Sump Pump - technical questions

[pdietz]

Dear Basement Systems,

I'm considering having a Basement System's Super Pump installed, but have a few technical questions about the installation options.

Of the commercial systems I've seen so far, I really like the Super Pump and the Triple Safe Pump. I think that Zoeller makes a great pump but am a bit concerned with short cycling which can lead to premature pump failure. I've read that short cycling can be caused by a number of reasons:

1) Sump too small
2) Restricted flow around the sump
3) Restricted flow into the sump
4) Pump switch set at incorrect level
5) Inadequestly ventilated installation

The Super Pump uses a good size basin with plenty of holes and my slab was poured on a foot of coarse (1.5") crushed stone, so items 1-3 should be fine. If the pump is set on the optional stand, then it should be in the area of maximum water flow, so item 4 should be ok.

However, I am concern about item 5.

I believe that an air-tight sump pump system like the Super Pump should have an option to vent the sump basin, but I do not see one in any of the literature. A vented sump basin is specified by most sump pump manufacturers including Zoeller. The vent provides two critical functions, 1) allows water to easily enter the basin by allowing incoming water (under hydrostatic pressure) to displace the air trapped in the basin, and 2) prevents a vacuum from being formed when water is removed from the basin by the pump. Without an adequete vent, the pump would be more likely to short cycle because water can not enter the basin as freely. Can the Super Pump be installed with an optional cover that provides a second port for venting to a suitable location (outside, or to my ventilated garage)? If so, what option do I need to specify for my installation?

Also, does Basement Systems provide a way to distribute the water outside the house? Some companies provide a bubbler pot that is installed 10-20' feet from the outside foundation.


Thanks for your support,
Phil

[Basement MD]

I applaud your research efforts. If you want to vent the sump you can just pull up the rubber gromet around the electrical cord. However I'm not sure why you would want to vent the sump. We have installed several hundred thousand SuperSumps over the years.

[mike MN]

As Basment MD had said why would you want to. There is plenty of air in the basket of a super sump to cycle the pump. If you have a water guard sys. there should be no prob. with that point. As far as the discharge line. The Ice guard By basment sys. Is the way to go by the house if you are in cold weather area. From there it is piped out into the ground with a 3 or 4 inch pipe witch allows the water to flow down hill to a lawn basket. With the lawn basket you could run it to the street and/or vally near by to let it get as far away from your foundation as posible. Hope this has helped. Mike from MN.