This video details why you should drill a horizontal vent hole (or weeping hole) into the discharge pipe of your sump pump. The vent hole allows excess air to escape from the pipe, preventing air bounding. Furthermore, where should a sump pump discharge? Run your sump pump drainage away from your home.
Why your sump pump needs a weep hole?
We’re going to test all the possible causes of water flowing out of the weep hole:
- Drilled in the wrong place
- Badly angled
- Too large diameter of the hole
How to repair common sump pump problems?
Troubleshooting – What to Do If Your Sump Pump Is Not Working?
- Check the Power Source You can easily check if the socket of the sump pump is live by plugging another appliance into it. ...
- Make Sure the Float Switch Is Not Jammed A stuck float switch is a very common problem. ...
- Check the Discharge Pipe If the discharge pipe is clogged or frozen, the pump will fail to remove water from your basement. ...
Should you install a sump pump?
One way to prevent it from flooding is by getting a sump pump. If you know that water damage has impacted your house previously and you’re concerned about it happening again, a sump pump installation will ease your worries. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about your crawl space and why it needs a sump pump. What Is a Crawl Space?
How to enclose a sump pump?
Useful Tips for Handling Water Pumps
- Positioning of Pump Set. The position of an installed pump set is an important factor in determining the noise level be it in residential buildings or public places.
- Sound Isolation. This technique is useful, particularly for noisy water pumps. ...
- Pump Selection. ...
- Routine Maintenance. ...
- Use Acoustic Materials. ...
Why does a sump pump need a vent?
The vent on your sump pump performs two crucial functions: letting air in and letting air out. Being open to the outside allows radon gas and other gasses inside the sump pit to escape into the atmosphere rather than building up inside your home.
How far up should the weep hole be on a sump pump?
Easy Installation It is important to start this hole about 6” above the Sump Pump, and to drill it at a 45-degree angle UPWARDS. This will allow the water that will inevitably shoot out of this hole to be directed downwards.
Where is the vent hole on my sump pump?
0:266:50Why Sump, Sewage, and Effluent Pumps NEED a Vent Hole - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is commonly referred to as an anti airlock hole and today many many pumps on the market featureMoreThis is commonly referred to as an anti airlock hole and today many many pumps on the market feature. An anti airlock hole. And it's typically located on the volute of the pump. So not every pump on
Should a sump pit have holes in it?
Is it necessary to drill holes in my sump basin? Yes – drilling sump pump basin holes is almost always needed! If you choose to skip drilling these holes you risk the basin 'floating' in the pit. This can cause damage to the pump as well as broken drain lines!
Where to install vent holes in sump pit?
Vent holes can be installed in the basin cover or the side of a sump pit. We recommend installing them by drilling through the lid. This method provides better airflow and ventilation for your pump.
Do sump pumps need a lid?
In many areas your sump pump pit and basin do not need a lid but if there is a risk of radon gas leaks some local laws require you to cover and vent your pump system. This might sound like extra “red tape” but radon is a radioactive gas that can cause medical problems like coughing, chest pains, and bronchitis so it is important to protect your ...
Why do sump pumps need relief holes?
Sump pumps need Weep Holes (relief holes) in order to prevent air locking the impeller chamber. This is important because it allows air to bleed out of the interior of the pump that would normally keep the next cycles from starting. As an added benefit drilling a relief hole extends the life of most pumps and is even recommended by manufactures ...
What is an air locked sump pump?
Air locked sump pumps occur when air flows back into the pump chamber, filling the pump with air rather than taking in water from the sump basin. The air that is ‘locked’ inside the motor prevents water from being pumped out of the sump basin.
What does it mean when a sump pump weeps?
A sump pump weep hole may not sound important thanks to their silly sounding name but air locked pumps can mean a flooded basement and costly repairs. Pumps air lock and think they are pumping water when really they are only pushing air out the discharge pipe.
How big should a weep hole be?
Weep holes should be a 3/16” hole – any larger or smaller and the hole will not be effective. The best way to drill a hole is with a power drill so you can quickly (and safely) drill a straight hole.
What is a weep hole?
Weep hole might sound like a funny word but they are the best way to prevent an air-locked pump. Some models come with a weep hole predrilled but many models from top brands will require you to drill your own while installing the pump.
Can you drill a weep hole in a pump?
Installing a Weep Hole on your pump system may sound confusing but it is actually easier than it sounds. If you paid a professional installer to dig and install your system they should have drilled the relief hole but you should always double check. Drilling a weep hole is easy with the right equipment.
Does water go back into the pit when the pump is running?
You may be shocked to see water going back into the pit while the pump is running but it is a necessary evil! This small loss in pump efficiency extends the life of your pump and stops air locks.
How does a sump pump work?
A Sump Pump operates on simple physics. A water-cooled motor is housed inside a (if properly built) cast iron or stainless-steel casing. This motor moves a propeller at the base of the pump, pushing water up through the pipe. Imagine a plane propeller facing the ground, pushing all the air straight up. Same concept, but with water and your basement.
What causes a sump pump to lock?
This is much the same concept, as air in the brake lines do not allow you to put enough pressure to activate the brakes through the pedal. An air bubble in your Sump Pump line will cause “Air Lock” and prevent your pump from pumping the water effectively out of your home.
Weep Hole Size
Although they all perform the same function, not all sump pump weep holes are of the same size. The weep hole size is mostly dependent on the size of the pump.
You Might Have to Buy a Sump Pump Replacement
Incorrect usage of a sump pump is likely going to lead to its damage. This could be caused by the absence of a small component that you might consider as being insignificant.
About Air Lock
One of the things synonymous with sump pump weep holes is airlock prevention. An air lock is simply a situation that’s likely to occur in sump pumps having no weep holes.
Can Weep Holes Be Installed in Sump Pumps having none?
A sump pump will most certainly misbehave or malfunction when a weep hole isn’t present. While this is true, the existing problem can be remedied by having the hole installed.
Weep Holes Can only do so much
Having weep holes installed on a sump pump isn’t a guarantee against other issues developing.
