Before you installed your sump pump system, you thought about capacity and type of sump pump you needed. You installed the right type of backup. You even got check valve installed on the discharge tube.

You might think you’re all done, right? Well, there’s just one more thing to take into account.

For your well-designed sump pump system to work effectively, your sump pump pit should be designed right.

In case your sump pump pit was installed after your home was built, you will need to make sure it is sealed properly so groundwater doesn’t drip in to the pit. Keep in mind, the sump pump pit should accumulate water that seeps into the basement. It must not be the cause of the flooding!

“A professional can properly install the correct-sized pit.”

Sump Pump Pit Size

Your sump pump pit should be big enough to gather a sufficient amount of water before triggering the sump pump to fire-up and begin discharging water. When it’s too small, your sump pump will cycle too frequently, shortening its useful life.

Also, if it’s too small and restricted, the float mechanism can be jammed. When it’s jammed on, the sump pump motor will burn-out and you will need to buy another pump. If it’s jammed off, no excess water will be discharged resulting in a flooded basement.

A specialist can properly set up the correct-sized pit.

Sump Pump Pit Debris

But the right size sump pump pit can collect particles that can clog your sump pump. You have to periodically clear the pit to guarantee that accumulated debris doesn’t hinder the proper operation of your sump pump.

It can be tricky to extract the pump and back-up, though, in order to thoroughly clean the pit. A professional can easily do this job successfully and guarantee that your sump pump system works when it’s needed most.