Sump Pump Discharge

A sump pump is the device that is usually set in the lowest level within a house or a building, in most cases the basement. It is set in the sump pit which accumulates water, either in the event of flooding, when ground water seeps in or in cases where the premise is situated below the water table. What the device does is pump out the accumulated water and this is done through the sump pump discharge pump. This sump pump discharge pipe is usually made of PVC and will extend from the device to where the excess or accumulated water is being pumped out to. These pipes in certain cases are made of copper or galvanized steel. However a PVC pipe on top of being economical is also easy to use, flexible and easy to make repairs on if and when needed. Regardless, check and follow the recommendations and specifications that come with the sump pump. This will prevent costly complications and repairs arising on a later date.

There are two strict don’ts when it comes to the sump pump discharge. The first is to not connect it to the septic tank. This is because the sump pump discharge is usually groundwater o rain water that does not require treating. It is also important to not connect the sump pump discharge pipes to the main sewer system. It is quite normal for your local plumbing codes to actually ban the practice as it could place the area’s sewer system under severe pressure in times of heavy rain or flooding. As such the recommended way to get rid of your sump pump discharge is also the most widely used. That is to run a pipe through your house’s or building’s foundation wall and let the discharge out around 10” below the ground level.

Another fact to be mindful when considering your sump pump discharge is the backflow of water that could occur. This can be prevented by installing a check valve which operates with the water pressure. When a check valve is installed it allows the sump pump discharge to flow out of the premises as that is where the pressure is coming from. However if there is pressure building on the outside with the threat of water rushing up the pipes and back into the premises, the check valve will close and prevent this from happening. An issue with sump pump discharge is colder climates is the possibility of the pipes freezing up and thereby hampering the proper functioning of the system. This can be avoided to a large extent by having the pipe line below the frost line. In any case if you have further issues or are unsure it is always advisable to speak to and obtain the help of a professional plumber as the effects of a half done job could prove to be costly, time consuming and messy.