sump pit operarion
#1
02-21-14, 09:32 AM
sump pit operarion
The original sump pit installed by the builder was raised roughly 12 inches from the base of the pit which from what I have determined was and is the ground water level. I had a flood because after 8 years the pump died.I called a plumber and he installed a secondary pump and placed it on base of the pit and of course the pump goes on during rain and snow approx. every 30 seconds. When I pull out the plug to stop its operation the water level reaches roughly 10 inches from the base of the pit and the original raised pump does not go on which to me makes sense and that is what the builder intended. This morning after 24 hrs of shutting down the base pump, neither pump went on, I started it again and it started pumping every 20 seconds.
Furthermore I poured buckets of water with the base pump off into the pit to see if I could get the raised pump to go on, but the water just drained out through the system by gravity.
I say I should raise the base pump at least 6 inches so it is above the ground water level but below the raised pump.This way the pump will not go on until a heavy downpour raises ground water above its level.My plumber says no-HELP
Furthermore I poured buckets of water with the base pump off into the pit to see if I could get the raised pump to go on, but the water just drained out through the system by gravity.
I say I should raise the base pump at least 6 inches so it is above the ground water level but below the raised pump.This way the pump will not go on until a heavy downpour raises ground water above its level.My plumber says no-HELP
#2
02-21-14, 10:06 AM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Something's wrong outside if there's that much water getting into the basement in the first place.
No gutters with long enough down spouts to get the water away from the foundation.
Not enough grade away from the house.
No water proofing and no drain tile outside.
Mulch piled up against the foundation.
Flower beds forming ponds holding water in place.
No gutters with long enough down spouts to get the water away from the foundation.
Not enough grade away from the house.
No water proofing and no drain tile outside.
Mulch piled up against the foundation.
Flower beds forming ponds holding water in place.
#3
02-21-14, 10:21 AM
sump pit operation
Thanks Joe--I have a gutter system where all leaders are tied into main drain that dumps out into sewer system--property is graded-foundation walls were waterproof-I believe the problem is that I have a high water table from a underground stream nearby--But the question still remains raise the pump or not-from all the questions and answers of other internet forum sights opinions vary thanks
#4
02-21-14, 11:13 AM
Do you have a sufficient slope to your property to create a drain to daylight to give that water a place to go? If it truly is the level of the water table, your neighbors should be experiencing a similar problem. Worth asking.
Bud
Bud
#5
02-21-14, 11:41 AM
I have heard of the concept before, but don't know of anyone that has done it. Makes sense to me; if the water table is that high, you'll just burn out pumps trying to pump all of it out.
#6
02-21-14, 12:10 PM
sump pump operation
Thanks Bud --back of house on a hill sloping toward house--front on a hill sloping away from house-5 of 10 houses has the problem and had similar floods. question is should I raise it--some say yes and some say no according to other forums I visited--apparently the builder knew there was a problem and that is why he raised the original pump above the water leve
#8
02-21-14, 12:56 PM
What you have to picture is the water flow below ground. With a hill behind you and slope in front it may not be exactly a water table, but a flow path. In other words the water level behind you is higher and the level in front is lower. What you want to consider is providing a path past your home. I've done it a couple of times but it is a big project.
As stated no sense burning out a pump trying to lower an ocean. But flooding will always be an issue down there precluding any efforts to finish that space and have it remain dry. A larger diameter covered sump pit might lessen the frequency of cycles and covered would reduce the moisture it generates.
I bet the builder had a good time getting the footing poured, probably built in the fall when it is dryer.
Bud
As stated no sense burning out a pump trying to lower an ocean. But flooding will always be an issue down there precluding any efforts to finish that space and have it remain dry. A larger diameter covered sump pit might lessen the frequency of cycles and covered would reduce the moisture it generates.
I bet the builder had a good time getting the footing poured, probably built in the fall when it is dryer.
Bud
#9
02-21-14, 01:12 PM
sump pump operation
yeah Bud there is no getting around it I think it is the area but the builder was smart enough to keep the original pump above the water level--and I really did not have a problem for at least the first 8 years--which means the pump didnot go on a lot
In any event it is what it is--We just got hit with a torrential downpour for one hour and I turned on the base pump --its now pumping out every 10 secs
One of the problems with raising the pump according to one response was that the water level could cause damage to the foundation walls and collapse--I disagreed because if it dry outside for a week or two the base doesnot go on
In any event it is what it is--We just got hit with a torrential downpour for one hour and I turned on the base pump --its now pumping out every 10 secs
One of the problems with raising the pump according to one response was that the water level could cause damage to the foundation walls and collapse--I disagreed because if it dry outside for a week or two the base doesnot go on
#10
02-21-14, 02:23 PM
Are you in the southern sandy part of NJ or north or west where they have real soil? One of the methods of increasing the run times is to install a much larger sump pit, wider as I said before. Sump pumps can usually empty a 5 gallon bucket in a couple of seconds. Make it a 25 gallon level and it will lengthen the on and off times. Less wear and tear on the pump.
You might also stop by the town office and talk with the town engineer. My bet s/he is very familiar with the water levels you are dealing with and may have some suggestions. It may also be something you can get on their to-do list in case they do any major road construction. There may also have been some construction elsewhere in your neighborhood that may have made conditions worse. Worth talking about.
Good luck. I don't miss Brick, but I left a lot of nice people behind.
Bud
You might also stop by the town office and talk with the town engineer. My bet s/he is very familiar with the water levels you are dealing with and may have some suggestions. It may also be something you can get on their to-do list in case they do any major road construction. There may also have been some construction elsewhere in your neighborhood that may have made conditions worse. Worth talking about.
Good luck. I don't miss Brick, but I left a lot of nice people behind.
Bud
