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Generalbuzz · 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 · 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 · Apr 8, 2013, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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.