:) Hi, my name is Cat Smith and I am a new home owner to which just introduced me to the world of sump pumping. I know that a sump pump is to drain out water that gets trapped in ones basement after a rain storm but what I didn't know is that water gets put into it even when it's NOT raining. :confused: My basement flooded recently but not because of rain, it was because of a drain within the pit that has incoming water, constantly.. it drains in so much my pump is going off every 5 to 8 minutes and now I think the motor is burning out from so much usage.. the switch is getting stuck every two hours, starts to flood my basement and I have to go turn it off and then back on? SO my question is... where is that water coming from and can I pipe it off and redirect it out of my pit?

First, look at your water meter when water is not being used and check for leaks. Use the laek detector dial.

Water can originate from underground springs, a high water table, rain or plumbing leaks.

Your not allowed to pump storm water in the sanitary sewer.

If you rule out leaks first, then you may have to consider a mechanism of backing up the sump pump. Battery powered, generator powered and water powered are options.

If it runs all the time, you can consider an electronic switch such as "sumpwatcher" or you can consider two pumps that alternate with a backup system.

You really can't direct it out of the pit because, it has to be discharged to the storm drain or the ground, so you need lift.

Leaks from plumbing underground is definitely a possibility. In some houses, the cold and hot water are run underground because it was EASIER.

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Leaks from plumbing underground is definitely a possibility. In some houses, the cold and hot water are run underground because it was EASIER.

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In my area all our buildings are on slabs. We install our water under the slab, noit because it's easier but in case the system develops a leak where would you rather the leak went? Back into the ground or down from the attic onto your carpet and furniture. Having got that off my chest a pressure le4ak under the slab could be a real possibility. To check to see if you have a hidden leak first shut down everything in the house, no flush, no drinks of water, and if you are on a meter go out and check the little pointer in the gage. It should not move or creep. If it does you have a leak. If you're on a pump then check the pressure gage after the pump builds up to pressure and shuts off. The gage should not fall and the pump come back on. If so then you have a leak. Hope this helps and thank you for rating my reply, Tom