wrote in message
...
I need to install a sump pump in my crawl space to get rid of water
if and when. My need has magnified this year because of the large
amount of snow melt and unusually high rain fall in this Delaware
area.

I am lead to believe that I can make a pit in a low spot in order to
draw in the water and then use a sump pump to direct the water
outside. I plan to try to use a pre-fab plastic pit liner if I can
find one. I plan to add holes in the bottom of the liner if not
already there, and then use a submersible sump pump inside the liner
surrounded by crushed stone.

I want the thing to be automatic, so I don't have to mess with it. IE
run when there's water - not run (off) otherwise. I notice many
pumps use an outside-the-pump float mechanism to provide the automatic
ness. I don't want that. I would like the pump to have an automatic
switch internal in the pump. I see pumps advertised as automatic,
but I want to be sure they work that way. Do they?
I guess I could buy one at Lowes and try it.

Duke

You are on the right track.
Cut slots, many slots not more than an inch wide all around the bottom of
the crock. Overdig the diameter of your crock's hole, set it in and fill
the area surrounding the entire crock with 57's limestone (plain driveway
gravel, not pea sized gravel). This will serve to filter out the gunk
before it gets to your pump. Set the pump in the crock. Don't set it up on
anything, and don't put any gravel or anything else inside the crock, except
your pump. Keep in mind, you may not need to dig the crock it's full 24" -
36" depth, whatever it may be, as long as you cut those slots in the bottom,
but you do need to dig it deep enough to keep the pump submerged, because
they are indeed cooled by the water they drain. Most automatics take care
of that issue themselves with the factory float settings. I'd suggest a
heavier unit with a cast iron body, such as the Zoeller M-53. I'm still
paying under $100 for them and they outlast most everyones all plastic
cheapies from the big box stores that cost $15-$30 more.

Good Luck, Lefty