Hi,

Hopefully someone can put our minds at rest - our worry is our sump pump pit is completely dry

We live in a property constructed in 1985 in the south end of Winnipeg and despite the recent rains our sump pit has no water in it. There are five separate drainage pipe leading into the pit so I cannot imagine that all the "weeping tiles" have failed on all sides of the house. The house is built on piles, there is no damp/musty smell under the basement floorboards and we can see no indication of water seepage through any of the walls.

We have improved the water management in recent years to take rainwater further away from the house.

Should we be worried about the dry sump pit?!?!?

Thanks

In an ideal world it would never be wet. I wouldnt worry about it?

A wet sump pit is more of an issue, as the water table is rising. Dry is good.

Especially in light of the bolded statement, no.

With no untoward signs or smells, plus you say you have diverted water away from the home, this is a normally a very good thing, but keep an eye out for any movement in the basement slab "just in case".

Our sump pump cuts off a bit before the sump is empty and doesn't run until there's about four inches of water in there; isn't that normal?

In fact I've never seen or heard it run unless I chuck a couple of buckets of water down there to check it's still working .

Yep, well, i depends how you have the float switch set up, but that sounds pretty much the same as mine, although mine doesnt cut in until the water is about 4" from the top.

Since improving the grading around the house a few years ago, it pretty much never comes on...I guess I should check its still working...

Dry sump is good, generally speaking. My own only floods in extreme wet conditions (like a storm we had a few weeks back) as most of the time the 'Big 'O' set up copes well.

If only used occasionally, its wise to check it out every so often as float valves, the pump itself, can fail over time, particularly if inactive for long periods.

I bought an emergency generator a few years back specifically to run the sump pump if needed during power outage. Seemed a waste of money until a month or so ago. Lots of rain over a few days, but no sign of any water in the sump. Power went out that afternnon and I decided just to check the sump for peace of mind. Well, sump was almost full and filling fast! Generator on line a few minustes later and all was well...power came on an hour later but without the generator I would have had a foot of water in my basement. Thinking of fitting some sort of battery operated audio alarm too. If power had gone out in the middle of the night and sump had flooded... Another thing I have is a spare pump (portable) ...you never know!

So if you get water on occasion, the expenditure re the above will work out a lot less than a flooded basement...

We too have a generator, but not specifically for the sump...more for the water pump from the well and for the forced air heating in the winter and to keep the freezer going in the summer. Never had to use it in anger, but after the ice storm of 98 which left tens of thousands near here without power for weeks, we are not taking chances.

Anyway, I digress (as usual).... If its just your sump you are worried about they sell battery backed up sump pumps for just such an eventuality...that way you dont need to invest in a a relatively expensive generator just for the sake of the sump pump.

Heres another one;
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/pr...romSearch=true

although for a battery backed up pump its a bit bizarre that it says "battery not included"

Thanks, but things have evolved somewhat since I got the genny. Now have fitted a Generator panel and can run well pump, a set of outlets up stairs and in the basemnt too, which I can power the freezers off if needs be. As for the battery outfit re the pump, have considered that but we are at home most of the time, particularly during the 'thaw' etc, but its still being considered. Our water problem is only very occasional, say once or twice a year...but things can change!

Hi dont know much about these things myself but my husband is a pump engineer read your original post out to him and he said thats great news for you if it is dry!

doh sorry just realised Tobapaul was the OP not Macadian sorry!

Once you leave Warrington you will be just fine......or call in at my mate's pub in Cogleton for pint! ..best for your move.

of course clearly a lack of alcohol is the problem. A clear head is confusing!

Thanks to all for your replies - our minds are now eased over this worry.

We will now have to find something else to worry about (canker worms / mosquitos etc).

Cheers