Table of Contents
Can I install a sump pump myself?
When your home has a sump pump, you want it working to keep rainwater out of your basement or crawl space. If your sump pump is failing and you need to replace it, it’s a DIY job you can handle yourself.
What is the difference between a submersible pump and a sump pump?
The simplest definition of the two is that a sump pump is also called a “pedestal pump” because it keeps the electric motor component of the pump completely above the water, whereas a submersible pump can completely submerge the entire thing under the water.
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.
Does a sump pump need to be hardwired?
A sump pump is a pump that is used to remove water that has gathered into a sump basin designed to collect water, usually found in the basement of a home. Sump pumps are usually hard wired directly into the electrical system of a home; however, some sump pumps may have an additional battery back up system.
How deep should a sump pump be placed?
Most sump pumps and basins should be installed 3 feet deep but the exact depth depends on your local soil conditions and the amount of floodwater you expect to receive. Deeper pits can collect more water but will require a more powerful pump to drain all the water before overflowing the pit.
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.
Does a submersible sump pump have to be submerged?
Generally, submersible sump pumps are more common than pedestal sump pumps because they are installed when a house is being built. This type of pump is meant to be submerged under water in the sump pit below your basement floor. The pump and motor are both enclosed in a waterproof container to prevent damage.
Do submersible pumps have to be submerged?
Caution must be used with submersible pumps; they must be fully submerged. The water around a submersible pump actually helps to cool the motor. If it is used out of water, it can overheat. At Pump Solutions Australasia, we have a great selection of submersible pumps, and other pumps as well.
Can a submersible pump be completely submerged?
Submersible pumps, as the name suggests, are specifically designed so that they can be completely submerged within the liquid which is to be pumped.
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 do you drill holes in a sump pit?
The best place to drill holes in the sump pump basin is a few inches up the side of the bottom. Do not drill too close to the bottom of the sides or directly into the bottom of the pit. Doing so can ruin the suction created by the pump – causing it to run too often and the motor to burn out early.
Do sump pumps need backflow preventer?
Traditional water powered backup sump pumps, located down in the sump pit, have discharge pipes filled with dirty sump water. To guard against this, plumbing authorities generally require that homes with traditional water powered sump pumps install a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow preventer.
Can I use an extension cord for my 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.
Can you put a sump pump outside?
Exterior sump pumps take unwanted pooling rainwater in your backyard and drain it to a location safely away from your foundation. Outdoor sump pumps can accomplish this in two ways. Outdoor sump pump drainage systems are great at relocating water quickly during emergency situations, such as storms or flooding.
Can a sump pump be too powerful?
You don’t want a pump that is either too small or too powerful. If the pump is too small, it won’t be able to keep up with water flowing into the basin. If the pump is too powerful, it will “short cycle.” This means the pump will start and stop frequently, which can cause premature pump failure.
Where is the best place to install a sump pump?
A sump pump is usually installed in the lowest part of the basement or crawlspace. It’s primary function is to help keep the area under the property dry and prevent flooding.
Should sump pump sit on bricks?
Ensure your sump pump doesn’t sit on debris such as silt or gravel, which could be sucked up into the pump, ruining the motor. Instead, place it on steady, flat bricks. Also, ensure the sump basin has a filter fabric around it to stop debris from coming in.
Do you need a sump pump if you have a French drain?
If you have an excess of water in your basement, you may want to consider both a sump pump and French drain to waterproof your home. The French drain channels the water to the sump pump pit, which pumps the water out of the home much quicker that a pipe alone would do.
What is a French drain and what does it do?
A French drain is a trench filled with a perforated pipe and gravel that allows water to drain naturally from your yard. Depending on the size of your yard and the scale of your drainage issue, you can purchase the pipes and equipment to create a French drain yourself.
What is a catch basin sump?
Description. Deep sump catch basins, also known as oil and grease or hooded catch basins, are underground retention systems designed to remove trash, debris, and coarse sediment from stormwater runoff, and serve as temporary spill containment devices for floatables such as oils and greases.
