Sump Pump Basics for Ohio Basements

Key takeaways

A sump pump collects groundwater in a pit and pushes it outside through a discharge pipe.
Test it by pouring water into the pit until the float lifts the pump, and confirm water leaves the house.
Storms often cause power outages, so a battery backup or generator covers the time you need the pump most.
Discharge lines can freeze or clog in cold weather, so check the outlet and keep it sloped and clear.
Constant running, strange noises, or a pump that does not start are signs to call a plumber.

How a sump pump works

Much of Southwest Ohio has clay-rich soil that drains slowly. When a long stretch of wet weather or a hard storm saturates the ground, water collects around the foundation and works its way toward the lowest part of the house. Many basements have drain tile around the footing that collects this water and directs it to a sump pit, a basin set into the basement floor.

A sump pump sits in or beside that pit. When the water level rises, a float switch or sensor turns the pump on. The pump pushes water up through a discharge pipe and outside, away from the foundation. A check valve in the pipe keeps water from flowing back into the pit once the pump shuts off.

There are two common types. A submersible pump sits inside the pit, below the water, and is quieter. A pedestal pump has its motor mounted above the pit and is easier to reach, but it is louder. Either one can do the job when it is working and sized properly for the house.

A sump pump is a protection against groundwater. It does not protect against sewage backing up through drains, which is a separate problem.

How to test your sump pump

Test the pump a few times a year, and always before the wet spring season and again before winter. It takes a few minutes.

Look in the pit. It should be free of mud, gravel and debris, and the float should move freely without touching the wall or catching on the pipe.
Slowly pour a bucket or two of water into the pit.
Watch the float rise. The pump should start, empty the water and shut itself off.
Listen for grinding, rattling or a motor that hums without pumping.
Go outside and confirm water is coming out of the discharge pipe and flowing away from the house.

Keep your hands out of the pit. The pump is on electricity and water, so do not reach in while the pump is plugged in. The pump should be plugged into a properly protected outlet. If you are unsure about the wiring, ask a plumber or electrician.

If the pit has a cover, keep it in place. A cover keeps out debris, cuts down on moisture and odors, and reduces the chance of someone stepping in the pit by accident.

Battery backups and power failures

Heavy storms often cause power outages, and that is exactly when groundwater rises. A pump with no power will not run, no matter how well it was working last week.

A battery backup system adds a second pump, or a backup unit, that runs on a battery when the main pump loses power or fails. Some units are designed to also sound an alarm. A few things to know:

Batteries wear out, and a backup that has not been tested may not work when you need it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing and replacement.
A backup pump has limits. It may not match the main pump's capacity, and it will run only as long as the battery lasts, so it is a bridge during an outage rather than a permanent substitute.
Water-powered backups use water pressure from the municipal supply and are not suitable for homes on a private well.
A generator can also keep the main pump running through an outage if it is installed and used safely.

A plumber can help you choose between these options based on how often your basement takes on water. Details on installation and replacement are covered under sump pump service.

Discharge lines and winter

The discharge line carries water out of the house and away from the foundation, and it is the part people forget. In cold weather it can cause trouble.

Freezing. Water left standing in an outdoor pipe can freeze, and ice can block the outlet. The pump then has nowhere to send water, and it can run hard or fail.
Clogging. Leaves, dirt, ice and small animals can block the end of the line.
Poor slope. A line that does not slope away from the house holds water that can freeze and also lets water drain back toward the foundation.

Check the outlet after cold snaps and before spring storms. Keep it free of leaves and snow, make sure it empties well away from the foundation, and make sure the line slopes so it drains out. Some systems use a special fitting that lets water escape if the main outlet freezes. A plumber can tell you whether that makes sense for your setup.

Do not connect a sump discharge to the sanitary sewer. It is not allowed in many places, and it adds to the load on the sewer during storms, which can contribute to backups.

Signs of trouble

Watch for these warning signs and have a plumber look at the pump if you notice them.

It never runs, even in heavy rain. The float could be stuck, the switch could have failed, or the pump could be dead.
It runs constantly. During a storm, running a lot is normal. In dry weather, continuous running can mean a stuck float, a failed check valve, or a very high water table.
It cycles on and off rapidly. This can indicate a float or check valve problem and wears out the pump.
Loud grinding, rattling or vibration. These sounds can mean worn bearings or debris in the pump.
Rust, sludge or standing water in the pit that does not drop.
Water on the basement floor near the pit or along the walls.
A pump that is old or has never been replaced. Pumps wear out, and a pump that has done heavy work for a long time may fail without much warning.

If water is coming into the basement and you have to walk through it to reach the pump or the electrical panel, do not do so. Standing water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and a plumber or electrician should handle it. The drains, sewer lines and basement backups guide explains how sump pumps fit into the overall approach to keeping a basement dry.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a sump pump run?

It depends on your soil, your house and the weather. Running often during a wet spell is normal, but constant running in dry weather is a sign to check the float, check valve and water table conditions.

Should the sump pit have a lid?

Yes, in most cases. A lid keeps debris out of the pit, reduces humidity and odors in the basement, and prevents accidents. Make sure the lid does not interfere with the float or discharge pipe.

Can I run my sump pump discharge into the sewer?

Generally no. Many communities prohibit it because the extra water can overload the sanitary sewer during storms. Discharge should go outside, away from the foundation and not onto a neighbor's property.

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