What happens when a sump pump is shooting water out the top of the outside pipes?
Question:My yard has a very damp area that I believe is being caused by my neighbors malfunctioning sump pump. You can hear the pump run and then water shoots out of the outside pipes on to the ground. My understanding is the water should be sent out a pipe into the water sewer. I believe this excess water is affecting the concrete in my yard. Any ideas?
Answers:
Water from a sump pump is considered clear water/storm water and is not to be confused with sanitary sewer waste water.
Typically a sump pump will discharge onto the lawn. In most places actually its illegal to connect it to a sanitary sewer. But its also likely illegal for his pump discharge water to drain onto YOUR lawn. Talk to a city inspector and get an opinion based on the specifics of your situation.
On the other hand, if your yard is not properly sloped and you have a low spot, water will collect there one way or another and it is up to you to relandscape your yard to get better slope and drainage.
It is illegal in most communities to pump discharge/waste water onto the top of the ground. If it is sewage, it is definitely dangerous and illegal. It could be a condensation extraction pump on some unit, or sump pump. If the water is coming into your yard, it is illegal in a lot of places, also. Contact your local county health department.
It is probably how the drainage system was setup. A lot of builders just have them drain on the lawn a few feet from the house if the inspector will allow them. Others run a line to the street.
If you have a lot of sub water or have had a lot of rain the pump is probably moving a lot of water. If the neighbors yard slopes toward your house then the water may in fact be causing you problems.
You can ask the neighbor to pipe the discharge water to the street. Some cities allow you to connect a sump pump to the sewer system.
You should also grade your soil so water will drain away from your house and patio.
Sewage Pumps: A centrifugal pump of special design, having impellers that can pump large pieces of solid matter without clogging.
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