Table of Contents
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 discharge route be?
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.
How do you bury a sump pump drain line?
Dig a trench for the sump pump drain line that is at least 2 feet wide and the depth of the frost line in your area, plus an additional 2 feet. For example, if the frost line in your area is 12 inches, dig the trench 3 feet deep. Remove the sod in pieces and place to the side so it can be re-used to cover the trench.
How do you keep a 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.
Can you hook up 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.
How do I redirect my sump pump water away from my house?
To start re-routing or routing your sump pump discharge, find the sump pump line in your basement. Attach the discharge line to a pipe that goes at an angle that faces away from your home. From there, you can add additional piping to move the sump pump discharge further from your home.
How do you winterize a sump pump discharge?
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 you use an extension cord with a sump pump?
Is it safe to use an extension cord with my sump pump? For your safety, an extension cord should never be used. The dedicated outlet should be installed above the pump so it can be plugged directly into the outlet. Always unplug the sump pump before working on or near the pump.
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.
Can you bury a sump pump 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.
Do sump pump discharge lines freeze?
When the line freezes, the sump pump cannot discharge water and could overheat or fail. Common Causes Sump Pump discharge lines can freeze for a number of reasons. The most common cause for discharge lines to freeze up is the discharge pipe is connected to a small hose laid across the ground.
How do you insulate a sump pump discharge?
Insulate the sump pump discharge line, as well as the intake section to guard against freezing. Attach a larger diameter pipe to the end of sump pump hose using wires and clamps, leaving air gap between the hose and the larger pipe. For a simpler fix, cover the outside pipe with hay (a natural insulator) and a tarp.
How do you keep PVC pipes from freezing outside?
Purchase and install electrical heat tape over the PVC pipes. This is also easy to install. Wrap it around the pipe and plug in the end to an electrical outlet. The tape will provide a gentle warmth, just enough to keep the pipes from freezing.
Does a sump pump drain need a vent?
Sealed sump pumps require venting. Sump pumps are usually open-air buckets; however, some communities require a cover on a sump pump if there is a risk of radon gas contamination. In this case, basement sump pumps must be covered and sealed but to do so, creates the need for a vent.
Can you discharge sump pump 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.
Do floor drains go to sump pump?
Many basement floor drains tie directly to the home’s sewer system, but in some communities, local building codes require floor drains to run to a sump pit, where a pump lifts the water to the exterior surface of the house.
How do you divert water from foundation?
Proper drainage is the best way to keep water away from your home’s foundation. Install a French drain system around the house foundation – Dig a trench around the foundation, line it with gravel, and place a drain with perforations in it to pull the water away. Cover the drain with gravel and add soil over it.
