← Back to the list of projects

City of Ann Arbor SSWWEP - Citizens Advisory Committee Coordination — City of Ann Arbor

← Back to messages

Periodic testing and inspection requirements for water powered back-up sump pumps.

Posted by Joe Conen on 15 Feb, 2014
Category: Category 2 - about potential recommendations

I believe that the water back up system requires periodic testing by a licensed plumber and inspection by the city. Please provide a description and the frequency for this requirement (if there is a requirement)  and an estimate of the costs for this. For costs, please include both the testing and inspection costs.
Thanks
Joe

Comments

Frank Burdick on 17 Feb, 2014:

In addition, these same systems are equpped with audible alarms.  I have heard that these don't work very good.

What is the cost for the alarms?

Michelle Lovasz on 22 Feb, 2014:

I think this is significant to our considerations.  In looking at "Removal at the Source" as an option then if the costs are put on that particular source (address, or area of addresses) because they can, that puts an undue expense on an individual address or area for what is, truly, a municipal concern.  How that expense is borne is significant to our considerations.

Joe Conen on 14 Mar, 2014:

To clarify, I do not believe there is any requirement to test the pump. I do believe a "backflow preventer" is required as part of the installation of the water powered backup pump. This is to protect the city water supply, I think.
I was informed that the city requires periodic testing of this backflow preventer. The implication was that a licensed plumber is required to do this. When I asked a plumbing company, they estimated this testing would cost about $125 if no repair was needed.  Is it possible to get confirmation of this requirement, confirmation or estimation of the testing costs, and whether there are associated city inspection costs?
Joe

Lori Byron on 24 Mar, 2014:

[CITY]

There is a backflow valve as part of the water powered back-up system that requires inspection by a certified plumber every 3 years (this inspection ensures that sump water is not mixing with the pressurized potable water).

The estimated cost for this inspection is $90-$100.

There are no associated City inspection costs.


Joe Conen on 24 Mar, 2014:

thanks
Joe

Jim Osborn on 25 Mar, 2014:

Why can't the city get a bulk rate deal in a similar way to how AAA does with tow truck drivers? It should not need to cost $100 for an inspection. It doesn't take half a day. This is an example of what is wrong with the old FDD program,

Lori Byron on 24 Apr, 2014:

A: Currently, the homeowner is responsible for having the inspections performed, not the City, therefore there is not an opportunity for a “bulk discount” under the current system. If the City were to coordinate the inspection effort in order to obtain such a discount, it would require additional City resources, and therefore additional administrative cost.