Sump Pump Question
#1
05-10-14, 06:20 PM
Sump Pump Question
Hello,
I have a sump(Zoeller model) in the basement that likes to run.. and run... and run. I think something is flawed with the install for the following reasons.
If I turn it off and come back later, the tank is filling. This is even if it hasn't rained which confuses me.
The float does not seem to do anything at this point.
I'm not sure if the sump is actually, pumping the water out due to the height of the piping to go out. It's roughly 10' up and then a hard right.
When you look outside, it appears as if it's just dumping the water right back near the foundation although I would have to dig it up..
Any thoughts? I can get pictures if needed.
I have a sump(Zoeller model) in the basement that likes to run.. and run... and run. I think something is flawed with the install for the following reasons.
If I turn it off and come back later, the tank is filling. This is even if it hasn't rained which confuses me.
The float does not seem to do anything at this point.
I'm not sure if the sump is actually, pumping the water out due to the height of the piping to go out. It's roughly 10' up and then a hard right.
When you look outside, it appears as if it's just dumping the water right back near the foundation although I would have to dig it up..
Any thoughts? I can get pictures if needed.
#2
05-10-14, 07:05 PM
Member
First thought is to connect a long discharge hose at the outside outlet and dump the water far away from the house. That might eliminate the possibility of the same water coming right back in. To test the float you can take the pump and put it in a garbage can filled with water and test it that way. Just be sure ave a discharge hose attached so you don't get hit in the face with the water.
Does your area have flood a flood condition? Does your soil next to the house have a good slope away from the house or does it slope towards the house.
Upload some pics for us to see.
Does your area have flood a flood condition? Does your soil next to the house have a good slope away from the house or does it slope towards the house.
Upload some pics for us to see.
#3
05-10-14, 11:15 PM
Group Moderator
In this case..... pictures would be a big help.
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html
#4
05-11-14, 06:25 AM
How the sump looks currently. Obviously has seen better days, no idea how old it is as we just bought the house last year. It's touch to tell but it's at kind of an angle and when it's turned on, water is going somewhere, as well as splashing around. You can also see the plastic rim of some other tray it seems to be sitting in.
#6
05-11-14, 06:33 AM
#7
05-11-14, 11:21 AM
Group Moderator
The angle of the discharge pipe would suggest that it's going underground. With that 90 degree fitting they couldn't get the pipe to sit any closer to the house without making a bigger hole.
You will need to check it out though as you want the water to be discharged away from the house. In the summer - my sister discharges hers into a big barrel that she uses for watering.
Your sump pit looks basically ok. You'll see some water splashing around in it when the pump is on... that's from a small hole in the discharge line used for pump starting pressure relief.
You will need to check it out though as you want the water to be discharged away from the house. In the summer - my sister discharges hers into a big barrel that she uses for watering.
Your sump pit looks basically ok. You'll see some water splashing around in it when the pump is on... that's from a small hole in the discharge line used for pump starting pressure relief.
#8
05-12-14, 06:54 AM
Member
a few questions:
1. you say the pumps runs and runs. in your picture the sump is basically dry. when the pump is running is there water coming in from the drain tile (black pipe) or is the pit dry like in the photo. if the pit is dry like in the photo and the pump is running then the switch is faulty.
2. you say when you turn it off, water comes in. how do you turn it off? (do you just unplug it?) where is the water coming in from when the pump is turned off?
3. why does it seem as if the switch is doing nothing? how have you tested it?
now an observation:
don't be confused by water coming in if it hasn't rained. that just means there is water saturating the ground around your foundation -- probably due to high water table. are you lower than your neighbors?
as for testing the system, easiest way is to run a garden hose down there and fill the pit with water and see what happens. the water level should rise and lift the float switch. the pump should turn on and drain the pit, and then the float falls and shuts off the pump. if it doesn't work like this then you have a problem.
I can't tell from the picture, but i'm assuming the drain tile is higher than the float switch, so you shouldn't find yourself filling the drain tile while conducting your garden hose test.
1. you say the pumps runs and runs. in your picture the sump is basically dry. when the pump is running is there water coming in from the drain tile (black pipe) or is the pit dry like in the photo. if the pit is dry like in the photo and the pump is running then the switch is faulty.
2. you say when you turn it off, water comes in. how do you turn it off? (do you just unplug it?) where is the water coming in from when the pump is turned off?
3. why does it seem as if the switch is doing nothing? how have you tested it?
now an observation:
don't be confused by water coming in if it hasn't rained. that just means there is water saturating the ground around your foundation -- probably due to high water table. are you lower than your neighbors?
as for testing the system, easiest way is to run a garden hose down there and fill the pit with water and see what happens. the water level should rise and lift the float switch. the pump should turn on and drain the pit, and then the float falls and shuts off the pump. if it doesn't work like this then you have a problem.
I can't tell from the picture, but i'm assuming the drain tile is higher than the float switch, so you shouldn't find yourself filling the drain tile while conducting your garden hose test.
