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Service · Schaumburg

Overhead sewer conversion in Schaumburg

Schaumburg pays half the cost of converting a detached single-family home from a gravity sewer to an overhead sewer, up to $5,000. Here is how the conversion and the program fit together.

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The Village cost share

Through its Overhead Sewer Cost Share Program, the Village reimburses homeowners of detached single-family homes 50% of the cost of converting a gravity sewer system to an overhead sewer system, up to $5,000. Homeowners contact Community Development, and an inspector visits to judge feasibility.

Source: Village of Schaumburg — Overhead Sewer Cost Share Program

Sealed ejector pit with discharge piping rising to an overhead sewer line
Illustration

How the conversion 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.

Schaumburg homes

Most Schaumburg single-family homes were built during the 1960s–80s on gravity sewers, with floor drains and sometimes basement bathrooms below street-sewer level. Converting means routing basement fixtures to an ejector pit and raising the building sewer exit.

Permits and inspections

Plumbing contractors must hold a State of Illinois plumbing contractor license and submit a copy before a permit is issued, and a letter of intent is included with plumbing permit applications. Plumbing work requires underground, rough and final inspections.

Source: Village of Schaumburg — Commercial plumbing permits

Footing drains

The Village also runs a Footing Drain Disconnection Cost Share Program for separating footing drains from the sanitary sewer.

Source: Village of Schaumburg — Footing Drain Disconnection Cost Share Program

What affects the cost

We do not publish prices.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

Frequently asked questions

Do townhomes qualify?

The Village describes the program for detached single-family homes. Ask the Village about other housing types.

Do I need Village approval before work?

The Village’s process starts with contacting Community Development and an inspector’s feasibility visit — do that before signing a contract.

Related

Sources

  1. Village of Schaumburg — Commercial plumbing permits Official / primary
  2. Village of Schaumburg — Overhead Sewer Cost Share Program Official / primary
  3. Village of Schaumburg — Footing Drain Disconnection Cost Share Program Official / primary

Information can change; official sources control.

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