A sump pump is a plumbing device that pumps water out of a home, typically installed in the basement or crawlspace. It transfers water from a low-lying area to a safe place to drain away. The term “sump” means pit, and these pumps are typically found in basements or crawl spaces.
The pump is the heavy hitter in the system, taking away water from the sump pit. It may be electric or battery-powered depending on its type and use. Sump pumps are essential for protecting finished areas from water damage, even if you don’t live in a flood-risk area.
Submersible sump pumps are designed to be fully submerged within the sump pit, making them more powerful and suitable for homes prone to flooding. These pumps are installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace in a specially dug pit (sump or basin) with a liner and a gravel bottom. When enough water flows into the sump pit via drains or natural water migration through the soil, the sump pump turns on.
A sump pump is the heart of any basement waterproofing system, collecting groundwater before it floods your basement. It works by collecting water in the sump pit and pumping it out. An interior drainage system is placed in trenches throughout the basement’s perimeter to capture leaking water and pump it to higher ground.
A sump pump is a form of Stormwater Pump Station designed to collect surface water and pump it to higher ground. The primary reason for having an interior drainage system is to collect water that might come in through the walls. Sump pumps are commonly found in basements below the floor, and interior drains can help control moisture levels throughout the entire crawl space.
📹 How does a Foundation Drain With a Sump Pump Work?
Look underground to see how a foundation drain works that is connected to a sump pump instead of the sanitary sewer system.
What is a sump pump in an apartment?
It is of the utmost importance to have a sump pump in place to protect one’s property from the detrimental effects of water damage. They facilitate the removal of moisture from the lowest level of the building, thereby reducing the risk of water damage. In the event of a malfunctioning sump pump in your basement or crawl space, we recommend scheduling a free, no-obligation inspection and quote, which will be provided at no cost.
What is the difference between a drain and a sump pump?
French drains function passively to prevent flooding, in contrast to sump pumps which operate actively to remove excess water. French drains necessitate the provision of electricity and are more costly to install. However, they have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.
What are the negatives of a sump pump?
Sump pumps are essential devices that drain flooding water from basements before it damages the property. They run on electricity and require a battery or water backup system to prevent damage. However, they can also cause radon gas leaks from the soil to the home. A sump pump is a reliable solution to prevent flooding and ensure the safety of your basement. It eliminates moisture and prevents flooding, making it a valuable asset for your home. However, it is important to have a backup system in place to prevent damage during power outages.
What is the purpose of a sump pump?
A sump pump is a device that is designed to remove water and soil from the lowest point of a residential property, such as a basement or crawlspace. Its purpose is to prevent the occurrence of flooding, water damage, and mold growth. The device employs a float mechanism that rises with the water level, thereby activating the pump motor and initiating the removal of water from the lowest point of the structure before any adverse effects occur. The installation of a sump pump represents a fundamental preventative maintenance measure.
What is the difference between a pump and a sump pump?
Utility pumps are versatile tools utilized for the cleansing of a multitude of spaces, including sinks, window wells, yards, basements, and foundations. Such devices are capable of performing a variety of functions, including the removal of obstructions from sinks, the drainage of precipitation, the elimination of standing water, and the extraction of water that has accumulated in the vicinity of a residence.
Are sump pumps inside or outside?
External sump pumps are installed in a sump well, similar to internal sump pumps, and are typically located 5-10 feet away from the building. These pumps protect the structure of the home by redirecting water away from the foundation and towards other parts of the yard. They are wired to a direct power line, meaning the pump won’t start working unless the floater detects water in the hole. Yes, it is possible to install a sump pump on the exterior of a house.
How do I know if I have a sump pump in my house?
To detect a sump pump, walk around the exterior of your home and look for a pipe at least 1-1/4″ in diameter sticking through the wall and hanging out in space. If you find one, it may be a sump pump discharge line. If you find a suspected discharge pipe, go to the basement or crawlspace directly below it to see if the pump is present. It’s important to note that sometimes the discharge line is attached to the sewer or buried outside and directed to a lower point on the property.
In some cases, a sump pump may be found in a deep pit outside the home, with a buried discharge pipe that allows water to flow out of an open end. These pits typically have a solid steel lid with no pipes sticking up.
What is a better alternative to a sump pump?
This article explores various strategies for homeowners to protect their properties from flood damage, including sump pumps, French drains, well-designed gutter systems, and comprehensive waterproofing measures. Sump pumps are primarily used for basements prone to flooding, but alternative drainage systems like French drains, well-designed gutter systems, and comprehensive waterproofing measures are also considered. Understanding the strengths and applications of these systems can help homeowners make informed decisions to protect their investments against water damage.
The discussion will cover the mechanics behind these systems, their advantages, and considerations for determining the most suitable solution for specific property needs. This exploration will provide valuable insights into creating a robust defense against flooding and its devastating consequences.
Do you really need a sump pump?
A sump pump is a small device that removes excess moisture from a basement, often installed by businesses and homeowners to protect their properties from extreme weather. While most homes do not require a sump pump for daily use, a small percentage may need it for daily use, such as if a home was built on a floodplain or if a neighboring property’s basement floods regularly. These are rare occurrences and are essential for maintaining a clean and dry basement.
Where is a sump pump normally located in a home?
It is common for pits to be equipped with a lid and a discharge pipe that extends from the pit.
Are sump pumps only in basements?
Sump pumps are designed to remove water from surrounding foundations and pump it outside before it seeps into the basement. If your house is built on a concrete slab without a basement, there is likely no sump pump. Sump pumps are typically found in a pre-formed pit made of fiberglass or clay, either in a plain hole in the floor or in a pit in the floor with a pipe exiting the home or going to the main sewer pipe. In most areas, attaching the sump to the sewer line is not allowed, so it usually discharges outside the house.
📹 How to Install a Sump Pump | This Old House
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I did a Wayne sump pump install a couple years ago very similar to this. What I found was with a check valve after the pump, the discharge line in the wall could freeze and therefore leave the sump pump running and over heat it. This is a really cold climate application (alberta Canada), but it worked great once I just took the check valve out.
If the plastic sump liner (“basin”) has a bottom, it is better to leave it in place — do not cut it away. If it doesn’t already have factory-made holes in it, drill a series of 1/2 inch diameter holes around the wall of the basin near the bottom, and two or three holes in the bottom, with a total area equal to 100% to 200% of the area of the discharge pipe. That way the pump will be resting on a clean, flat plastic surface and there is no need to block it up on a concrete paver. Not shown in this article, but highly essential, fashion a strong lid for the sump out of a steel plate or exterior-grade plywood, to prevent someone’s foot going into the sump and possibly twisting and ankle or breaking a leg. This looked like a desperate job. I would prefer doing it during a period of dry weather, when the water table has fallen below the elevation of the basin bottom.
Hey guys, because my sewer line kept getting backed up, even after replacing it, I called a handyman that did a lot of work for me, to see what was the sewer line’s problem. He told me we should install a sun pump so we did. He cut the cast iron pipe in the house by the house trap going to the street in NYC and installed a sum pump. Basically he cut off about 2 feet off 6″ pipe and the all the incoming water went in to a small hole he dug n sum pump spit it out to the pipe to go thru house trap to the street sewer all crushed so that they won’t cause backup. Basically every half hour or so machine would come on n empty the house discharges. After it’s running for 4 months, sum pump died. My question is, should he have done that? Now looking back, I made a big mistake allowing him. Was that ever supposed to work? I trusted his judgment n cut my original cast iron pipe 😢Thank you for any feedback.
I don’t think it’s a good idea to cut off the bottom of the sump basin, better to leave it attached and drill holes. With 6 inches of gravel all the way around the perimeter and on the bottom (outside of the basin) it is not necessary to use the fabric. Over a long period of time the fabric can actually become clogged or loaded with sediment not letting the water in properly. Remember: Water in water out, let the gravel be the filter. It would be a shame to re-do a job like this.
I am pretty sure that the check valve needs to be 12-18 inches above the pump outlet to to act as a pressure buffer when the pump kicks on. It looks like they may have it, but they did not mention that there also needs to be a small vent hole in the (1/8 – 3/16″) just under the check valve so to prevent hydrolock.
Hello Tom brian here i live in oconto wisconsin and we have a huge section in our back yard that gets alot of water in the spring and anytime we get heavy rain is it possible to set up a sump pump out side in that area to move the water away other wise it takes untell july for the it to dry up on its own ….
Do NOT wrap the basin with a filter fabric. I did this and a few months later started getting water in my basement. The fabric clogged up. I poked holes through the fabric from inside the basin and the water rushed in. My pump literally cycled over 600 times that day, it held back that much water (I have PumpSpy so it tracks each pump cycle).
How do I stop the calcium from my hard groundwater from leaching into my drain pipe under my basement slab? The calcium builds up in my sump basin and is burning out my sump pumps. I have a brand spanking new house and have burned through 5 sumps already. I thought about switching my sump pump with a sewage pump so it pumps out the white stuff without burning my pump out. HELP!
Wow…didn’t know that amount of water was lurking under my basement floor! Are we creating a potential disaster for ourselves installing this sh!t?!!! What happens when you’re away from home on vacation etc…& the pump fails! Goodbye to your valuable equipment!!! Solution! Seal the top of the sump with a water tight cover!
Upon changing my sump pump, again, I cleaned the pit/liner first, before installing new sump pump. Also did the weeping hole per Zoeller manual. Pump is a Rigid 1/2 hp I noticed the bottom is cracked. I was quoted $990 to replace the pit. I Google this issue first and found out, that there pit/ liner is suppose to have holes to allow water to come into the pit. And then the pump to eject the water outdoor. So, is the crack at issue then? The water rises to it’s previous waterline that it doesn’t even trigger the pump at. It used to get trigger to almost an hour, or not at all. Should I leave the crack alone?
Can i just install the sump pump, or do i need french drains as well? I thought that water around the basement would flow under it and the sump pump would just drain it all off. Weve only gotten about 1/4 inch of water in there after 2 weeks of rain everyday, but washer, dryer, and furnace are all down there. House was built in ’48
Far better off never opening that can of worms. Trying to fight a water table like that is like spitting in the wind. You could end up pumping out a perpetual influx of groundwater and making no discernable progress. Occasional seepage or not, the best defense against water intrusion is a strong uniform slab. Breaking it up only introduces additional weak spots. I speak from unfortunate experience. I’ve lived in a home built on a high water table with poorly drained hydric soils for over 25 years. Most instances of flooding were due to sump pump failure, not seepage. Dig a hole in the ground for water to collect and eventually it will backfire. Interior/exterior drain tile and sump basins/pumps is a racket. It only serves to create a loop of dependence on a fallible mechanical device. Everything I’ve done to try to combat our water table, enlisting the “help” of waterproofers, has only made our situation worse. Had half of our basement worked on over a year ago and guess what, now we’re stuck pumping out water every three minutes, 24/7 365 days a year, accomplishing nothing other than placing us in a more precarious situation than ever before. It’s like living in a pressure cooker. My advice would be to NEVER retrofit a home with interior drain tile, and avoid waterproofing companies like the plague. NEVER purchase a home with a full basement built on a high water table, which is reliant on a sump pump to keep it above water. It’s no way to live. Mother nature always wins in the end.
You don’t want a house that has a sump pump. I worked at a business that 1 for 12 yrs.. It was replaced 2 times atleast. They don’t always work and than your basement is flooded with about 50 or more gallons of water. It of course can cause mold and wood to rot also. They work about 80% of the time. So when it rains you have to check to make sure its working. If your gone on a vacation and it does not work and rains a few days your house could have 200 gallons in the basement.
Yeah – in New England where it’s colder than a brass monkey’s balls…………be sure to run your drain for the pump OUTSIDE, so that when Winter comes the pipe will get clogged with ice, preventing your basement from draining!! PIPE THE DAMN THING TO THE HOUSE’S DRAIN SYSTEM LIKE IT SHOULD BE!!!!! Way to go Tom.