Tips for Proper Sump Pump Drainage

When it comes to sump pump usage, most people are aware of how to turn it on and off and the right place to put one. However, does anyone take into consideration where that water goes? It would be easy to just stick the outgoing pipe outside to let it seep into the ground. However, the world is engaging a more acute awareness to environmental hazards.  Sump pump owners now have to be responsible of where they put the water they pump just as companies do.

20 Feet Away

A sump pump has a pipe that the water travels through to eliminate the access water. At the end of the pipe a weather-proof tube is attached.This tube is flexible and can be bent to maneuver it around objects in order to get the end away from your foundation.  The end point of the hose is not really a point that gets much consideration. 

One thing you should know is that point should be located at least 10 feet from the foundation of your house, but preferably 20 feet away. If it is any closer, the water is just going to be reabsorbed by the soil that it probably the origin of the water.  You will be pumping the same water repeatedly. This constant flow of water will wear out your foundation and contribute to erosion. House foundations hate erosion.

Septic Tank

Even with the pumped water being 20 feet from your house there are many things to take into consideration. The location you choose should not be near your septic tank. If you are experiencing moist conditions, your septic tank is already dealing with an overload of water as it is. It most definitely does not need water added to the load it already has. 

Sewer System

Because draining your sump pump into the sewer system can create flooding, this is not recommended either. It is also against many city ordinances. The consequences could be more than a large fine. You may also get a reputation of being a polluter, especially if the newspapers get involved.

Neighbor’s Lot

Not only out of courtesy, but also by laws in some places, it is not advisable to drain your sump pump into your neighbor’s lot.  This is only going to add unneeded water to their land that they are probably not going to appreciate. You may also be held liable if the water contains contaminants. If your neighbor grows prize winning tomatoes and one year they come out diseased and malformed, tensions will be escalated once they catch wind that you’ve been directing your flood water to their yard.

Check Your Tubing

If the tubing is not securely attached to the PVC pipe, then the water is going to leak out and be reabsorbed into the foundation. This will lead to the corrosion as mentioned earlier as well as putting your sump pump under more work load than is needed. This will lessen the life of your pump and cost you money for premature replacement costs.