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Brushy Hollow residents press Tell City to address failing grinder pumps
Summary
Residents from Brushy Hollow told the Board of Public Works and Safety on June 1 that household grinder pumps are repeatedly failing, parts are scarce and bills are rising; contractors urged an engineering review and the board said staff will follow up with wastewater staff and engineers.
Residents of the Brushy Hollow subdivision urged Tell City officials on Monday to take a coordinated approach after repeated failures of household grinder pumps left homeowners facing high repair costs and uncertain service.
At the board’s public-comment period, Angie Burton said the problem is widespread and persistent. “We have a reoccurring issue with our, pumps, our grinder pumps,” she said, and asked the board to help “find a resolution, a long term correct plan.”
Jason Thompson, who said he had spent “over $2,000 to get a pump” and repeatedly chased parts from a manufacturer he identified in the meeting, said local contractors are reluctant to work on the aging equipment. He urged the city sewer department to identify compatible replacement models and to help homeowners obtain parts.
Contractor John Dierkols of Clearline Wastewater Services told the board the installed units are operating above the design full-load amperage and that the original pump choice likely was incorrect. “Designer’s pump was not correct,” he said, recommending an engineering review and noting that pit plumbing may need retrofits and that replacements could require grant funding or insurance solutions.
Several residents described poor customer service from commercial vendors and said the equipment’s age has made parts scarce. Gail Thompson said she was “brushed off” when seeking help and that homeowners have struggled to get timely repairs. Board members acknowledged the long-running nature of the complaints and said staff would review records, consult with the wastewater department and engineers, and follow up with residents.
City staff did not announce a timeline or a specific funding commitment at the meeting. Chair indicated he would meet with the city engineer and with sewer staff (including Chris Tuthman) to determine whether the city or homeowners are responsible for particular components and to identify potential grant options.
Next steps: board staff will coordinate an engineering review and report back; residents requested the city investigate compatibility of replacement pumps, explore grant funding, and provide clearer guidance on billing and meter adjustments.
