Everything You Need to Know about Outdoor Sump Pump Basins In 2024

A sump pump pit basin is crucial for any yard drainage system. It collects the water that runs down from your house and helps it to get away from the foundation, where it can cause damage. A suitable sump pump pit basin is made of durable materials to withstand moisture and high water pressure without cracking or disintegrating.

When it comes to outdoor yard drainage, you should never utilize an indoor sump pump pit. When you’re working on your drainage, the quantities of water are significantly different when dealing with significant sections of land. In addition, an indoor sump pump is not designed to handle the volume or force of water more than an outdoor one is.

Outdoor sump pump pit basins are also generally much larger than indoor ones, so they can accommodate more water without overflowing. They’re also deep enough to ensure water flows away from your foundation even in downpours.

If you live in an area with a high water table, you may be worried about your basement flooding if you get a lot of rain. If you have an outdoor sump pump pit basin, you can rest easy knowing that any excess water will be drained away from your home before it can cause any damage.

Before you purchase, check out the different options available, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Contents

Does a sump pump need a basin?

Yes, a sump pump requires a basin to properly collect and drain excess water from your yard or property. The basin serves as a reservoir for rainfall and runoff, enabling the sump pump to efficiently remove this water and prevent it from damaging your foundation or other structures.

Investing in a quality outdoor sump pump pit basin is essential for protecting your home from water damage. It’s a small price to pay to keep your foundation safe and dry.

Can sump pumps be installed outside?

Yes, sump pumps can be installed outside to help drain excess water from a property. This type of pump is designed to handle higher volumes and more significant pressure than an indoor sump pump. It typically features a larger basin that can accommodate more water without overflowing. Additionally, outdoor sump pumps are often located at a deeper level in the ground, which helps to direct the water away from the foundation of a home, even in heavy rainfalls or areas with high water tables.

How big of an outdoor sump pump basin do I need?

The size of the outdoor sump pump basin you’ll need will depend on a few different factors, such as the location of your property and the amount of rainfall it typically receives. It’s essential to choose a large basin to accommodate the volume of water you expect it to handle without overflowing, but not so large that it becomes an eyesore in your yard.

How deep should a sump pump basin be?

The depth of a sump pump basin will vary depending on the property’s specific needs. Still, it is generally recommended that the basin be deep enough to allow water to flow away from the foundation, even in downpours. For example, if a home is located in an area with a high water table, a deeper basin may be necessary to prevent basement flooding.

The sump pump and basin depth should be 3 feet, but it depends on the type of sump pump, the soil quality, and how much water you typically get each year. To determine what size basin you need, speak with a professional in your area who can help assess your property.

How do I keep my external sump pump from freezing?

If you live in an area where the temperatures dip below freezing, it’s important to take steps to protect your outside sump pump from freezing. First, make sure that the discharge pipe is insulated correctly so that any water pumped out will not freeze and block the pipe.

You may also want to consider raising the sump pump so that it is not sitting in a puddle of water that could freeze. Additionally, keeping a spare sump pump on hand is good if your primary pump fails due to freezing temperatures.

Another approach is to bury the pipeline deeper in the ground but leave a tiny portion of the pipes exposed to the light. Alternatively, cover the pipes with a tarp or hay to protect them from the cool temperature.

With a little bit of preparation, you can rest assured that your outside sump pump will be able to withstand even the coldest winter weather.

What to consider for an outdoor sump pump Basin?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a sump pump pit basin for your yard drainage needs.

Material

Look for basins with robust and durable construction to withstand the pressures of excess water and standing liquid.  Some basins are made from fiberglass, while others are made from polyethylene or plastics.

Size

It’s important to select a large enough basin to accommodate your sump pump and the volume of water you anticipate it will need to handle. For example, if you live in an area with a high water table or a lot of rainfall, you may need a larger basin than someone who doesn’t experience these conditions.

Depth

The depth of your sump pump pit basin is also important. The deeper the basin, the more water it will be able to hold without overflowing. In general, it’s recommended that basins be at least 3 feet deep, but this can vary depending on local soil conditions and the amount of water you anticipate receiving.

Other factors to consider include the intended location of your sump pump, the type and quality of materials used in construction, and any warranties or guarantees that may be included with the product.

Final Words

When done properly, an outdoor sump pump will help keep your home safe from flooding and water damage, so it’s important to take the time to choose a high-quality basin that is right for your needs. You can find the perfect sump pump basin to keep your home protected from the elements with a little research.

We hope this guide was helpful in your search for the best outdoor sump pump basin. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, please comment below.

Bill

Bill

Bill is a DIY plumber, handyman, and homeowner with more than a decade of experience. He has replaced and repaired sump pumps, backup pumps, float switches, check valves, and many other things around his family home. An engineer and tinkerer at heart, he is always looking to see how things work and taking on new home projects that help him grow his skillsets. He is a husband and father of two boys, has a bachelors degree in Computer Engineer and minor in Mathematics and likes to make homebrew beer in his free time.

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