View Full Version : No water in pit
best2003
Jul 1, 2008, 12:33 PM
Hi
Can some one explain me how this outside drainage system works. We had rain last week but I don't see water in pit. Where is all rain water going. Is there any plumbing problem? Last year and this year only change is we got window well cove .
Thanks,
Best2003
smearcase
Jul 1, 2008, 02:46 PM
Either the bottom of the "pit" is permeable soil that allows water to settle down lower into the ground and/or the drainage is not getting to the pit (drainlines clogged).
What kind of a pit are we talking about or is it a community storm water management pond?
best2003
Jul 1, 2008, 08:11 PM
Regular pit which is used in single family house . It was working till last yr. but I didn't hear sump pum running .
ballengerb1
Jul 1, 2008, 08:23 PM
In many homes the window wells have drain lines that lead to the curtain drain (foundation drain) and then into the pit. Covering your wells may have done a great job. To test this theory run a garden hose into the window well for a half hour, do not leave it unattended. Did the sump kick on and the pit fill? Back to you
best2003
Jul 2, 2008, 02:52 PM
So that means Now my sumppum will never run? Is is good Or bad?
smearcase
Jul 2, 2008, 03:03 PM
I think the sump pump not switching on is good, so long as you know the pump is still operative. I lived in a house where the sump pump ran maybe only once or twice per year, and I would pull the float up once in a while and the motor purred nicely.
Then we had some heavy rain, went to check the basement and had 6 inches of water covering the floor. Upon closer inspection, I found that the bottom of the pump was rusted out and wasn't pumping anything. But anytime you don't have ground water around or under the foundation it is definitely a good thing.
ballengerb1
Jul 2, 2008, 05:39 PM
Yes, a functionable sump pump that never runs is a great thing, your basement curtain drain and foundation are naturally dry. I think it is still going to run once in a while but you are better off.
best2003
Jul 3, 2008, 07:55 AM
Thanks for your help guys. Now I am really relieved