. City of Evanston 311 — Contractor registration for permitted work Official / primary
  4. NeighborhoodScout — Evanston housing age (ACS) Secondary

Information can change; official sources control.

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