The Elements of a Good Sump Pump System

The Sump Liner

It is important to have a sturdy liner or housing for your sump pump with holes in it to accept water directly from the ground.  There should also be a larger inlet hole to allow your perimeter drainage system to empty into it.  The liner should be about 2 feet deep and about 18 inches wide, and should have a rim that works with a sealed cover.

Airtight Sump Lid

The sump should have an airtight lid on it to prevent water from evaporating out of the sump hole and into your basement, as well as quieting the system.  Having a lid prevents objects or other debris from falling in and clogging the pump.  It also makes the sump pump have a nicer and cleaner appearance, so it’s not such an eyesore in your basement.

A Floor Drain in the Sump Lid

Not if, but when you have a plumbing leak and the water floods out onto the basement floor, the sump hole will drain the water away.  The airtight floor drain won’t allow water vapor to evaporate into the basement, but will get rid of unwanted water when a plumbing leak occurs.

A Stand for the Pump

A pump stand will elevate the pump off the bottom of the sump liner, allowing for some sediment, mud, or debris that washes into the sump liner to settle to the bottom without clogging or affecting the pump.  It also keeps the check valve and discharge pipe clean.

A Pump Alarm

Unless you have an alarm, the only way to know if your sump pump has failed is when you discover your basement has already flooded.  A battery powered alarm that sounds off automatically when the water reaches a level above the point where the pump should normally turn on is essential.  The WaterWatch alarm system offered by Woods warns you of the problem before any damages occur so you can do something about it.