It’s virtually impossible to separate Cincinnati and the surrounding areas from the rivers that helped build the city into the industrial and commercial force it is today. Those same waterways that pump life into the city have also been a source of enormous devastation. When heavy rains cause the banks of the Ohio, Little Miami, and Great Miami rivers to swell, flooding is almost inevitable.
A History of Flooding
The sprawling plains, lush forests, and rolling hills of southwest Ohio are a natural beauty. The geographical landscape that makes this part of the state so picturesque also puts Cincinnati at high risk for flooding. The effects of low-lying terrain, converging major waterways, and a 14-state watershed mean the city faces the full force of Mother Nature when heavy rains hit.
The history of flooding in the city goes back generations. In 1937, for example, the Ohio River surged by nearly 80 feet, leaving many neighborhoods under water. In 1997, the high-water point reached roughly 65 feet above the normal riverbanks. Unfortunately, these “once-in-a-lifetime” catastrophes are increasingly becoming “once-in-a-decade” problems.
Cutting-Edge Water Management Gone Awry
Cincinnati’s combined sewer infrastructure, once a model for wastewater and storm drainage management, is aging. Many neighborhoods still rely on systems that are easily overwhelmed by the pressures of growing populations and more frequent heavy rains.
When capacity is pushed beyond its limits, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) discharge untreated stormwater and raw sewage into waterways, streets, and, most critically, homes and basements. In low-lying areas like Northside, Lower Price Hill, and the Mill Creek floodplain, the influx of untreated water is a serious threat.
Responding after waters have caused extensive property damage, adverse health events, and operational downtime can come with a high price tag. Because flooding in the Queen City is a matter of “when” and not “if,” proactive planning is an absolute must.
Defending People and Property Against Flooding
With no clear signs that our flood risks will see a meaningful reduction in the coming years, investing in sump and sewer eject pumps is a critical first line of defense to prevent water and sewage from entering your building and causing extensive problems.
Sump pumps work by removing excess rainwater and groundwater from your basement, keeping your foundation safe. These pumps ensure water is pumped away from your property, reducing the risk of basement flooding and the damage it can cause to your inventory and infrastructure
Sewer eject pumps are necessary for buildings with plumbing fixtures located below the main sewer line. When the sewer system is overwhelmed, these pumps lift sewage and wastewater out of the lower levels and send it into the main line, preventing sewage backups in your basement.
Simply installing these systems isn’t enough. Regular maintenance plans are essential to ensure long-term reliability and readiness. Here’s what needs to be done to ensure proper system function:
- Sump pumps: A professional inspection and cleaning are recommended annually. You should also test your sump pump quarterly by pouring five gallons of water into the pit to ensure it activates and drains properly. If your pump relies on a battery backup, check its charge every four months and plan for battery replacement every two to three years. A typical sump pump lasts seven to 10 years.
- Sewer eject pumps: An annual inspection of the basin is crucial to check for buildup, blockages, or worn seals. Regularly test the pump by running water from a connected fixture to confirm smooth operation.
Overlooking early signs of pump failure can lead to major disruptions. What starts as unusual noise or inconsistent performance can quickly escalate into flooded facilities, exposure to sewage, damaged inventory, and operational shutdowns. These outcomes drive up emergency repair costs and directly impact your bottom line and business reputation.
Common warning signs include pumps that run nonstop, make grinding or rattling noises, cycle too often, or fail to manage water levels. Slow drainage, foul odors, and sewage backups are some of the biggest red flags that point to ejector pump failure.
Planning for Disaster Can Keep Cincinnati Strong and Safe
The city’s historic combined sewer system, once a marvel of 19th-century engineering, is no longer enough, especially during heavy rainfall. Aging infrastructure and low-lying terrain compound the problem even further.
As Cincinnati continues to grapple with outdated systems and unpredictable weather patterns, commercial property owners must take proactive steps to safeguard their buildings. Installing reliable sump pump and sewer eject pump systems, performing regular maintenance, and developing an emergency response plan helps ensure businesses can continue to operate smoothly, even during the most severe storms.
At Enervise, we’re committed to helping property owners and managers avoid the high price that can follow once floodwaters have receded. Whether you already have appropriate prevention systems in place and require inspection and upkeep, or you’re assessing what rolling out sump and sewer eject pump infrastructure in your property would entail, our professionals are standing by to provide you with the support you need. Contact us today to learn more.
