Signs worth investigating
- An existing pit fills quickly during rain or snowmelt
- Standing water or seepage reaches low areas of the slab
- The current pump cycles constantly, runs loudly, or is near the end of its life
- Discharge water returns toward the foundation
What a careful evaluation should cover
- Estimate inflow under the wettest observed conditions.
- Select an accessible basin, pump, check valve, and sealed lid.
- Route discharge to a lawful location away from the foundation.
- Plan backup power, alarms, testing, and replacement intervals.
Before approving work
Questions to ask the contractor
- How was the required pump capacity determined?
- Where exactly will the discharge terminate?
- What happens if power fails?
- Which maintenance tasks are the homeowner’s responsibility?