Sump Pump Drainage Standards

A sump pump drainage system is part of the larger sump pump mechanism as a whole, which is responsible for preventing floods and water buildup inside of your home. In some houses and areas, water may build up inside or underneath of a house, which can eventually lead to flooding and serious damage. A sump pump collects the water that pools naturally in these areas and moves it to a different location, thereby avoiding any potential water damage, flooding or other undesirable effects. The water from the sump pump itself must be disposed of properly, however, or the sump pump may break or fail to operate properly. The following are some of the guidelines associated with proper sump pump drainage systems.

Do Not Connect the Sump Pump Drainage Line with a Floor Drain

Although it may seem convenient to have your sump pump drain the water through a basement floor drain, this can cause damage to one or more systems within your home. If your home operates on a septic system, the introduction of extra water to the septic drainage and water flow mechanisms can cause damage to your septic tank and may eliminate the effectiveness of the sump pump altogether.

If, on the other hand, your home water drains directly into a public sewer system, it is likely that your area has ordinances prohibiting the drainage of sump pump water into the public sewer. This generally has to do with the fact that sump pump water may be contaminated and that some sewer lines contain clean water for processing and other tasks. Check with your local building authorities before connecting your sump pump drainage system to any home drainage line.

Drain Your Sump Pump Away from the Home

Draining sump pump water too close to your house can cause unsanitary conditions that may lead to bacteria growth and other health risks. It may also help to eliminate the value of having a sump pump in the first place, as water may be able to more readily seep back into your basement or other parts of your home. For this reason, it is best to run the sump pump drainage line in such a way that it deposits at least 20 feet away from any part of your home and so that the water, when deposited, will drain away from any buildings.

Maintain Your Sump Pump Drainage System for Best Results

Although sump pumps do not have filtering systems, they do have screens that can collect large pieces of material and which may become clogged. Periodically changing or cleaning these components of the pump help to keep your drainage system working efficiently and cleanly. Generally, most manufacturer's recommend maintenance of this type once per year.

If you have any other questions about installing your sump pump drainage system, contact a contractor or a plumber in your area.