Obvious Newb question?

[Aaron Scheuerer]

I don't know if this is a stupid question or not I'm assuming yes but I came across this sump pump in a basement the other day. The hole made is way bigger than the sump itself so how the hell does the water actually get into the well? Wouldn't it just poor into the sides around where the actual pump is when the basement floor gets water in it? Or am I missing something (I'm assuming so)

[Gunnar Alquist]

I don't know if this is a stupid question or not I'm assuming yes but I came across this sump pump in a basement the other day. The hole made is way bigger than the sump itself so how the hell does the water actually get into the well? Wouldn't it just poor into the sides around where the actual pump is when the basement floor gets water in it? Or am I missing something (I'm assuming so)

Hi Aaron,

Part of the function of a sump is to drain the soil of excess water. What you describe would be fine for surface water, but would not address water in the soil. A sump pump typically starts with an oversized hole. A permeable container (in this case, it looks like they used chimney flue tile) is installed to form a sump. Drainage rock is used to backfill between the walls of the new sump and the cut soil, as well as at the bottom of the sump, creating a drainage plane. The gravel also helps to reduce the amount of soil that gets into the pump. Water from the surrounding soil will enter the sump from the bottom.

The included diagram is an ideal installation. Typically, the drainage piping is not installed, at least in my area (no basements).

[Aaron Scheuerer]

Hi Aaron,

Part of the function of a sump is to drain the soil of excess water. What you describe would be fine for surface water, but would not address water in the soil. A sump pump typically starts with an oversized hole. A permeable container (in this case, it looks like they used chimney flue tile) is installed to form a sump. Drainage rock is used to backfill between the walls of the new sump and the cut soil, as well as at the bottom of the sump, creating a drainage plane. The gravel also helps to reduce the amount of soil that gets into the pump. Water from the surrounding soil will enter the sump from the bottom.

The included diagram is an ideal installation. Typically, the drainage piping is not installed, at least in my area (no basements).


wow awesome thank you so much!!!

[Raymond Wand]

That tile does not appear to be glazed and water will soak through the sides of the tile. Also there appears to be a plate under the pump. It is also possible that there is a crack in the bottom of the pit allowing ground water in. Also drainage tube from water softener back wash?