sump pump problem

john dedrick · 12-01-2011, 03:24 PM

I have water draining around the PVC pipe coming in from outside. The water was draining both around the pipe and through the pipe. Now it is draining only around the pipe into the sump basin.

**oh'mike** · 12-01-2011, 06:45 PM

Going to need a picture of this one --or a better description of the situation---

john dedrick · 12-02-2011, 03:57 PM

The water is coming in under the white PVC pipe, in the sump pump basin, , that is coming from the outside into the sump pump basin. When the flow fist started, it was coming from the PVC pipe and an area just under the pipe. Now it is coming in just under the PVC pipe.

DexterII · 12-02-2011, 04:20 PM

John, welcome to the forum. There is a lot of knowledge here, and everyone is glad to share it, but they need to know the situation. After reading your second post, I, anyway, have the same picture as I did after reading your first post, to which Mikes suggested a picture, which would be most helpful, or at least a better description. At first glance, it sounds to me like you have a pipe that is broken or frozen, but we don't even know where it is coming from, so have no idea if that is a feasible possibility. Do you know what size pipe runs into your sump pit? Is it the one connected to the pump, or does it run into the side of the pit? If the latter, do you know where it originates? There very likely will be more questions, and I am by no means an expert on sump pumps, but am sure that someone can assist if you feed them the necessary information.

AllanJ · 12-02-2011, 08:05 PM

If the drain pipe (weeping tile) does not fit tightly into the side of the pit then water may come in around the edges. This is a non-problem so long as dirt and sand does not come in.

Typically the drain pipe is surrounded by gravel. Water may occupy the entire trench, not just the pipe. The pipe makes it easier for the water in the trench to reach the pit and make the water level throughout the trench to drop at least to the level of the bottom edge of the pipe faster.

Water (anywhere in the trench system) below the level of drain pipe (at the point of entry into the pit) and still in the gravel in the trench will stay behind. The entire system should have been installed low enough that this residual level is below the basement floor or otherwise does not caus a problem. If there are holes in the pit below the level of the pipes, then some of this additional water will drain into the pit.

By the way, you would want to check to be sure that the pipe is not clogged with dirt or whatever. Many plumbers have video snakes that can be used to inspect the pipe.

bob22 · 12-03-2011, 09:17 AM

John,
Is the PVC pipe you describe the discharge pipe from the pump to outside? If so, does it leave the pump area above or below grade?
Pictures would help as suggested.

12-01-2011, 03:24 PM	#1
john dedrick Newbie Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 2	sump pump problem I have water draining around the PVC pipe coming in from outside. The water was draining both around the pipe and through the pipe. Now it is draining only around the pipe into the sump basin.

12-01-2011, 06:45 PM	#2
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,762	sump pump problem Going to need a picture of this one --or a better description of the situation--- __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

12-02-2011, 03:57 PM	#3
john dedrick Newbie Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 2	sump pump problem The water is coming in under the white PVC pipe, in the sump pump basin, , that is coming from the outside into the sump pump basin. When the flow fist started, it was coming from the PVC pipe and an area just under the pipe. Now it is coming in just under the PVC pipe.

12-02-2011, 04:20 PM	#4
DexterII Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 1,562	sump pump problem John, welcome to the forum. There is a lot of knowledge here, and everyone is glad to share it, but they need to know the situation. After reading your second post, I, anyway, have the same picture as I did after reading your first post, to which Mikes suggested a picture, which would be most helpful, or at least a better description. At first glance, it sounds to me like you have a pipe that is broken or frozen, but we don't even know where it is coming from, so have no idea if that is a feasible possibility. Do you know what size pipe runs into your sump pit? Is it the one connected to the pump, or does it run into the side of the pit? If the latter, do you know where it originates? There very likely will be more questions, and I am by no means an expert on sump pumps, but am sure that someone can assist if you feed them the necessary information. Last edited by DexterII; 12-02-2011 at 04:24 PM.

12-02-2011, 08:05 PM	#5
AllanJ Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nashua, NH, USA Posts: 6,775	sump pump problem If the drain pipe (weeping tile) does not fit tightly into the side of the pit then water may come in around the edges. This is a non-problem so long as dirt and sand does not come in. Typically the drain pipe is surrounded by gravel. Water may occupy the entire trench, not just the pipe. The pipe makes it easier for the water in the trench to reach the pit and make the water level throughout the trench to drop at least to the level of the bottom edge of the pipe faster. Water (anywhere in the trench system) below the level of drain pipe (at the point of entry into the pit) and still in the gravel in the trench will stay behind. The entire system should have been installed low enough that this residual level is below the basement floor or otherwise does not caus a problem. If there are holes in the pit below the level of the pipes, then some of this additional water will drain into the pit. By the way, you would want to check to be sure that the pipe is not clogged with dirt or whatever. Many plumbers have video snakes that can be used to inspect the pipe. __________________ The average homeowner who lost his house in the Oklahoma tornadoes should move for good and not rebuild. Too much complexity watchdogging the contractor. Too much a chance to be defrauded. Last edited by AllanJ; 12-03-2011 at 09:54 PM.

sump pump problem