Where should a sump pump be located?

Ideally, your sump pump basin should be in the lowest-lying location in your basement so water will naturally flow there. Go by sight as much as you can and then use a level to be sure the area is sloped downward.

Will an outside sump pump freeze?

Protect the Pipes From The Outdoor Air Your sump pump may freeze if the water pipes come in contact with the outside air. One way to avoid this is to bury the pipeline deeper in the ground while keeping a little portion of the pipes facing the daylight.

Can I run my sump pump to the street?

In order cases there may be a flooding emergency in their basement and they have no other choice but to let the water drain into the the road. We recommend talking to them and letting them know that pumping sump water into the street is illegal and their pump needs to be attached to proper drainage.

Is sump pump inside or outside?

It is installed on the outside of your home. It is installed in what is called a sump well, the sump well is located 5 to 10 feet from the outside of the home. The well usually is made from concrete, one of the most commonly used things to form a sump well are concrete well tiles.

How much does it cost to install a sump pump in a basement?

Basement sump pump installs typically cost $640 to $1,915 when all goes to plan. The total can hit $3,900 if it takes a long time to dig through the floor or if the plumbing is in the way. Basements are easier to work in than the crawlspace since they allow installers to stand up and use full-size tools.

Should I be worried if a house has a sump pump?

Although sump pumps can stop most of the water, holes in the structure of your home can cause leaks and lasting damage. So, even if you have a sump pump installed in your new place, it’s important to keep an eye out for this kind of damage.

How far away from the house should a sump pump drain?

It is important to keep the discharge point of your sump pump as far from your foundation as possible. The minimum distance should be 10 feet. Most discharge pipes have a flexible hose tightly attached to the pipe coming from the basement. During non-freezing weather this works just fine.

Can I pump water into a ditch?

A common option is to have the water run off into a ditch or drywell which is essentially a hole in the ground which remains dry most of the time. When water is flowing it can run into the ditch which will hold the water and slowly release it back into the soil to avoid flooding.

Can a sump pump be installed outside a house?

Installing Your Sump Pump Outside. If you’re considering installing a sump pump or sewage pump outside your home, you have to take a few precautions. If the area in which you live experiences freezing temperatures in the winter months, you have to make sure your pump is installed below the freeze line.

Can a sump pump be installed below the freeze line?

If the area in which you live experiences freezing temperatures in the winter months, you have to make sure your pump is installed below the freeze line. Also, any discharge hoses should be wrapped with electrical heat tape and sloped/pitched downward to ensure all of the water runs out.

Why is a well called an external sump pump?

The reason it’s called a “well” is because it’s a round, concrete lined pit that is normally about 3 feet wide and 2.5 feet high. External sump pumps are used on properties where the amount of water that could potentially penetrate the building is very high and would be overwhelming for the internal sump pump.

Why is standing water bad for sump pump?

Standing water in the bottom of your exterior pit is at risk of freezing when it gets cold. The more water around your pump that can turn into ice the bigger the risk to your pump. Remove as much standing water as possible before the cold weather sets in.