Sump pump  Inoperative

e.  Sump pump  Inoperative   ?  shallow no checkvalve  freeze   vulnerable  discharge  short/to sewer:
The depth that a sump pump is set below the surface has a great deal to do with the protection it provides.  A sump pump exerts a “zone of influence” around and beneath it by drawing water down in a relatively flat “V” shape.  The bottom of the “`V’” is the pump.  If a pump is set rather shallow, the zone of influence is a relatively small circle around the pump.  Deeper pumps are capable of exerting a much larger zone of influence.  Naturally, if the soil is a poor draining type such as clay, the zone will be smaller than if the soil drained quickly  as in sand or gravel.  Often interior sump pumps are set at too shallow of an elevation to adequately service a reasonable area.

NOTES: Sump pumps often become inoperative when the parts resting in water rust and “seize”.  More dependable pumps utilize bronze parts that contact water.  Pressure activated switches often fail on sump pumps.

The discharge pipe of a sump pump should be fitted with a flow check valve.  These valves allow water to flow in one direction.  A flow check valve will prevent discharge water from spilling back down into the sump pit when the pump stops.  Often a sump pump without such a valve will continuously cycle on and off until the motor burns out.  Sump pumps (in cold weather areas) installed outdoors generally should not have flow check valves because water trapped in discharge pipes may freeze and burst the pipe.  Likewise sump pumps that are close to the surface, or otherwise unprotected, may literally freeze in cold weather and not function when needed.

The discharge water from a sump pump should empty well away from the foundation.  Too often, amateur installations use a short discharge pipe that spills water immediately outside the foundation where it merely seeps back into the ground and works its way back to the sump pump.  This water quite literally recirculates, and can travel under footings, causing settlement.

NOTE: Many jurisdictions forbid discharging sump pump water into the sanitary sewer systems.  This includes emptying into laundry tubs, etc.

What to:  How to:
Replace any inoperative sump pumps and pay a little extra to get one with bronze parts that resist rusting.  Set sump pumps on a gravel bed that is at least 18 inches deep.  Keep them well away from the footings to prevent a direct draw or washout under the footings.  Install flow check valves on discharge pipes for indoor units.  Extend discharge pipes to spill water well away from foundation walls.  Discharging the water near a neighbor’s house may cause seepage in their basement and bring a lawsuit.

Setting a new sump pump or deepening one usually involves just pipe work.  Installing a check valve can be tedious unless the discharge pipe is plastic.  Consider having a plumber perform sump pump repair work.

Protect pumps that are vulnerable to freezing. Contact the local jurisdiction regarding the legality of emptying water into the sanitary sewer.  See plumbing, minor problem c. for more information.

WARNING: NEVER WORK ON A SUMP PUMP WITHOUT UNPLUGGING IT FIRST.