QA

Quick Answer: How To Install A Sump Pump Drainage Line

How deep should a sump pump discharge line be?

Discharge Piping Depth You should install your sump pump discharge line 2 feet below The frost line in your County. This will help prevent the water in the pipe from freezing and causing clogs while still making it easy to dig and access the trench in case there are any problems.

Where should the sump pump drain to?

The discharge point should be at least 10 feet away from your foundation, but 20 feet is better. Otherwise, the water will reabsorb into the soil, and your pump will need to remove it again. A constant flow of water damages your foundation, contributes to erosion, and quickly wears out your sump pump.

Can you bury a sump pump discharge hose?

The line can get buried by mulch, dirt, or grass. This happens whether it is buried or not, but it is a good practice to check the end of the discharge every time you mow your lawn to ensure this doesn’t happen. The line can freeze or get buried by snow, causing it to block the water flow.

How long can a sump pump drain line be?

Installing discharge pipe of a larger size is not a huge problem and is in fact recommended for longer runs of pipe, typically 20 feet or more. The real problems occur when the diameter of the discharge pipe is too small.

Can I connect my sump pump to sewer line?

You probably shouldn’t connect it to the sanitary sewer line but many sump pumps are connected to storm sewers, and that’s generally OK. While it may not be illegal in your area, connecting your sump pump to the sanitary sewer is in fact illegal in much of the U.S.—and for good reason.

Do you need a weep hole in sump pump?

Sump pumps need Weep Holes (relief holes) in order to prevent air locking the impeller chamber. This is important because it allows air to bleed out of the interior of the pump that would normally keep the next cycles from starting.

Where does a basement sump pump drain to?

Most commonly, sump pump experts recommend having it pump to an external discharge line, which then goes out of the home and into the yard toward a downward slope. When the discharge line ends, it should be far enough away from the home that the water doesn’t pool around your home’s foundation again.

How do you drain a sump pump without electricity?

Power outage pumping – If you have a wet/dry vacuum, a power outage will render it useless. You can remove the water using a hand pump instead. Put the hand pump into the sump pump hole, then attach a garden hose to the threaded discharge end of the hand pump.

How do I keep my sump pump line from freezing?

The best way to prevent a discharge line from freezing is with as much insulation as possible. To achieve this, you can try burying the line deeper underground, or try adding insulation using hay and a tarp. Give your sump pump a slight slope.

How much does it cost to bury a sump pump line?

You’ll have to include the cost to bury your sump pump’s discharge pipe, and this cost ranges from $250 to $2,000. Most sump pumps go in basements, and they could have gravel or dirt floors that are easier to work with.

How far can sump pump push water?

For most average-sized homes in areas with average water tables, a 1/3 HP sump pump should be sufficient. Typically, 1/3 HP pumps can handle 7′ – 10′ vertical lifts from the sump pit if they have one 90-degree elbow and a horizontal pipe run between 3 feet and 25 feet.

Does a sump pump drain need a vent?

Does a sump pump need to be vented? Not all sump pumps need to be vented but in areas with radon they will need a vent.

Can sump pump drain into septic system?

A: No. If you have a septic system, under no circumstances should the sump be pumped into the basement floor drain. Adding to the flow with a sump pump can damage the septic system. Even if you are connected to a public sanitary system, the sump should not be pumped into a floor drain.

Why do you drill a hole in the sump pump discharge pipe?

Now, why would anyone drill a hole in a pipe they are discharging pressurized water through? The answer is Air Lock. Weep Holes prevent Air Lock in your Sump Pump. An air bubble in your Sump Pump line will cause “Air Lock” and prevent your pump from pumping the water effectively out of your home.

Where should weep holes be placed?

Weep holes are typically found in the outer masonry leaf of cavity walls, just above the flashing. They can also be found above windows, doors or other penetrations. They should be provided at regular intervals so as to allow any moisture collected by cavity trays to escape.

How do you keep a sump basin from floating?

Some contractors drill holes in the bottom of the sump basin and around the sides to allow excess water to enter and prevent the basin from floating up. If you choose to drill holes in the basin, make sure the holes are smaller than the “solids handling rating” of the pump (generally 1/4 in. to 1/2 in.