monitoring sump pump

[v1rtu0s1ty]

If you're getting pieces of gravel or dirt in the impeller of the pump that may be what is keeping it from working properly. Years ago I had a sump pump which gave me similar problems. I ended up removing the pump and reinstalling it in a 5 gallon plastic bucket. I drilled a ton of holes in the bucket to allow water to enter. Most of the problems will be at the lower levels, so I drilled larger holes near the top of the bucket. The bucket acts as a filter to keep debris out of the pump. John

I'm sorry, I couldn't visualize what you're talking about here. I have a sump pit in my basement and I think it's made of thick black plastic. My sump pump is there. The diameter of the sump pit is like 2 ft. The depth of the pit is like 3 ft.

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

OFF TOPIC COCOONERS BUT I NEED YOUR COMMENTS ON THIS. PLEASE READ.

The other day, I told my builder that my sump pump is intermittent. I can see it works when it ejects the water. I can see the bottom of the pit. When water fills the pit, sump pump will sometimes fail to start. Anyways, yesterday, they replaced it. However, it was only this evening that I started testing it again by bypassing the switch. When it ejected the water, when water was almost gone, a strong shower was coming from the side of the pvc pipe. It can wet me while sitting close to it. I didn't see this water coming from the side of the pipe before they replaced it. So, I don't know if the accidentally created a hole there or was intentionally done.

Any inputs from you folks will be very helpful.

By the way, below are the pictures. You can see the water coming out from the hole in the pvc hitting the container of the pit.

 

[tuantu]

From the picture you provided it does NOT appear you have a check valve installed. You can purchase a check valve at HD or Lowes or any plumbing supply house. The "hole" that water is shooting out is normal and it should be there. If you still have the original installation sheet/manual it will explain it to you.

 

[mustangcoupe]

you said when the water is "almost gone" did the pump turn off at this point?

If so I agree yo do not have a check valve installed (looking at the pictures) and the back pressure doen the pipe is causing this.

If the pump is still running at this point something else is wrong.

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

you said when the water is "almost gone" did the pump turn off at this point?

If I remember correctly, it stopped but water kept coming out from the hole.

They said that I have a check valve. It is located outside about 2-3 ft from ground. Check the picture below.

 

[tuantu]

The purpose for the "hole" is to prevent air lock

Once the pump stop how much water did you observing coming out of this "hole". What you possibly seeing is the water BELOW the check valve coming back into the pit which is normal.

You mentioned the check valve is about 3 ft up (also appears on your picture) so if you can move the valve slightly below the pit lid so you wouldn't have that much water coming back into the pit

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

The purpose for the "hole" is to prevent air lock

Once the pump stop how much water did you observing coming out of this "hole". What you possibly seeing is the water BELOW the check valve coming back into the pit which is normal.

You mentioned the check valve is about 3 ft up (also appears on your picture) so if you can move the valve slightly below the pit lid so you wouldn't have that much water coming back into the pit

Gotcha! Whew! That means, I will never have a dry pit as compared to my old sump pit in other house. Right?

 

[mustangcoupe]

Yes, it will never be dry... I usually try and put the check valve as close to the pump as possiable... but it also looks like they may be using that as a place to disconnect the pipe to get the pump out agian should the need arrise