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Overview
Sump Pump Discharge
Common Sump Pump Concerns
Overview
Sump pumps are used in basements to prevent subsurface water in the soil from seeping in to the house. The sump pump is located in a sump pit, which collects groundwater from a foundation drain around the house. As the groundwater level begins to rise, the foundation drain empties into the sump pump pit. When the water in the sump pit reaches a certain level, the sump pump activates and pumps the water out and away from the house.
Sump Pump Discharge
The sump pump should be discharged to the exterior of the home. Preferably, sump pump water should be discharged at least 10 feet away from the house in such a way that the water flows away from the house towards a swale or storm sewer inlet. The discharge pipe should not be directed towards the foundation of the house or into a window well. The discharge may not be directed onto public property, such as the sidewalk or street.
If there is a storm sewer in your yard, you may be able to connect your sump pump discharge directly to it, at your own cost. For more information about connecting to the city’s storm sewer, please contact (630) 420-6095.
The sump pump cannot be connected to the sanitary sewer or your basement floor drain.
Common Sump Pump Concerns
Power Loss
Most sump pumps are powered by electricity. In the event of a power outage, the sump pump will not operate. Battery backups can be installed to allow the sump pump to work for a temporary period during a power loss. Consult a plumber or hardware store for more information about installation of a battery backup for your sump pump.
Proper Sump Pump Operations
If you suspect that your sump pump is not operating correctly, it is a good idea to check or test the pump. First, make sure the discharge pipe is not frozen shut or plugged, and that it directs water away from the house. Remove the lid to the sump pit (if it has one) and use a flashlight to check if the sump pit is clean and the pump inlet is not plugged. Next, make sure the pump is plugged in. Then, slowly pour about 5 gallons of water in to the sump pit. Watch the action of the on/off switch and listen to the pump. Make the pump turn on and off at least twice. If something doesn’t work right, fix it as soon as possible.
Replacing a Sump Pump
Sump pumps do fail due to wear and age, therefore you may need to replace yours if it is not operating properly and cannot be repaired. Almost all sump pumps come with a list of required tools and directions for installation. Many homeowners choose to do the installation themselves; however, you may choose to contact a plumber for this work. A permit is not required to replace a sump pump.
Sump Pump Runs Too Often
Sump pumps are designed to carry subsurface water away from a home’s foundation. As groundwater levels fluctuate dependent upon season and location, there is not a “typical” frequency for sump pump operation. If you believe that your sump pump is running too frequently, first check the pump settings. It is also a good idea to do a check of your yard drainage to verify there are not other factors, such as poor grading, contributing to how often your sump pump runs.
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