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    Generalbuzz's Avatar
    Generalbuzz Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 8, 2013, 08:20 AM
    A home I'm looking at to purchase, has 2 sump pits. Only one of which has a pump. The pit without a pump, however, is about half filled with water?

    OP here, guess I should also note, that there is no visible water damage on the drywall, nor on the built in wood bar. Also there is no odor, as if there had been flooding. There has been a good amount of rain this year as well, so I would assume these issues would have arose.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 8, 2013, 08:37 AM
    If I understand you, then it appears as if the ONE pump has been doing the job for the entire basement... that's a good thing!

    However, with that being said, if I had a pit half-filled with water and only ONE pump I would want to be sure to include the costs for a second pump and may even want to consider installing a battery back-up (or inverter powered) sump pump.

    You CANNOT just rely on one pump to feel safe. Consider backup and/or extra pump at a minimum.

    Mark
    Generalbuzz's Avatar
    Generalbuzz Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 8, 2013, 08:46 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by massplumber2008 View Post
    If I understand you, then it appears as if the ONE pump has been doing the job for the entire basement...that's a good thing!

    However, with that being said, if I had a pit half-filled with water and only ONE pump I would want to be sure to include the costs for a second pump and may even want to consider installing a battery back-up (or inverter powered) sump pump.

    You CANNOT just rely on one pump to feel safe. Consider backup and/or extra pump at a minimum.

    Mark
    First, thank you for the recommendation and the answer, it is much appreciated. 2nd, is there a reason why there would be 2 pits? Should this be cause for concern? I will be going back to the home on Thursday (4 days later), if the pit, one without a pump, is still have filled with water, is there anything that can/should be done? And again thank you for any and all help, as I have no knowledge in this area what so ever.
    creahands's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
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    #4

    Apr 8, 2013, 12:18 PM
    Is there waste lines for both pits?

    If so, can assume there were two pumps at onetime. Ask owner why one is missing.

    Also could be that they have a portable pump that is put in when water becomes a probable.

    Chuck
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #5

    Apr 8, 2013, 05:09 PM
    Could one pit be draining into the other and the pump servicing both pits? If so then the drain line's blocked up. Just a thought. Tom
    sergio212003's Avatar
    sergio212003 Posts: 2, Reputation: 0
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    #6

    Apr 8, 2013, 08:31 PM
    Yes the pits are connected . And if you want to make shore you are not going to have problems in the future you must install a second pump and think about having a backup pump to.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #7

    Apr 9, 2013, 05:27 AM
    Hey Sergio

    What makes you so sure the pits are connected? I'd bet you money they aren't connected, but yet you are so sure they are? Perhaps we should wait for Generalbuzz to come back and tell us that, huh?

    How about the rest of your post? If you read my reply (post #2) you would see I already made the suggestions you did.

    When you take the time to post, please take a minute to read what others have posted, OK?

    Mark
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #8

    Apr 9, 2013, 10:52 AM
    Well, I have two sump pits and neither have pumps. Put the pits in just in case I needed them. Never got around to putting in pumps because I never need them. Easy enough to do if I ever do need them.

    Depending on the proximity of the two pits to one another and depending the proximity of the pumpless pit to the bar and if the bar is a wet bar, it is possible that it was put there as a drain for the bar. Since that would not be to code, the pump may have been remove for sale of the house.
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