Diy miracle: how to prevent sump pump water from damaging your property
What To Know
- The water from the sump pump is discharged into the dry well, where it is absorbed by the gravel and then seeps into the ground.
- The water from the sump pump is discharged into the French drain, where it is absorbed by the gravel and then seeps into the ground.
- Once you have installed the discharge pipe and check valve, it is important to test the sump pump to make sure that it is working properly.
A sump pump is a crucial component of any basement waterproofing system, but it’s only effective if the water it pumps out is directed away from your house. Otherwise, you risk flooding your yard or even your basement again. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to get sump pump water away from your house, ensuring that your home stays dry and protected.
Choose the Right Discharge Point
The first step in getting sump pump water away from your house is to choose the right discharge point. This will depend on the layout of your property and the slope of your yard. Ideally, you want to find a location that is downhill from your house and where the water will be able to drain away easily.
Some common discharge points include:
- Dry well: A dry well is a hole dug in the ground that is filled with gravel. The water from the sump pump is discharged into the dry well, where it is absorbed by the gravel and then seeps into the ground.
- Storm drain: If you have a storm drain on your property, you can connect the sump pump discharge hose to it. This will allow the water to be carried away by the storm drain system.
- French drain: A French drain is a trench filled with gravel that is installed underground. The water from the sump pump is discharged into the French drain, where it is absorbed by the gravel and then seeps into the ground.
Install the Discharge Pipe
Once you have chosen the discharge point, you need to install the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe should be made of a durable material, such as PVC or ABS, and it should be at least 1.5 inches in diameter.
To install the discharge pipe, follow these steps:
1. Cut the discharge pipe to the desired length.
2. Connect the discharge pipe to the sump pump outlet.
3. Run the discharge pipe to the discharge point.
4. Secure the discharge pipe to the ground using stakes or clamps.
Extend the Discharge Pipe
If the discharge point is located far from the sump pump, you may need to extend the discharge pipe. To do this, simply connect a length of pipe to the existing discharge pipe using a coupler.
Bury the Discharge Pipe
If possible, it is best to bury the discharge pipe underground. This will help to protect the pipe from damage and freezing. To bury the discharge pipe, dig a trench that is at least 12 inches deep. Place the discharge pipe in the trench and then backfill the trench with dirt.
Install a Check Valve
A check valve is a one-way valve that prevents water from flowing back into the sump pump. This is important because it prevents the sump pump from running continuously.
To install a check valve, follow these steps:
1. Cut the discharge pipe in half.
2. Insert the check valve into the discharge pipe.
3. Connect the two halves of the discharge pipe together.
Test the Sump Pump
Once you have installed the discharge pipe and check valve, it is important to test the sump pump to make sure that it is working properly. To do this, simply pour a bucket of water into the sump basin. The sump pump should turn on and pump the water out of the basin.
Troubleshooting
If your sump pump is not working properly, there are a few things that you can check:
- Check the power supply: Make sure that the sump pump is plugged in and that the circuit breaker is not tripped.
- Check the impeller: The impeller is the part of the sump pump that moves the water. If the impeller is clogged or damaged, the sump pump will not be able to pump water.
- Check the check valve: The check valve is a one-way valve that prevents water from flowing back into the sump pump. If the check valve is stuck open, the sump pump will not be able to pump water.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What is the best way to get sump pump water away from my house?
A: The best way to get sump pump water away from your house is to choose a discharge point that is downhill from your house and where the water will be able to drain away easily. You can then install a discharge pipe to connect the sump pump to the discharge point.
Q: How do I extend the discharge pipe on my sump pump?
A: To extend the discharge pipe on your sump pump, simply connect a length of pipe to the existing discharge pipe using a coupler.
Q: How do I bury the discharge pipe on my sump pump?
A: To bury the discharge pipe on your sump pump, dig a trench that is at least 12 inches deep. Place the discharge pipe in the trench and then backfill the trench with dirt.
