Got a call today from a company that installs sump pumps asking if I could do an inspection for the reason of questionable sub pump location placement before they install it. Do any of you do anything like that? The only thing I can think of saying is that I’m not a code inspector, but I can do an inspection in accordance with current building practices.
They’re dilemma is; the best place to put the sump pit is in the utility room and the pit will be near the Electrical panel. He also said it will be close the furnace and water heater.
I’m comfortable giving them some advice on clearance, but not really sure if I have the authority to give the “go-ahead” with respect to proper clearance.
Local AHJ would likely require the pit be covered and sealed. Not too big of an issue. This is more and more common with Radon Mitigation systems sharing the Sump pit.
Typically/usually the lowest point on the basement slab.
Ask the company, why are they installing a pit and pump.
What was there before?
Is there an issue in the basement?
Is the basement finished?
Get back to me tomorrow.
You also want to examine the exterior lot surrounding the foundation.
Lot slope. Find the lowest spot on the lot next to the foundation. Do the lowest points in the basement and exterior grading meet?
Bring a hygrometer into the basement and a moisture meter.
ddivito
(Dennis DiVito, VA License # 3380 000170 NRS)
5
If you think your insurance will cover you, go ahead
Is there gravel under the basement slab or is there an interior pipe drain system that will allow the water to flow into the pit? If not the pump installer will blame you if it doesn’t work. This request raises a red flag for me.
I like all the answers, but I think I did a terrible job at describing the situation.
He has the location picked out. He said the best location for the sump pit is in the utility room
He wants to know if the spot he picked out for the sump pit is ok with respect to the surrounding electrical panel, water heater, and furnace.
More or less he is expecting a yes or no on the sump pit location.
So the only way I would know how to treat this situation is in a hypothetical manner. Is the pump going going to be an issue if it there was one installed.
I would not sign anything or put anything down in writing saying the location is correct per code which is really what they want you to do as well as take the liability away from them. They (The Professional Installers of Sump Pump Systems) should know the particulars on placement or need to be talking to the local AHJ if they have questions about “Code” with regard to placement.
In my area we have very few sump pumps for the control of ground water but do see some sewer ejection pumps. I will tell you many are in a mechanical room that also have a water heater and or furnace, and those mechanical rooms also have an electric panel. My personal opinion is it should not be a problem as long as the placement doesn’t encroach on clearances to the panel or make service of the water heater and furnace difficult.
@mwilles - he doesn’t want to know where to put it. He wants to know if his sump pump and discharge pipe will encroach on proper clearances with respect to the other mechanical equipment in the room.
I have installed a few sump pit’s, but I was told where to put them lol. I am definitely not qualified to tell him where to put it.
That is where I typically see them in new construction. As Randy mention. Assess if drainage aggregate is visible. Should be ><4" inches. I would also recommend a weeping/seeping basin. Typically perimeter drainage weep tiles tie into sump pits. Likely not going to see weep tiles.
Seeing this is an after thought, you dig the trench wider and deeper than the weep basin, line the bottom with aggregate, washed, clean 3/4" gravel to level the weep basin level with the slab, seat the basin and add gravel between the basin and soil and Bob’s your uncle mate! All ready to finish with concrete.
