"JimG" wrote in message
...

Our garden is near the base of an incline where the subsoil is clay. When
there is heavy rain, the lawn becomes sodden and often there is surface
water. Currently considering putting in perforated pipe land drains and
collecting the water in a large underground tank.

The plan then is to automatically pump out the tank when it is full and
here is where I would appreciate some advice.

Should I go for a submersible pump or an above ground pump that will work
with a negative head ie a lift of about 4 feet? Alternatively should I put
a pump in the pit alongside the tank?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Whatever you choose make sure that it is 'solids capable' - you'll be amazed
what will end up in it However if you have somewhere lower to pump it why
don't you lead your underground drain there and avoid the tank and pump
altogether. (I'm sure that you're not considering dumping it into the public
sewer !!)

Andrew