Sump pump is part of the home's foundation drainage system, and has been a building requirement since 1988. It is usually located at the side of the house.

A sump pump is a device that removes accumulations of water from a sump pit which is the lowest point in a basement.

Sump pump discharges groundwater, collected from the weeping tile, to the surface or directly to a Storm or Foundation Sewer Service. Weeping tile, a piping system that surrounds the basement footing, is designed to receive water percolated down through the backfill zone around the foundation walls. When the water level in the sump pit rises to a certain level, sump pump starts automatically to pump the water out to the surface grade or the foundation drainage service.

If water is discharged to the surface, a splash pad or a flexible hose is necessary to direct water to the common drainage swale. The hose for the sump pump discharges should be disconnected in winter to prevent from freezing.

All new developments including single detached, semi-detached or duplex houses must provide "Foundation Drain Discharge Collection System". These properties must connect the sump pump discharge outlet to the foundation service.

Regular maintenance would help the sump pump work properly; hence prevent the basement being flooded. Please refer to Sump Pump Maintenance and Replacement Guide for more information.

The following pictures illustrate the proper and improper Sump Pump Discharge pipe connections: