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Sump Pumps
Control groundwater, rainwater, or gray water - water from a washing machine, bathroom sink, shower, or bathtub - with a sump pump. The waste water runs into a concrete pit or plastic-lined pit. The pump starts automatically when water reaches a certain level in the pit. In some cases, when the water is uncontaminated underground seepage, you may terminate the outlet pipe in a dry well or in a street gutter.
If seepage or rainwater flood the basement, the sump pit should be at the lowest point of the floor. Place a sump pit for a sink or washer anywhere that is convenient for a drainpipe. The size and kind of pump you choose will determine the size of the pit. There are two kinds of sump pumps: the pedestal pump and the submersible pump.
Pedestal sump pump. The oldest, most common, and least expensive sump pump is the upright type that consists of an electric motor on top of a pedestal. The base of the pedestal contains the pump and discharge pipe and rests on the bottom of the pit. A ball float in the pit connects to the motor switch by a rod. When the water in the pit reaches a predetermined level, the ball descends and turns off the switch.
Pedestal sump pump. The oldest, most common, and least expensive sump pump is the upright type that consists of an electric motor on top of a pedestal. The base of the pedestal contains the pump and discharge pipe and rests on the bottom of the pit. A ball float in the pit connects to the motor switch by a rod. When the water in the pit reaches a predetermined level, the ball descends and turns off the switch.
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The water level that stops the pump is usually about six inches; the pump can be damaged if it empties the pit and runs dry. The pit for an upright sump pump should be 12 to 24 inches deep and 12 inches or more across. It may be either round or square.
Submersible sump pump. The submersible sump pump is more expensive but generally more satisfactory than the upright type. Flooding cannot damage the submersible pump and it requires less maintenance. The submersible pump can run with a lower water level than the upright pump. Two kinds of switch mechanisms are available. One works with a float and is similar to the switch in a upright pump. Float switches may jam if dirt or debris accumulates in the sump pit.
The more desirable type of switch is activated by water pressure. The amount of pressure that cues the switch is adjustable. The pump pit for a submersible pump should be 12 to 15 inches deep.
Submersible sump pump. The submersible sump pump is more expensive but generally more satisfactory than the upright type. Flooding cannot damage the submersible pump and it requires less maintenance. The submersible pump can run with a lower water level than the upright pump. Two kinds of switch mechanisms are available. One works with a float and is similar to the switch in a upright pump. Float switches may jam if dirt or debris accumulates in the sump pit.
The more desirable type of switch is activated by water pressure. The amount of pressure that cues the switch is adjustable. The pump pit for a submersible pump should be 12 to 15 inches deep.
Installing a sump pump. First prepare the pit, which should have a level concrete bottom. The sides may be of concrete or terracotta pipe 12 inches or more in diameter. Plastic liners are available, and if your code allows it, you can even use a 5-gallon pail.
Break a hole in the basement floor and dig a hole a little wider and 3 or 4 inches deeper than the pit will be. Put 3 or 4 inches of gravel in the bottom and set a wooden form, a pipe section, or a plastic pan into the hole. Pour concrete into the bottom of the hole and around the form.
Break a hole in the basement floor and dig a hole a little wider and 3 or 4 inches deeper than the pit will be. Put 3 or 4 inches of gravel in the bottom and set a wooden form, a pipe section, or a plastic pan into the hole. Pour concrete into the bottom of the hole and around the form.
Smooth and level the bottom, and smooth the concrete around the edge so it is flush with the floor. When the concrete has set, position the pump and make the necessary connections to the sewer or seepage pit. Install a check valve so that the water will not flow back toward the pump. Install a union below the valve so you can disconnect the pump easily.
The pump should have its own grounded electrical outlet, with no other outlets or appliances on the same circuit. Make a cover for the sump pit from 3/4-inch exterior grade plywood. Drill 3 holes in the cover for an upright pump; one for the pedestal, one for the float rod, and one for the discharge pipe. Submersible-pump covers need only a hole for the discharge pipe.
Saw the cover in half, cutting through the middle of the hole or holes. Fit the valves around the projecting pieces. Hold the cove together with straps of aluminum or wood held with screws.
Maintenance. A sump pump may sit idle for months and then suddenly be needed. Therefore, check it every 3 months. Once a year, remove it, clean it, and clean out the sump.
The pump should have its own grounded electrical outlet, with no other outlets or appliances on the same circuit. Make a cover for the sump pit from 3/4-inch exterior grade plywood. Drill 3 holes in the cover for an upright pump; one for the pedestal, one for the float rod, and one for the discharge pipe. Submersible-pump covers need only a hole for the discharge pipe.
Saw the cover in half, cutting through the middle of the hole or holes. Fit the valves around the projecting pieces. Hold the cove together with straps of aluminum or wood held with screws.
Maintenance. A sump pump may sit idle for months and then suddenly be needed. Therefore, check it every 3 months. Once a year, remove it, clean it, and clean out the sump.
