QA

Question: What To Do With Sump Pump Discharge

Where do I drain my sump pump discharge?

WHERE SHOULD MY SUMP PUMP WATER GO? Run your sump pump drainage away from your home. Do not let it flow onto driveways, sidewalks or other paved surfaces. Discharge must be clear, clean water such as ground water or residential air conditioner condensate.

What do you do with a sump pump discharge in the winter?

Sump Pump Winter Maintenance Remove your sump pump’s discharge hose for the winter. Make sure to re-attach the hose when warmer temperatures return. Have an extra discharge hose handy. Never unplug your sump pump. Clear out debris in your sump pump’s pit. Test your pump regularly.

Can I discharge my sump pump into 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.

How do you bury a sump pump discharge?

Dig a trench along the line you planned in Step 1. Slope the trench with a rise of 1 inch for every 8 feet as it moves from the discharge point to the house. Place a 4-inch PVC pipe in the trench. Test-fit the pipe before gluing it together with PVC glue.

How much does it cost to bury a discharge pipe sump pump?

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 do I stop my sump pump discharge 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 do you unfreeze a sump pump discharge?

If the sump pump pipe is frozen, portable heaters can be used to thaw it. Using a blow torch to thaw the line is a bad idea as that can cause injury or damage to the property. If DIY thawing is not an option, it’s best to call a professional contractor to thaw out the line.

How do I keep my sump pump from freezing?

6 Tips to Avoid Your Sump Pump From Freezing Keep the Water Moving. Reinforce Insulation in Your Plumbing System. Create a Slight Slope in the Sump Pump. Protect the Pipes From The Outdoor Air. Adjust the Distance of the Pump and Discharge Hose. Give the Sump Pump a Break.

How far from house should sump pump discharge?

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 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.

Can sump pump drain into storm drain?

It is critical that sump pumps discharge to the yard or storm sewer, not to the sanitary sewer. It is illegal to connect your sump pump into your sanitary lateral.

How many years does a sump pump last?

How Long Does A Sump Pump Last On Average? Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won’t last forever. Averaging about 10 years, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working.

How do you keep PVC pipes from freezing outside?

Insulate exposed pipes. Seal areas that let in cold air. Disconnect hoses and turn off the water supply to outside faucets. Turn on your hot and cold faucets. Open cabinets so heat can circulate to pipes under the sink and near exterior walls.

How do you keep PVC pipes from freezing?

Even if there’s only a small chance of freezing temperatures, your PVC pipes should be insulated enough to maintain temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Fiberglass insulation is best, but foam insulation works well too. The latter is cheaper, and you can do it yourself, while fiberglass may require a professional.

How do you insulate a sump pump discharge pipe?

Water in pipes that are too straightened is more prone to freeze. To keep the discharge and intake sections of the sump pump frozen, insulate them and the pipe connecting the two. Cover the outside pipe with hay (a natural insulator) and a tarp for a more basic repair. Don’t put any anti-freeze in the sump pump.