Sump pumps can be very effective in removing water below the level of the floor. This in turn gives any water above that level a place to go and gets it off the floor. If your home is not built on top of a hill, or has direct down hill flow to a storm sewer, it probably already has a sump pump. You may not notice it, as they usually only make noise when they are running, after a heavy rain. If you are near it, you can hear it, otherwise it is just a covered hole in the basement floor, about the size of a large trash container.
Most of the time they are put in out of the way places if possible, although they need to be located near an external downspout discharge line as that is where the water pumps to. A pipe goes from the pump, up and through the wall where it connects to the downspout discharge line. Sump pumps usually gather water from the external and/or internal footer drain tiles which sit under the floor at the base of the walls near the footers and intercept the water at that point.
If your home occasionally has a water problem in the basement and doesn’t have a sump pump, one may solve your problem. It is not always necessary to install new interior footer drain tiles under the basement floor all the way around the basement, as sometimes installing the sump pump will lower the water level in one area which in turn gives the rest of the water under the floor a place to release to to be removed. But, if your attempts to seal and cement the walls and floor haven’t completely solved the problem, a sump pump may be required.
You may want a professional to do this work for you, as it requires breaking a hole in the reinforced concrete floor at its low point in the basement, digging a pit large enough to hold the crock (about the size of a 50 gallon drum and tying it in to any existing footer drain tiles. After the pit and crock are in, the pump is then hooked up and the drain line installed.
There are two basic types of pumps and battery backups available in case power goes out at your home. Pedestal pumps, the least expensive, have the motor above the water level which allows moisture and dust to get in, and open fins for cooling. They are noisier and usually have a shorter life time than submersibles. Submersible sump pumps have sealed, oil cooled motors, are quieter and usually last longer.
The pump will come with instructions and illustrations for installation. Rigid 1 ½ inch PVC pipe holds the pump in place the crock. It is easy to cut with a hacksaw and can be connected to the fittings easily with pipe primer and pipe cement. You must install a check valve which prevents water pumped up to the drain line from flowing back into the crock when the pump is turned off. It should be connected with hose clamps and flexible neoprene connectors enabling you to easily remove the pump for repairs and maintenance. You will want to use flexible polyethylene pipe for the exterior connection to the downspout discharge line.
As always, I wish you good fortune and success solving your waterproofing problems. Take a deep breath and try not to get discouraged if things don’t go quickly and easily, as is often the case. Don’t take it personally. Remember, nearly every solution which now exist was acquired by trial and error by someone who was frustrated before you. Persevere, you’ll get the job done and feel very good about it.
RISK FREE ORDER FORM
Regular Price:$79.95 Today: $39.95
