Why sump pumps are a live issue in De Pere
De Pere straddles the Fox River, and its housing runs from riverfront homes built before 1940 (about 10% of units) to newer subdivisions. The median home was built in 1985, according to Census estimates.
Many older homes had their foundation drains tied into the sanitary sewer. The city says that clear water fills the system in wet weather, and that the NEW Water treatment plant has run at capacity during storms and snowmelt. To fix it, De Pere sent letters to homes likely to lack a sump pump based on age and city records. Its Foundation Drain Disconnection Program requires those drains to be disconnected and sent to a new sump pump. The pump then discharges to the lawn or to a storm lateral where one exists.
Permits, inspections and the city mandate
Since January 1, 2025, the city has been mandating disconnection for properties found to have foundation drains tied to the sanitary sewer. That includes homes flagged in inspections and homes seen discharging clear water during sewer maintenance. An owner who gets a corrective action letter has 60 days to finish the work. If they don't, the city can add a monthly clear water surcharge to the water bill.
- Your plumber pulls a plumbing permit through the Building Inspection Division. To book the required preliminary walkthrough, call 920-339-4052.
- The work is approved through an in-person inspection, or through post-construction lateral televising plus a signed plumber affidavit.
- Homes on a slab, homes with a crawl space and older fieldstone basements usually have no foundation drains. They can get an exemption letter after an inspection.
For other waterproofing or structural work, the city's permit guide says a permit is required before repairs and alterations. Plumbing work must be supervised by a master plumber.
Cost notes for De Pere
Under the mandate, the city's program page lists a reimbursement of 50% of eligible work, up to $2,500 on $5,000 of work. Eligible work covers cutting the floor, disconnecting the drain and installing the crock, pump and discharge to the lawn. New underdrain or a storm lateral to the right-of-way is not reimbursable. Confirm the current terms with Engineering before you sign a contract. For typical pricing, see the sump pump cost guide, the French drain cost guide and the basement waterproofing cost guide.
How to get quotes in De Pere
Use the basement estimator to rough out the scope, then send your De Pere address through the quote form. Independent waterproofing contractors and plumbers who work in Brown County quote you directly. Ask each one to say which line items count toward the city reimbursement.
Nearby towns
Ashwaubenon, Howard, Kaukauna and the rest of the Green Bay area.