Sump Pump Pits

A sump pump is a system of devices and drainage technology that removes groundwater from the surrounding area and helps to prevent excess flooding and damage to houses. However, in order to install a sump pump, a basin, or pit, must be dug out in order to house the device.

With poor drainage being a concern in the US, sump pumps and their pits are at an all-time high in terms of demand right now. Currently for the construction of a ‘basin’, ‘crock', or ‘sump pit’, the best material available that provides both strength and durability is polyethylene that can provide decades of service without determination.

The biggest facet of a good sump pump pit is digging the hole in an optimal location. Generally, the pit is dug at the lowest point in a basement or crawlspace. These pits must have a hole in each side for the incoming drain system and have a strong enough lids to deal with water pressure and the depth of the hole.

The way these pits work is when groundwater fills the pit to a certain level, the pump is activated once a level trips a sensor which turns on the pump and expels the water. Once this is completed and the pit is dry, the collection cycle begins again and the pump is turned off. This is why the placement of the pump is so important; if it is not in the lowest part of a basement the basin will not collect enough water to prevent flooding!

Another important part of the location of the pump is the proximity of a wall or a way out of the house. Since the water has to travel a significant distance, usually ten feet up and teen feet out, having the pump within a reasonable distance to a safe area outside of the house is key. If a sump pump is not installed or improperly located, mold, health hazards, and house condemnation can be results of the damage water can inflict.

When buying and installing a sump pump, following the suggestions and guidance of the store or owner’s manual is essential! Since each pump and pit has unique specification and all land is not unique, always leave a significant margin of error for excessive rain fall or unexpected problems with pumping water out.