HomeMy WebLinkAboutCityofEdinaFloodResilienceFactSheets-03-24-2020_sump pumpsActions for Flood Resilient Homes:
Sump Pumps
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump is a small pump installed in the lowest part of your
basement. Its purpose is to collect subsurface water from the ground
near your home’s foundation and pump it out to your yard to keep
your basement dry.
Who needs a sump pump?
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, 60% of homes
in the United States have wet basements. If yours is one of them—or
if one of the conditions below applies—you should consider installing a
sump pump.
• Your basement has flooded
• You live in a low-lying area (see the interactive flood risk map)
• You have a finished basement where you store valuables
(including appliances such as a washer/dryer)
• You live in an area that receives significant amounts of rain or
experiences rapid snowmelt
How does a sump pump work?
The sump pump usually stands in a
“sump pit,” which is a hole about 2 feet
deep and 18 inches wide. Water from the
soil around your home’s foundation flows
into the sump pit through drains. Once
that water reaches a certain level in the
pit a pressure sensor or float activator
(similar to the one in your toilet) turns
the pump on. The activated pump moves
the water out of the pit through a pipe
that should empty onto the ground at
least 20 feet away from your home. In
the City of Edina a utility connection
permit is required to drain sump water
to the storm sewer.
Reduces vulnerability
Reduces exposure
COST: $400 (median MN)1
Sump tank
Sump pump
3/4” Clear gravel
Foundation drain
tile pipe
Interior drainage system
2” Discharge pipe
Check valve
FINISHED FLOOR ELEVATION
BASEMENT FLOOR
For more information on flood resilience, contact the Engineering Department at 952-826-0371.
1According to improvenet.com (2020) for cost of replacement sump pump installation. May be substantially higher for new pumps, depending on type of pump/flooring and
location.
Groundwater
Before flood action During flood action After flood action
For more information on flood resilience, contact the Engineering Department at 952-826-0371.
Sump pump standards can be found at: https://www.edinamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/397/Sump-Pump-Discharge-Connection-Policy-PDF.
Information on utility connection permits can be found at: https://epermits2.logis.org/home.aspx?city=ed.
Sump drain detail: https://www.edinamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/848/310---Sump-Drain-PDF
Sump drain connection detail: https://www.edinamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/849/311---Sump-Drain-Service-Connection-PDF
Installing sump pump requires a permit: https://www.edinamn.gov/209/Building-Permits-Resources.
Actions for Flood Resilient Homes:
Sump Pumps
Connecting your sump pump
to City of Edina storm sewers:
• The pipe exiting the house should have an air
gap and drain to an area that slopes away from
your home’s foundation. Direct the drainage
away from your home toward green areas that
infiltrate water or toward public drainage paths.
• Sump drain lines can connect your sump pump
directly to the storm sewer. This is best done
by a licensed professional and requires a permit
from the City of Edina.
AIR GAP
DIFFERENT TYPES OF AIR GAPS
The air gap is outside your home, at the
point where the sump pump’s internal
discharge line exits your basement and
connects to the external discharge line.
The air gap provides an outlet for the
footing drain flows to escape in the event
of an issue in the external discharge, the
curb collection system or the stormwater
system.
Different air gap configurations have been used in footing drain disconnections. Each type of air gap
serves its purpose as a temporary footing drain water release.
City of An n Arbor
A2gov.org/sumppumps
Atrium Air Gap
If the pump is running frequently 8 to 24 hours after a rain event, and water is splashing out of the air gap, the homeowner should contact a plumber to investigate the external discharge line.
Keep your air gap free of dirt, grass clippings and debris. Do not allow
air gap to become buried below ground or below landscaping.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
Candy Cane Air Gap Pipe in Pipe Air Gap
AIR GAP
DIFFERENT TYPES OF AIR GAPS
The air gap is outside your home, at the
point where the sump pump’s internal
discharge line exits your basement and
connects to the external discharge line.
The air gap provides an outlet for the
footing drain flows to escape in the event
of an issue in the external discharge, the
curb collection system or the stormwater
system.
Different air gap configurations have been used in footing drain disconnections. Each type of air gap
serves its purpose as a temporary footing drain water release.
City of Ann Ar b or
A2gov.org/sumppumps
Atrium Air Gap
If the pump is running frequently 8 to 24 hours after a rain event, and water is splashing out of the air gap, the homeowner should contact a plumber to investigate the external discharge line.
Keep your air gap free of dirt, grass clippings and debris. Do not allow
air gap to become buried below ground or below landscaping.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
Candy Cane Air Gap Pipe in Pipe Air Gap
AIR GAP
DIFFERENT TYPES OF AIR GAPS
The air gap is outside your home, at the
point where the sump pump’s internal
discharge line exits your basement and
connects to the external discharge line.
The air gap provides an outlet for the
footing drain flows to escape in the event
of an issue in the external discharge, the
curb collection system or the stormwater
system.
Different air gap configurations have been used in footing drain disconnections. Each type of air gap
serves its purpose as a temporary footing drain water release.
City o f A nn A rbo r
A2gov.org/sumppumps
Atrium Air Gap
If the pump is running frequently 8 to 24 hours after a rain event, and water is splashing out of the air gap, the homeowner should contact a plumber to investigate the external discharge line.
Keep your air gap free of dirt, grass clippings and debris. Do not allow
air gap to become buried below ground or below landscaping.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
Candy Cane Air Gap Pipe in Pipe Air Gap
Other considerations
• Drain tile around your home is an essential part of your sump pump system. The purpose of the tile is to collect water
around the basement foundation and channel it to the sump pit.
• Gutters can significantly affect the water that gets into your basement. Make sure your gutters are well maintained and large
enough to handle heavy rains. Downspouts should be directed away from the home. Similarly, make sure that the land next to
your home is properly graded—directing water away from the foundation.
• Sump pumps should be checked regularly, particularly in early spring and when heavy rains are forecast. To test your pump,
pour a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it starts automatically and that the water pumps out quickly.
• Pump maintenance should include removing the pump from the pit and cleaning the grate on the bottom. You should also
make sure that if you are using a discharge pipe, the air gap is clear. The air gap is located outside your home, where the sump
pump’s internal discharge line exits the basement and connects to the external discharge line. Its purpose is to provide an
outlet for flows in the event there is a problem with the discharge line or the stormwater system. If the air gap is obstructed,
water can backflow, flooding the basement and causing the pump to burn out.
• A standard 15-amp, 110-volt, three-pronged grounded electrical outlet can handle a sump pump. The outlet should be an
isolated line, with no other connections between the breaker and the outlet. Because the pump is located near water you
may want to plug it into a working ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). However, keep in mind that lightning has been
known to trigger GFCIs and could shut off power to your pump during a heavy rainstorm. Make certain to check on the
pump during the storm so you can reset the GFCI if necessary.
• Consider replacing your sump pump every 10 years.
Make sure your sump pump is ready for whatever water comes its way …
Sump pumps often come with water-level or flood alarms to alert you if the pump fails. Some can even call your cell phone
or notify your alarm company. To minimize the risk of flooding, test your sump pump periodically to make sure it is in good
operating condition. Your user’s manual should specify when and how to test your pump. You can also consider investing
in a backup pump to operate if the primary pump fails or becomes overwhelmed with water from a large storm. Similarly,
because sump pumps operate on electricity, they are vulnerable to power outages. Pumps with backup battery power are
available, or a generator can be used.
Air gap types (left to Right): Atrium, candy cane, pipe in pipe.
Images source: City of Ann Arbor https://www.a2gov.org/departments/
engineering/Documents/AirGapInfoSheet_2018.pdf