[marc9889]

I have a flooring job coming up and I want to take advantage of the opportunity to install a sump pump under my house. Occasionally, it rains enough that water stands in the crawl space, hence the pump.

1. Can the pump's exhaust water be plumbed into the sewer drain (unmetered) without risk of the water coming back into the drains for the bathtubs, sinks, dishwasher, etc?

2. Is a local shutoff switch required and/or typical if using a float valve? If so, what type is typically used?

3. How deep below the surface should the pump be placed? (french drain style)

 

[jmon]

agree. Good time to do it.

Imo, a diy project any homeowner can do. You will need to ask your local city municipal water department if you can dump into unmetered sewer. Can't answer that for you. Around here it is not allowed and has to be pumped out on the property.

Around here you can just plug them in if they have a float valve no switch required although it is recommended.

depth is dependent on how much water is coming in. Too deep and pump will run all the time, to shallow and water will come in.

plenty of utube videos out there showing how to do this step by step you can watch. Recommend you watch a couple before attempting the project to make sure you have skills, knowledge, and tools needed to do it.

 

[jmon]

additionally, make sure the outlet you use is gfci as pictured in your link.

 

[Old Thomas]

I have never known of a municipality that allowed a sump pump to discharge to the sanitary sewer. I haven’t seen it all, so maybe one exists. What you do behind your closed doors is your decision.

 

[marc9889]

I have never known of a municipality that allowed a sump pump to discharge to the sanitary sewer. I haven’t seen it all, so maybe one exists. What you do behind your closed doors is your decision.

The thinking on this, obviously, is that it's the easiest way to get the water out of the crawl space (as opposed to creating a new hole in my foundation). On one hand, I could see how a municipality might object. On the other hand, a healthy supply of filtered water might actually benefit the waste disposal system. But after considering your input, I'm pretty sure the sanitation folks would stonewall the idea immediately upon hearing it.

 

[marc9889]

additionally, make sure the outlet you use is gfci as pictured in your link.

The project includes adding a receptacle and a switch that is accessible from the crawl space door. I'll definitely go GFCI on the receptacle. Thanks for mentioning.

 

[ct18]

Do not tie into your sanitary. You will have a open line now that would allow harmful vapors into your home. Sumps are not an air tight set up.