Sump Pump Information – Introduction
After all of this analysis of many of the available possible basement waterproofing systems, it has been determined that the shallow depth interior sub-floor system is the most reliable and effective in a post-construction basement waterproofing situation.
The second most reliable system is the interior pipe and stone system. This system, however, does have inherent problems due to the fact that it can underexcavate the foundation wall by sucking dirt into the system creating a potential clog. These types of systems also pump out more water than is necessary. In determining the top two ways to resolve a basement waterproofing problem, the question is asked –
“What do we do after we gather the water that is threatening the floor?
Where do we put it?”
There are many options for drainage of the water that threatens the floor.
1. A gravity fed drain to the exterior – A problem with the gravity fed drain to the exterior is that it involves digging underneath the footing and continuing at a greater depth to pitch the pipe to an area where the pipe will meet air. This scenario involves a house being on a hill and is not a desirable option.
2. Draining to a drywell on the exterior – the problem with this method is possible saturation causing a back-up. This back-up could cause more problems on the interior of the home than you had before you tried to solve the problem.
3. Draining to a sewer drain underneath the floor – in most states, this is not a legal option and extreme caution should be used. Back-up sewerage into the sub-floor area is a possibility which makes this a very unrealistic and undesirable option.
4. Sump pumps – the most realistic and successful method for draining the water from the basement area is to utilize a sump pump. There are many varieties of sump pumps. The best sump pump is one with a sealed lid that pumps to the exterior. The exit point is through the band board (where the first floor joints are situated) to the outside – straight down to a Freeze Stop and then to a 4” pipe and out onto the lawn or to an area where the water can be pumped without causing further disruption to the landscape.
There are pumps available that do not look like sump pumps. Pictures left are pictures of sump pumps that are currently available on the market.
