Hi all,

I have groundwater entering my basement during storms at one single point in the floor, and at no other place currently. It is earthen in the small area where the water enters. I can pinpoint the point of entrace with a pencil tip! The water drains down a worn channel about one foot in distance to the untrapped main sewer drain. If I don't leave the main sewer drain uncapped, my basement floods. I know there is the danger potential for gas emissions through the open sewer drain but at this point I have no other choice. My basement has no trapped floor drain. The house was built in 1915. The majority of the basement floor (including where the sewer drain is located) is poured concrete. I have spoken to many contractors - both waterproofing experts and plumbers. The waterproofers are only willing to install a sump pump & tell me if I want a trapped drain installed & tied in to the main sewer drain that I will need to call a plumber. The plumbers I call don't want to install the trapped drain and tell me I need a sump pump.

My question: is there any reason why installing a drain where the water currently flows to would not be a solution? And would there be any additional benefit of installing a sump pump? How I see it is that someone has kept this basement dry by using the open sewer drain for nearly 100 years - and I can't afford a sump pump right now, nor do I want the constant electric usage, nor do I believe the sump pump is necessary in my situation.

What do you think? Thanks very much for your time whoever replies to my post!!

Of course a sump pump would be the best overall solution but that wasn't your question was it? A floor drain would be worlds better then exposing your family to sewer gas emissions from a direct open connection between your house and the city sewer. I take it the opening's a cleanout with the cover removed. Install a floor drain and cap the opening. Set the floor drain low enough so you can slope the cement to it Good luck, Tom

Thank you very much for answering my question, Speedball.

I'm not sure what you mean by "the opening's a cleanout with the cover removed". I did remove a big cast-iron cover from the hole... it's a big old pipe about 6" in diamater which slopes down very steeply and deep... I am told it is that main line that goes down to the sewer...

I have a couple more questions for you in regard to your answer. First off, you say that the sump pump would be the best overall solution. Can you tell me why? Also, you confirm that the potential for dangerous sewer gases exists. Can you tell me why installing a trapped drain that is tied into the untrapped main sewer line would not still allow those gases to enter my basement?

Also - I have two more questions for you, or anyone else... About how much *should* it cost for a contractor to install a sump pump (all costs inclusive, including labor, materials, etc.)? I have been quoted $2800 and I think that is rather high... especially considering that I see sumps only cost about $200.

I have an acquaintance who is willing to install the sump for me for a fraction of that price (and also tells me the sump is the best option) but this person is not licensed. Is it smart to go that route or is this something that I should leave to the "pros"?

Thanks all!

"I'm not sure what you mean by "the opening's a cleanout with the cover removed". I did remove a big cast-iron cover from the hole.... it's a big old pipe about 6" in diamater which slopes down very steeply and deep... I am told it is that main line that goes down to the sewer."

It means just what I said. The opening that you removed the cover from is a clean-out and by removing it you exposed your family to the hazards of sewer gas.

" you say that the sump pump would be the best overall solution. Can you tell me why?"
A sump pump and pit will collect both incoming rain water and up welling ground water before it reaches your basement floor and pump it outside.
A floor drain will drain water away that's already all over the floor and flows into the floor drain. A lot less muss and fuss with a sump pump but much more expensive then a floor drain.

"Can you tell me why installing a trapped drain that is tied into the untrapped main sewer line would not still allow those gases to enter my basement?"

You just answered your own question. Trapped= the sewer gasses are sealed off. Untrapped= sewer gas can and will enter your home. A floor drain's trapped and will seal off sewer gas entry.

" I have two more questions for you, or anyone else... About how much *should* it cost for a contractor to install a sump pump (all costs inclusive, including labor, materials, etc.)? I have been quoted $2800 and I think that is rather high... especially considering that I see sumps only cost about $200."

We don't give ballpark estimates without first being on site to take a material list, look the job over for trouble spots and knowing the going labor rates, (both union and nonunion).

"I have an acquaintance who is willing to install the sump for me for a fraction of that price (and also tells me the sump is the best option) but this person is not licensed. Is it smart to go that route or is this something that I should leave to the "pros"? "

It's no major project to install a sump pump and pit. You know where the water collects and that's where you install the pit. Most pumps run off 110 volts so supplying it with power shouldn't be a big deal. Pumping it outside won't need any connections to your drainage system so why involve a pricy plumber to do the work? Good luck, Tom

OK - thank you very much for all of the information. As you can see, I don't know very much about any of this. So I really appreciate the help! :)