My Sump Pump Has Finally Stopped Running

After 3 1/2 weeks, my sump pump has finally stopped running. This is the first year in seven that it has run even once. I had to buy extended drainage tubing so it would drain in the street. I know it was a wet winter and it's been a wet spring, so that doesn't surprise me. Then I read Rick Smith's story in Wednesday's Gazette and it appears there could be another cause.

Rick's story, in case you missed it, had to do with "Infill Development," the idea that vacant properties within the city should be developed in lieu of extending the city limits. And he talked to folks who live just a couple of blocks from me -- Brian and Christine Wagner, who have been inundated with flooding on their property on Greenfield Street NE as the result new development.

Ah, hah, I thought. That could be why my sump pump and many of those in my neighborhood have been running so long this year. You see, a few years ago a townhome development was allowed to be built between our house and Blairs Ferry Road NE. One of the concerns of neighbors at the time was proper drainage.

I've heard from a couple of neighbors, who have had more runoff water than usual, that owners of those townhomes are experiencing some flooding inside their homes.

Mmmmm. Developing property inside the city limits sounds like a good idea on the surface. But, if that surface causes water to run off on neighbors' properties, it becomes a problem. We have to remember that as neighbors, what we do with our properties can affect those around us.

Sump pump or not, I could have water in my finished lower level. That wouldn't just be a headache. It would be costly to repair like the basement of the Wagners who have spent thousands of dollars on repairs and now have flood insurance. And that would stink.