The Village of Mount Prospect has established the Overhead Sewer Rebate Program. The program will provide financial assistance to residents who want to convert their existing gravity-fed sanitary system into an overhead sanitary sewer system. To be eligible for this program, the homeowner must be a Village wastewater utility consumer. 

Homeowners of single-family dwellings are eligible to participate in the Overhead Sewer Rebate Program. Multi-family homes and commercial buildings are not eligible. The program offers a rebate for costs incurred by a homeowner converting an existing gravity sewer system to an overhead sewer system. The Village will reimburse an eligible homeowner for up to 50%, but not more than $7,500 of actual costs incurred. Low-income homeowners may be eligible for a 0% interest deferred loan. 

Only work performed with a valid Village of Mount Prospect permit issued by the Building and Inspection Services Department will be considered for this program. All applicable permit fees and bonds will apply.

For more information or have questions please call the Public Works Department at (847)870-5640 or  publicworksdept@mountprospect.org.

Note: To qualify for the program, applicants must be Village of Mount Prospect wastewater customers. Illinois American Water Company customers, Elk Grove Township sewer customers, or residents with privately-owned septic systems, are not eligible to participate in this program.

Overhead Sewer Rebate Program Packet

Overhead Sewer Pre-Application Form

Overhead Sewer Application Form

Building Permit Application  

Overhead Sewer Rebate Request Form

Overhead Sewer Program Process

Overhead Sewer Program Flyer

What are overhead sewers?

Overhead sewers refer to your sewer service line's relative height exiting your home when standing in your basement or lower level. In general, overhead sewers exit the house at eye level or within the basement or lower level. An overhead sanitary sewer system is designed to prevent sanitary waste, known as sewage, from flowing back into the house. This may occur during a heavy rain event when the Village combined sewer main fills to capacity. An overhead sanitary sewer line would exit the basement at eye level just below the first floor, then drops to the public sanitary or combined sewer main, preventing a sewage leak. 

Do I qualify for this program?

• The homeowner must be a Village water utility consumer.
• Homeowners of single-family dwellings are eligible to participate in the OHSR program. Multi-family homes and commercial buildings are not eligible.
• The perimeter drain tile and any other stormwater source must be disconnected from the Village's sanitary or combined sewer.
• Installation of a sump pit and sump pump is required. The sump pump is to discharge the stormwater onto the ground in the property's front or rear.

The standard program offers a rebate of the direct costs of converting an existing gravity sewer system to an overhead sewer system paid to the owner by the Village for up to 50% but not to exceed $7,500.00.

Indirect costs, such as replacing floor tile, drywall, painting, replacement/restoration of sidewalks, parkways, curbs, streets, and landscaping, may not be covered by the program. Permits required to perform work will include all applicable permit fees and bonds. Also, the program is not retroactive and may not be applied to work performed in the past.

Is there financial assistance available?

Low-income homeowners may be eligible for a 0% interest, deferred loan to cover the homeowner's share of the direct costs. There are no monthly payments on the loan. Homeowners should apply to the Village's Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Program before submitting the Overhead Sewer Rebate Application. Contact the Buildings Department at 847-870-5675 or building@mountprospect.org for a Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Program application form and any questions related to it.

Download and print the Overhead Sewer Rebate Program Packet and follow the instructions on page 3.

The homeowner needs to ensure that their contractor obtains and passes all the required permit inspections to install the system and restore any public right-of-way (sidewalk, parkway, curb, street, or driveway apron). Inspections vary depending on project detail. The list of possible inspections include: 

1. Underground plumbing – done after plumbing piping is installed before being covered with dirt.
2. Underground electric – done after electrical piping is installed before being covered with dirt.
3. Rough plumbing – done after plumbing piping is installed in any walls, ceilings, or floors before they are covered.
4. Rough electric – done after electrical piping is installed in any walls, ceilings, or floors before they are covered.
5. Final plumbing – done after all plumbing work is complete and fully operational (including power for pumps). *All public right-of-way restorations must be completed as well.
6. Final electric – done after all electrical work is complete. 

*Right-of-way work is handled differently for this program specifically. The rules for work in the public right-of-way outside of this program shall follow the Village's standard procedures. Contact the Buildings Department for details.

Casey Botterman, Water & Sewer Superintendent
847-870-5640
publicworksdept@mountprospect.org