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On 18 Oct 2004 15:03:14 -0700, (MIchael Jasper) wrote:
2) PVC - Okay to use 1 1/4 ? I've noticed other posts seem to
recommend 1 1/2". Is there much difference?
Follow the printed recommendations from the pump manufacturer and you
can't go wrong. Don't guess!!! Obviously, the longer the run, the
bigger the pipe.
I personally would never use pvc outside the house - it degrades when
exposed to ultraviolet light and gets brittle. It isn't so important
with a drain line (as opposed to a pressurized water line) but why
risk having to replace it in a few years? If it gets brittle and
someone trips over the pipe it will shatter, probably where it exits
the foundation. I would use galvanized steel outside the house, with
the steel/ pvc joint located inside the basement and well clamped to a
solid support.. Steel is more expensive, but how many times do you
want to do this job?
4) Okay to let PVC run on surface downhill and just empty behind a
hedge down the hill several feet? Some folks seem to be saying the
discharge will smell terrible and mess up the lawn in the area it
dumps. The gutter goes in the ground and I assume either runs to sewer
or to drywell. Guy at home depot said don't tap into that or I might
overflow the calculated capacity for that system.
I don't see any problems with your plan as long as the area you are
discharging into slopes away from the house, doesn't flow onto a
neighbor's lot, and erosion won't be a problem. It shouldn't smell -
its ground water and rain water. I agree the discharge shouldn't go
into the downspout drain, unless you know _for sure_ the drain pipe is
clear of roots and debris and is extra large (4 inches). Then it might
be ok. If the drain pipe ever clogs up you will have a real mess....
5) People suggest various vacuum break systems - some say drill small
hole just above check valve, others suggest adding T outside with
riser - do I need the latter?
Install a check valve at the pump discharge outlet, as another poster
suggested, Make sure the valve is readily accessible in case you need
to remove it for cleaning. Important!!! - install a reducing tee and a
small ball valve above the check valve so you can drain the discharge
pipe for winterizatioon and servicing.
The real purpose of a vacuum breaker is to protect your potable water
system. I don't see any reason you would have any need for one on a
sump pump.
Thanks all for any help.
Call your local building inspector and ask what is local code. As the
homeowner you may deviate from code if you really want to, but it is
safer in terms of selling your home to make sure any modifications
meet code. Especially with a highly visible and important sump pump
system.
John
John Davies TLCA 14732
http://home.comcast.net/~johnedavies/
'96 Lexus LX450
'00 Audi A4 1.8T quattro
Spokane WA USA
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