FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Semi-Urgent: Sump Pump help

JMadson | Posted in General Discussion on March 9, 2009 05:12am

Hey all,

My kid noticed the carpet was wet in the corner of the basement and since we don’t have a pet, it caught my immediate attention.

All said and done, there’s a leak in the pipe coming out of the sump pump. I’m not a plumber, so excuse me if my terms aren’t right. But it appears to be a leaking gasket in the back-flow-preventer (see photo)

How can I bypass or fix this so  I don’t have to check it all night until HD opens?

Any and all ideas are welcomed!!!

Joe

“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional,
illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous
mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is
entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end”

R. J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. john7g | Mar 09, 2009 05:16am | #1

    did you try to retighten the bolts?

    Got any gasket material left over from working on your car?

    Wrap it with plastic and let it drain back into a bucket or the sump.

    1. JMadson | Mar 09, 2009 05:21am | #2

      Work on my car? Why would I do that, that's what a mechanic is for.

      The sump is sealed for radon protection but I could go into a bucket. That would be a start. "Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end" R. J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret.

  2. six8nate | Mar 09, 2009 05:22am | #3

    Hi,

     

    Looks like it is spraying out under pressure before the one way value.

    Possibilities:

    Valve is stuck closed, undo the clamps, remove the valve and see if it is moving ok. Free it up and/or bypass it.

    Output pipe is plugged and the lower joint is the weakest link. Check the outlet.

    Flexible pipe has a hole, put a piece of rubber over the leak and add another hose clamp.

     

     

    1. JMadson | Mar 09, 2009 05:25am | #4

      Line is clear, pump runs fine. Only leaks when the water is sitting on the valve (valve moves fine - you should have seen my shirt when I figured that out)

      You can see the water dripping from the middle of the valve.

      Does the back flow preventer just keep the pump from running the same water over and over again? Or is there something more important?"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end" R. J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret.

      1. six8nate | Mar 09, 2009 05:31am | #8

        Hi,

        Right, the valve keeps the amount of water in the uphill secion of pipe from dumping back into the sump. Depending on what is going on at the outlet end, it also stops the pipe from siphoning water into the sump from outside.

        Duct tape gasket? ;-)

         

         

         

        1. JMadson | Mar 09, 2009 05:43am | #10

          Unless I have a freak accident or I get one of the 100 year floods, there's no chance of siphoning water into the house. The end of the line is free and clear.

          It's about an eight foot run straight up until the pipe turns downhill outside the house. Is that too much water to be running back down each time it runs?"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end" R. J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret.

          1. six8nate | Mar 09, 2009 05:47am | #12

            Sounds like it could be bypassed temporarily. I woud think the trip level for the pump has a greater on-off difference than the amont of water in that section of pipe. To check, pop the top off the sump and use a hose or other means to add enough water to get it to turn on (after removing the valve).

             

             

      2. DanH | Mar 09, 2009 06:04am | #14

        Yep, the check valve keeps the pump from pumping the same water over and over. Whether you need it or not depends on how high you're pumping the water, and what's on the outside -- in most cases the system will manage OK without the valve.Worst case you could be pumping into a force main and you'd have a flood without the valve, but if this is just a basement sump pump (and not an ejector pump for the whole house) then that's unlikely.
        The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith

  3. USAnigel | Mar 09, 2009 05:27am | #5

    If you end up replacing it you should install a gate or full bore valve above this valve.

    There might be lots of water behind/above the valve make sure you have somewhere to drain this into.

    By the way the lid is for smell not radon.

    1. JMadson | Mar 09, 2009 05:29am | #6

      By the way the lid is for smell not radon.

      Incorrect sir, mine is sealed for radon. Prior to the radon guys coming here to mitigate the radon, it was just a lid, now it's a sealed lid.

      Can I just remove the back flow flap to prevent the pressure build up for the night?"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end" R. J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret.

      1. USAnigel | Mar 09, 2009 05:40am | #9

        I understand why its now sealed, getting the radon vented is good.

        As others have said, the "flap" maybe stuck. As a temporary fix you can remove the flap but the head of water in the pipe might be enough to switch the pump back on when it drops back in to the sump. Adjusting the float switch will take care of this. You might have to remove the lid to do this. The radon should not be a worry as it should be power vented to the outdoors.

  4. dcarroll3000 | Mar 09, 2009 05:31am | #7

    This might sound rather dumb, but what about wrapping it with some duct tape?

    Might be good enough until HD opens. Got away with it recently on a

    plumbing vent flashing boot on the roof that was leaking.

    -d

    1. JMadson | Mar 09, 2009 05:45am | #11

      I'm just going to use some duct tape to redirect the water into a bucket. It's only about 8 hours until the store opens.

      Thank god my kid felt the wet carpet, it would have been going all night if he didn't tell me. "Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end" R. J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret.

  5. User avater
    Dam_inspector | Mar 09, 2009 05:54am | #13

    I would tighten the clamps a little. Don't get them too tight, sometimes that will cause a leak, or the clamp will break. They aren't really all that strong. If they tighten easy, they were too loose.

  6. JMadson | Mar 10, 2009 10:02pm | #15

    Ok, now that I have the problem fixed, how do I prevent this from happening again?

    I do have plans to add a battery backup, but does anyone have a recommendation for a water alarm?

    Had I known about this an hour or two earlier, it would have been much easier to cleanup.

    thanks

    Joe

    "Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional,
    illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous
    mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is
    entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"

    R. J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret.

    1. DanH | Mar 10, 2009 11:25pm | #16

      Frankly, when you try to protect against something like this you're always fighting the last war. Next time it will be the dishwasher that leaks, or the garbage disposal, or a fitting will pop loose in the bathroom.
      The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia

Listeners write in about fireplaces affecting family harmony and bionic suits, before asking questions about brick steps, ground-source heat pumps, and building a dome greenhouse in Maritime Canada.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data