
A sump pump should drain away from your house, usually about 20 feet or further from the foundation. You can drain your sump pump to a storm sewer, but never a sanitary sewer. In most states, it is illegal to connect your sump pump drain directly to a sanitary pipe.
Do all houses need a sump pump?
Since not all houses are likely to flood, not all homes need sump pumps. One may also ask, are sump pumps mandatory? However, the pros generally agree that this is actually a sign of a well-maintained house. In fact, a sump pump installation is required by law for new home construction in certain areas.
Should there be water in my sump pump pit?
If you have a sump pump pit in your basement that has some water in it and you’re wondering if that’s okay, the short answer is yes. Your sump pump pit is supposed to fill with water, and it’s perfectly normal to have some water in it. However, we should discuss the topic further before you dismiss it completely. What Does a Sump Pump Pit Do?
Where should an attic condensate line drain to?
Understanding Drains & Your Home’s HVAC System
- Plumbing and HVAC drain lines in your home. In newer homes, HVAC condensate drains are tied most often to bathroom drains. ...
- Maintaining drains and your home’s HVAC system. It pays to be vigilant when it comes to keeping your home drain lines clear of clogs. ...
- Locating your HVAC condensate drain. ...
How to drain sump pump water away from the House.?
- The sump pump outpouring line and also the consumption segment must be protected to defend against freezing. ...
- The septic tank basin must be checked out regularly. ...
- Transportable heating units can quickly thaw it if the sump pump water pipes are frozen up. ...

Where do basement sump pumps drain to?
Usually, sump pumps are installed in specially constructed sump pits. Water flows into the sump pit through drains or by natural water migration through the soil. The sump pump's job is to pump the water out of the pit and away from the building so the basement or crawlspace stays dry.
How far should sump pump discharge from house?
Drain Your Sump Pump Away From Your House You'll want your sump pump's discharge point to be at least 10 feet (3.05 m) away from your home's foundation. If you want to be extra cautious, 20 feet (6.10 m) is also a good option. Extending the distance in this way can protect your home's foundation from water damage.
Can a sump pump drain into the sewer?
It is critical that sump pumps discharge to the yard or storm sewer, not to the sanitary sewer. It is illegal to connect your sump pump into your sanitary lateral. Not only can this cause serious health and safety concerns, it is also costing county rate payers.
Where should I drain my sump pump in the winter?
Experts recommend that water be discharged at least 10 feet away from your home's foundation. Keep your heat on. Your basement can get cold — and your sump pump's pit and pipes can get even colder. Make sure to keep your heat on and heat your basement normally, as it can prevent any of your home's pipes from freezing.
How do I drain my sump pump water away from my house?
2:194:00How To, Plumbing the Sump Pump Discharge out of the Crawl Space ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake your cut glue up your pipe. Press and hold together. This pipes coming out of the sump pumpMoreMake your cut glue up your pipe. Press and hold together. This pipes coming out of the sump pump through the wall back underground into the downspout drain.
Can you bury a sump pump discharge hose?
0:482:57How We Do It: Buried Sump Pump Discharge Lines - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe french drain is a perforated pipe. So it increases the surface area and allows that water toMoreThe french drain is a perforated pipe. So it increases the surface area and allows that water to drain into the ground even if the soil is not particularly.
Can a sump pump drain into a septic?
If you have a septic system, under no circumstances should the sump be pumped into the basement floor drain. During wet conditions, the septic system's drain field usually is saturated and struggling to handle the normal flow of water from the house.
How do you bury a sump pump discharge?
The sump pump discharge line should be either buried in the yard or extended out above-grade at a downward slope. If the pipe is buried, it should be buried at least 12 centimetres below the frost line (the maximum depth of ground below which the soil doesn't freeze).
How far can a sump pump discharge?
Most sump crocks have a working range of about 20 gallons (10 inches). Without a check valve and the discharge point leading outside your home was 20 feet from the pump, measured horizontally along the pipe, your pump would discharge 20 gallons of water and get 2 gallons of water back.
Is it normal for a sump pump to run in the winter?
Firstly, it is important to note that it is normal for sump pumps to run occasionally during the winter as a bit of melted snow will accumulate in the sump pit over time.
How To Route Sump Pump Discharge
As part of measures to get rid of water from your home, getting or buying a sump pump will be a great idea. This machine helps solve flooded basement problems by pumping out accumulated water.
Where Do Sump Pumps Drain To?
With the basic workings of sump pump drain lines provided, it’s now time to take a look at where the water goes.
Proper Sump Pump Water Discharge
When using a sump pump, you want to ensure that you aren’t creating a problem while trying to solve one.
Sump Pumps Should Drain To One of Two Places
Before installing your sump pump drain line, it’s important to have vital aspects of its operation figured out. Where does the water go? This is a key pre-installation question to answer.
7 Creative Sump Pump Drainage Ideas
As much as there are bad ways to discharge a sump pump, effective methods of disposal exist. These range from the use of dry wells, rain barrels, and the creation of a rain garden.
How to tell if a sump pump is working?
Unfortunately, there are still some moments where you may need to route your sump pump’s discharge pipe away from the house. Some of the bigger signs include: 1 Water keeps seeping into your home from the outside edges. This often suggests that you need a new sump pump, or that you have water running back to your home as a result of a poorly diverted sump pump. 2 You see a trail of mud from your sump pump outlet to your home. This is a clear sign that you may need a different route for your water. If you’re seeing leaks, it’s a bad sign. 3 A plumber suggested it. When in doubt, call a plumber to check out your sump pump. They’ll tell you whether it’s a replacement issue or a matter of routing.
What is sump pump discharge?
Sump pumps are meant to divert moisture and water from basements away from a house. That’s great, especially the part where they pump all the moisture away. However, figuring out how to divert the sump pump discharge can be a difficult issue. How do you do this?
How much does it cost to reroute a sump pump?
Rerouting the sump pump drainage pipe will cost between $280 to $700, depending on the length of pipe that you’re cutting as well as how much labor will be required.
Why does water run back to my house?
This often suggests that you need a new sump pump, or that you have water running back to your home as a result of a poorly diverted sump pump. You see a trail of mud from your sump pump outlet to your home. This is a clear sign that you may need a different route for your water.
How to connect a male pipe to a female pipe?
Now that you know where your pump is, gather up your supplies and follow these steps below: Glue a male pipe adapter to the pipe, then place the male pipe adapter into the female pipe adapter from the discharger. You should have a large bit of pipe sticking upwards. Most pipes will work with 1 1/4 or 1/2 inch diameters.
Do you need to route a sump pump away from the house?
Here’s the thing: most of the time, sump pumps come preinstalled with a small drainage system. If you had a professional installer, there’s a good chance you don’t need to route your sump pump away from the home. Professional installers usually do this as a part of their installation process.
Do you need to bury a sump pump?
Call 811 to find out if you have any gas lines that you need to avoid digging near. Yes, you need to bury your sump pump. It’s the only way that you can prevent the pipe from freezing during inclement weather.
Where do sump pumps go?
A sump pump is a tool that helps to remove water from your home, sending it to an area further away from your property so that it does not continue to cause problems. Many sump pumps are installed in the basement in the lowest-lying area to collect water and pump it away. Sump pumps are then connected to the storm drain or stormwater sewer.
How much does it cost to install a sump pump in a basement?
In some cases, a French interior drain is necessary to help channel water to the pump. Installed, a new sump pump installation can cost as much as $3,000 in your basement. But, most homeowners will spend about $1,000 for the job.
What does a float valve do on a sump pump?
The float valve will bob at the waterline, and when it reaches a certain point, it will trigger the sump to turn on.
What is a sanitary sewer?
A sanitary sewer is intended for wastewater to move to the wastewater treatment plant for your city or municipality. Comparatively, a storm sewer will drain directly into the waterways in your local area. Because a sump pump is simply pulling rainwater and floodwater away from your home and redistributing the water to a place away ...
Why is sanitary sewer water treated?
The water that is channeled to a sanitary sewer is treated with chemicals to reduce bacteria growth within the water. Your home’s toilet, dishwasher, sink, washing machine, and floor drains are all connected to a sanitary sewer to allow the wastewater to flow to the city’s municipal water treatment center.
Why do you need a sump pump?
A sump pump is a wonderful way to help protect your home investment and keep your property safe and dry. In the event of heavy rains and potential flooding, a sump pump helps to pull water out of your home and direct it safely away from your home. Finding an area to channel the excess water can be a challenge for a new sump pump installation.
Where are storm drains located?
Usually, storm drains can be found near the streets to flow directly to the area’s waterways. Storm sewers are commonly near curbs, parking lots, or the main roadway. Comparatively, a sanitary sewer system is connected to the treatment plant and is intended for sewage. These sewage pipes are usually underground near the perimeter of your home.
How big of a discharge line for sump pump?
Most sump pumps have a recommended discharge size of 1.5 inches. The line must be run to the outside of the house. Many homeowners want the pipe connected to their sewer, but this is against code. City officials clarify that they will not allow rainwater to be pumped into the sewer, as wastewater has to be treated.
How much does it cost to install a sump pump?
The cost of installing a high-quality pump is usually around $350- 500 if there is an existing sump basin.
What happens if you discharge water right next to the foundation?
If you discharge water right next to the foundation, it will just cycle back into the sump pump and may overwhelm the system, causing a flooded basement. If the grade in the area doesn't drain away from the house, you will have the same issue of recycling water, or you will end up with a swamp in your yard.
Why is the buried portion of a pipe needed to be double the diameter of the rest of the discharge line?
This is because the pipe underground relies on gravity to drain and needs more room to travel more slowly.
How does a water line get buried?
The line can get buried by mulch, dirt, or grass. This happens whether it is buried or not, but it is a good practice to check the end of the discharge every time you mow your lawn to ensure this doesn't happen. The line can freeze or get buried by snow, causing it to block the water flow.
Can a sump pump run into a septic system?
Since discharges can't be run into sewer or septic systems, the only option is to run them out into your yard. A professional sump pump installer will work with you to determine a good location for the discharge to exit your home and end up pumping the water to a place where it can run off efficiently.
Is a sump pump necessary for a basement?
Ultimately, a sump pump is a very affordable insurance policy against a flooded basement and is highly recommended. If you don't have one, you should consider having one installed. BEFORE: Code requires a sump basin and sometimes a sump pump. This is a typical sump pump set up as installed during the construction of a home.
