Rainstorms should not put your home or sewer at risk. If your downspouts are tied into the sanitary line, they can overwhelm older pipes during heavy rain and send water where it does not belong. The good news is you can get paid to fix it. In this guide, you will learn how South Louisville owners can qualify for MSD’s $100 per downspout incentive, what to install instead, and how to protect your foundation while helping the neighborhood. Let’s dive in.
MSD downspout incentive at a glance
MSD offers a one-time payment of $100 for each downspout you disconnect from the sanitary system and reroute to an approved alternative. You must schedule an MSD inspection before doing any work, then complete the fix and pass a follow-up verification to receive reimbursement. The official details and current contact info are on the MSD Downspout Disconnection Program page.
Why it matters in South Louisville
Many older parts of Louisville use combined sewers that carry stormwater and wastewater in the same pipe. Heavy rain can overload these systems, which raises the risk of basement backups and overflows into local waterways. MSD’s long-term Project WIN plan uses green solutions, including downspout disconnections, to cut overflow frequency and costs. Learn more about the local system and solutions on MSD’s Project WIN overview and its page on Louisville’s sewer overflows.
How the $100 incentive works
Eligibility checklist
- Your downspout is currently connected to the sanitary system or otherwise eligible under MSD rules.
- You schedule an MSD inspection before altering any connections.
- You install an MSD-approved alternative for each downspout and pass a final verification.
Step-by-step process
- Call MSD first. Schedule an inspection before changing anything. MSD confirms eligibility and recommends the best fix for each downspout. See the steps on the program page.
- Choose an approved alternative. Options include rain barrels, piping that carries water away from the house, French drains, or a turnout with a splash block.
- Make the change. Follow MSD guidance for placement and materials.
- Verification and reimbursement. MSD re-inspects the work. After approval, you apply for the $100 per downspout payment.
Approved redirection options
- Rain barrel attached to the downspout
- Rigid or flexible piping that discharges onto a stable, sloped area away from the foundation
- French drain or similar infiltration feature where appropriate
- Turnout with a splash block to spread flow on the surface
MSD will help you pick the most suitable option for each location. For safe siting basics, the EPA’s guide to downspout disconnection explains how to direct water away from your home and avoid ponding near the foundation. Review their tips in the EPA downspout disconnection guide.
Siting and drainage tips
- Keep water away from your foundation. Discharge onto a stable surface that slopes away so it does not pool near the house. The EPA guidance covers simple checks you can use.
- Respect property lines and sidewalks. On tight lots or steep slopes, disconnection may not fit. Many cities set distances from foundations and edges. See practical siting cautions in Portland’s how-to guide, which aligns with common best practices: Downspout disconnect guidance.
- Ask before you dig. Subsurface work such as drywells or infiltration trenches can require permits. Call 8-1-1 to locate utilities and review Metro guidance before excavation. Louisville Metro shares a reminder here: Call before you dig.
Related MSD programs
If you also have backup or sump pump concerns, MSD may be able to help through other programs. The Plumbing Modification Program addresses backflow prevention. The Private Property Illicit Discharge Program focuses on improper sump pump connections. Mention these during your initial inspection so MSD can coordinate solutions.
Maintenance checklist
- After big storms, confirm water is flowing away from the home and not eroding soil.
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks.
- Replace cracked pipe extensions and reposition splash blocks that shift.
- Check rain barrels for clogs, overflow paths, and secure screens.
Simple seasonal checks help your system work as intended. For basic care tips, the EPA guide is a helpful reference.
Quick start for owners
- Confirm your area. Use MSD’s maps or contact Customer Relations to see if your property is in the combined sewer service area: MSD and LOJIC maps.
- Schedule inspection first. MSD must inspect before any changes. You will get site-specific guidance and next steps on the MSD program page.
- Document current conditions. Take photos of each downspout, note slope and where water goes now, and list any problem spots to discuss with the inspector.
- Plan safe installation. If your solution involves digging or new underground features, verify permits and call 8-1-1 before excavation. See Louisville’s utility locate reminder: Call before you dig.
Bottom line
Disconnecting your downspouts the right way helps protect your home, reduces strain on older South Louisville sewers, and supports cleaner waterways. With MSD’s $100 per downspout incentive, you can offset costs while improving your property’s market readiness. Keep your inspection first, choose an approved fix, and you will be on the path to reimbursement.
If you are planning a move in South Louisville, small upgrades like this can make your home more appealing and give buyers confidence. For local guidance that fits your timeline and budget, connect with Gilbert Zaldivar and the ZHomes team.
FAQs
Who is eligible for MSD’s $100 downspout incentive?
- Eligibility is decided by MSD after an inspection, and the $100 applies to each downspout they verify as disconnected and rerouted to an approved option; start on the program page.
Do you need a permit to disconnect a downspout in Louisville?
- Simple above-ground changes typically do not require permits, but underground infiltration features or major grading may; check with MSD and Metro before digging and review siting cautions in this downspout disconnect guide.
Will disconnecting increase flood or foundation risk?
- If you direct water onto a stable, sloped area away from the house, risk stays low; MSD inspectors will advise safe discharge points and the EPA guide shows best practices.
How long does reimbursement take and what do you submit?
- After MSD verifies the work is complete, you apply for reimbursement; timelines and documentation are managed by Customer Relations, found on the MSD program page.
How do you check if your South Louisville home is in the combined sewer area?
- Look up your property using MSD and LOJIC maps or ask MSD during your inspection request; combined systems are more common in older areas inside I-264.
