Underground Utility Contractor in Iowa City, IA

Iowa City is the largest city in Johnson County, with an estimated 76,710 residents (2024 Census estimate) on about 26 square miles of land.

Sump pumps, footing drains and where the water goes

Many homes collect groundwater around their foundations with footing drains and lift it out with a sump pump. Where that water ends up matters: discharged onto a lawn it can return to the foundation or reach a neighbor, and connected to a sanitary sewer it can overload the system, which many sewer owners prohibit.

When an owner wants a better arrangement, the options usually include:

A buried discharge line

Carrying the pump's water farther from the house, to an outlet the city allows.

A storm sewer connection

Where the city permits it, a line from the sump to a storm structure or a storm service at the street, inspected before backfill.

Disconnection

Removing an existing sump or downspout connection from the sanitary sewer, if the city requires it.

Each option begins with the city's rules, an Iowa One Call locate and a look at what lies between the house and the street. Where a drive or a tree is in the way, the line can be placed by directional drilling.

We also take on larger storm, sewer, water and conduit work for businesses and public owners in Iowa City.

Notice before digging

Iowa One Call receives locate requests under Iowa Code chapter 480. Notice must be given 48 hours before digging, counted from 6:00 a.m. on the next business day with weekends and holidays excluded, and the ticket lasts 25 calendar days (section 480.4).

Around Iowa City

University Heights, Coralville, Hills, Tiffin, North Liberty, West Branch and Solon are near Iowa City. We work in those communities too.

For a sump or drainage question, include photos of where the water discharges today and any letter the city has sent. We reply with our questions and the options we recommend.