How to Run a Sump Pump Water Discharge Line Outside Your House

A sump pump sits inside a sump pit and removes unwanted water from basements, crawl spaces and other areas. There are pedestal style pumps as well as submersible pumps. Regardless of which type of pump you choose, piping the discharge line will be fundamentally the same.

Things You'll Need

• Threaded adaptor
• PVC piping
• Pipe joints
• PVC pipe cleaner
• PVC cement
• Drill
• Caulking
• Check valve
• Bleed valve

Instructions

1. Connect a threaded adaptor to the pump and install a short piece of PVC pipe, 4 inches in length. Use PVC pipe cleaner on the ends of the pipe, then apply PVC cement. Push the pipe together and give it a quarter-turn clockwise. Install a bleed valve above this section of pipe. Position the plug at a convenient angle should it need to be reached.This value will be used to drain the pipe for maintenance should it ever be required and should fit smoothly over the PVC pipe. Use the cleaner and cement to secure it in place.

2. Cut a section of PVC pipe long enough to extend just out of the sump pit and install it. Apply the cleaner and cement to get a solid and permenant seal. Install the check valve. The check valve will act as a pipe coupler to the next section of pipe. It will prevent any water from back-flowing into the pump or pit. A small flap inside the valve will allow water to flow in one direction, away from the sump pit.

3. Install a section of piping long enough to extend above the foundation of the home. Install a 90 degree elbow, then another piece of straight PVC pipe to continue the drain toward an exterior wall. Clean all ends and joints with the PVC cleaner and use ample amounts of cement to get a good seal. Clean off any excess glue with a wet rag.

4. Drill a hole through the exterior floor joist just large enough for the pipe to fit through. Extend the pipe outside of the house by approximately 6 to 8 inches. Install a 30 degree elbow on the end of the pipe and direct it toward the ground. Clean the fitting and pipe before applying the cement. Place a splash block beneath this fitting to prevent unnecessary erosion of the soil when the pump is operating. Caulk around the pipe where it passes through the floor joist.

Tips & Warnings

• Alternatively, tie the discharge line directly into a house drain. This is not advisable if your home uses a septic system.

• Keep the pipe as small as possible to reduce the workload on the pump motor.

References

• Sump Pump Installation
• Sump Pumps