Footing Drain Disconnection Program

A footing drain is a series of pipes around and under your home that moves groundwater and stormwater away from your foundation.

In some homes, the footing drains connect to the sanitary sewer system and flow to the Water Resource Recovery Facility.

Excess stormwater and groundwater entering the sanitary sewer system can cause the sanitary sewers to exceed their capacity. The result is sewer backups in basements of homes in many areas of the city. It can also overload the Water Resource Recovery Facility.

By disconnecting footing drains and redirecting this water to the stormwater system, we can eliminate backups and reduce water treatment costs.

Become informed. We send informational packets to homes in neighborhoods targeted for the disconnect program.

If we select your neighborhood for the program, you should arrange for an in-home project evaluation with one of the approved contractors. They will determine if there is a need for disconnection. A list of approved contractors is below. It is also included in the information packet delivered to target area homes.

The approved contractor will respond to your request within 3 business days.

If there is a need for disconnection, the contractor will provide an estimate of the project scope and cost. The estimate will define what part of the project’s expense will be covered by the City and what, if any, will be the homeowner’s responsibility. Generally, the program covers all expenses.

Once the estimate is complete, the contractor will submit the necessary forms to secure funding to the Project Manager for approval. If the estimated City costs exceeds $4500.00, the contractor will submit more paperwork explaining the need for such costs. You will then need to contact a different approved contractor from the list to get a second estimate and secure funding. This is only needed if the estimated City cost for disconnection exceeds $4500.00. The approved contractor with the lowest estimate will perform the work. The approved contractor will contact the homeowner to schedule the work after receiving approval from the Project Manager.

Once your project is complete, please return the survey included in your informational packet. There is also a link to the online survey below. This survey lets the FDDP team know if the body of work was completed to your satisfaction or if you have any concerns that need to be addressed.

Alternative Mechanical

616-452-6554
1200 Jefferson Ave SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49507
Average Rating 4.5/5 based on surveys from 50 homes

McDonald Plumbing

616-698-6771
7791 Eastern Ave SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508-7218
Average Rating 4/5 based on surveys from 52 homes

When the city targets a neighborhood for disconnect, the footing drain disconnect ordinance requires homeowners within the project area to take part.

If you choose to opt out, there is a monthly non-compliance charge. The annual rate study determines this charge based on actual costs for the additional discharge of ground and stormwater into the sanitary sewer system and backup claims.

View the Water Rate Study

Once your project is complete, please return the survey included in your informational packet. There is also a link to the online survey below. This survey lets the FDDP team know if the body of work was completed to your satisfaction or if you have any concerns that need to be addressed.

Take the Online Survey

We've put together a document that answers commonly asked questions about the program.

If you still have questions or concerns, let us know. Our phone number and email address are in the Contact Us section.

Download the PDF Guide