How Does a Sump Pit Work?

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Too much water around your home’s foundation can cause settling, foundation damage and leaks into basements. The most common way to direct water away from a foundation is with the use of a sump pit that is connected to a drainage system. In most cases, a sump pump is used to reduce sump pit water levels when they become to high. Here is a basic description on how a sump pit works and why it is so important to maintain.

Sump pits are enclosures located below the area that needs protection from water accumulation. This can be under a crawl space in your home or located in the basement floor. Often, the sump pit is made from a 12-18” wide PVC pipe that is placed vertically in the ground with a concrete bottom. The PVC can be perforated or not – perforated pipe allows water to come in through drain rock around the pit.

To collect water, a drainage system can be used around the areas to be protected. Drain tile is often used to direct water to the sump pit, located around the foundation edges. Gravity brings the water to the lowest area to collect, which is the sump pit.

Importance of Sump Pumps

Sump pits work great to collect water and protect foundations. However, when water levels are high, they fill quickly. A sump pump is a submergible pump that goes inside the sump pit and activates by a float device when the pit is almost full, pumping the excess water out and away from the house to a storm drain or other drainage area.

Sump pits can effectively keep foundations protected from high water levels. However, the sump pump must be maintained to keep it working correctly. If you have a sump pit and pump, make sure to schedule routine service to ensure your sump pump is ready to work when needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

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