Standing water can damage your walls, floor, and anything in the basement. Therefore, people have started installing sump pumps in their basements to curb this issue.
A sump pump is used to move any water from your basement outside your property through the sump pump drainage pipe.
That being said, several things can be done with this discharged water. This article will serve as a guide for sump pump discharge ideas and methods.
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10 Effective Sump Pump Discharge Ideas
The drainage water from your sump pump needs to be removed as quickly as possible and in the most effective way.
Storing that water can cause serious health issues, so it is essential to get rid of the water as soon as possible.
With that said, here are ten innovative ways to dispose of sump pump drainage discharge:
1. Use A Rain Barrel
We use gallons of water for our plants every month. Collecting the sump drain discharge in rain barrels can help you gather this water and use it, significantly cutting down your water bill.
All you need to do is get a rain barrel that you can attach the drainage pipe to and collect the discharge, which will then be used for watering your plants and gardens.
Sprinkler systems take up a lot of water, and using the rain barrel can help you save some money.
2. Use A French Drain
One of the common problems faced in sump pumps is clogging in the drain. To avoid clogging, you can go for the option of French drains.
French drains are attached to the sump pump drain line and help avoid clogs because of the design.
Since a French drain is installed underground, it is vital to ensure it is done correctly. If done wrong, it can lead to waterlogging and, in extreme cases, even damage to local streets.
3. Build A Dry Well
A dry well can be a great way to prevent your topsoil from getting damaged because of the discharge of the sump pump drain pipe.
A dry well is easy to build. All you need is a perforated barrel in a carved hole that will allow the water to soak beneath the ground. Be sure to make it deep enough to avoid waterlogging.
If you don’t, there could be dire water-related accidents to tend to.
4. Create A Rain Garden
A rain garden is considered one of the “greenest” solutions to disposing of water discharge from your sump pump. A rain garden is a piece of land where water accumulates.
It can be used to grow plants or keep the water in one place to evaporate.
This can be very beneficial to you as well as ease the load on city sewer lines. Using this option can benefit you as well as the people around you.
5. Use A Submersible Pump
A sump pump can experience cavitation due to the difference between the pump and the water level. To tackle this, individuals can go for a submersible pump.
This type of pump comes with a hermetically sealed motor. And if assembled under the water level, they recruit the help of atmospheric pressure to push the pressure fluid down.
With all the potential ways to dispose of discharged water, this is arguably one of the more popular ones.
6. Backyard Landscaping
Often, the drainage in your backyard is not up to the mark. To avoid this issue, you can opt for backyard landscaping.
The best way to get rid of water discharge from your basement in a way that does not damage your yard is by making a downspout beyond the plant beds.
You can also landscape your backyard into creating dry wells or rain gardens to use the water later. And if you find this difficult to do, you can always hire a professional.
7. Make A Dry Creek Bed
This method is arguably one of the most aesthetically appealing out of all our options. However, it is integral to remember that you must take the proper steps before going down this route.
Creating a dry creek bed can cause drainage problems if not done right. Therefore, with the help of an expert, you can get a dry creek bed made for your sump pump drain discharge.
Otherwise, Google how to do it and follow the DIY steps.
8. Build A Catch Basin
As the name suggests, a catch basin is where the discharge from the sump pump is collected. This vessel is connected to the larger sewage plants and makes for a convenient way to dispose of discharged water.
Furthermore, this is the quickest and most straightforward way of disposing of your sump pump discharge.
Again, if the process seems too daunting, you can always call for professional help or find a YouTube video for additional assistance.
9. Concrete Sump Pump Discharge
Your pipes are prone to get frozen during the wintertime. In fact, this isn’t only restricted to the winter months; even an unexpectedly old night can do a number on your pipes.
This can lead to clogging and further complications due to the lack of water pumping out.
So if you are from a colder region, it is often advised to install a concrete freeze guard to prevent the water from freezing during the winters.
10. Air Gap
In case of pipe clogging, the water starts pumping back into the basement. This can result in irreparable damage and unsurmountable repair costs.
Experts advise having air gaps in your discharge pipe to avoid these complications. This allows the water to pump out of the tube through the air gap. It also prevents the discharge from flowing back into the basement itself.
Doing so can save you a lot of trouble and indicate that something needs to be fixed.
Why Is Sump Pump Drainage Important?
A sump pump and its drainage line deal with any possible water ingress issues and keep your basement from getting flooded.
It is important to note that you have to care for the drainage system. This is because the sump pump drainage line tends to get clogged.
These clogs can lead to inefficient drainage. A clogged drainage pipe makes it difficult for the water to be deposited outside the house and, in turn, result in basement flooding.
Make sure to maintain your drainage pipe to avoid any such complications.
Can You Discharge Sump Pumps Into The Sewer Line?
Several issues can occur when releasing sump pump discharge into the sewer lines. If you are from a community or area where all the people are using sump pumps, the excess water in the sewer lines can cause complications. These can include:
Sump Pump Discharge Pipe (Useful Tips & Tricks)
A sump pump needs to be adequately maintained to avoid any complications in your house. There are a few valuable tips that you can use to improve the efficiency of your sump pump discharge pipe.
How To Extend A Sump Pump Discharge Pipe?
A sump pump pipe is only long enough to take the water out of your basement and into the yard. If the water is discharged for an extended time in the same place, it may damage topsoil.
If you need to extend your discharge pipe, it is advised to use more pipes and elbow connectors to extend the length of the line to an appropriate length.
Before making the trip to the hardware store, make a list of everything you need. Otherwise, just call a professional and save yourself the hassle.
How To Unclog Sump Pump Discharge Pipes
A sump pump drainage pipe can be clogged due to improper installation or dirt particles trapped in the pipe.
Clogs can even be caused due to frozen pipes. The best way to unclog your sump pump drainage pipes is by using a metal hanger or a plumber snake to clear the line.
In case of freezing, it is advised to use anti-freeze material. And if the clog is down to improper installation, your best bet is to call an expert.
FAQs
Where do I discharge my sump pump water normally?
It is advised to discharge your sump pump water on a grassy area and avoid discharging it on paved areas. Letting the water flow onto a paved area can cause damage.
What can you do with sump pump runoff?
Sump pump discharge water can be used to water your plants. This can save you a lot of money on water bills and lets you use the water for gardening.
Should I bury my sump pump discharge line?
If you live in a generally colder area, it is advised to bury your sump pump pipe. This may cost a bit more, but it will save you from future expenses.
What type of pipe should I use for sump pump discharge?
It is advised to use PVC pipes. This is because PVC pipes have higher durability than steel pipes. They also have a lower chance of getting damaged, ensuring a natural water flow.
How do you find a sump discharge line?
If you are struggling to find your discharge line for your sump pump, look for the water flow in the yard. If there is no water in the basement, you can use a standard hose to check the water flow and where it ends.
Conclusion
A sump pump can be a lifesaver and protect your basement from water damage. The sump pump can also have by-product uses, such as using the water to water your plants.
It is important to note that discharging all the water in the sewer can be dangerous. Be sure to have an expert install your sump pump and ensure that all the important fixtures are in place.