Do I Need a Sump Pump Basin with Holes? Problem Solved!

(Last Updated On: November 22, 2023)

The real question is: Do I need more holes in the sump pump basin? Maybe and maybe not. Another question people ask is: Do I need holes in the bottom of the sump pump basin? There are different opinions about this and I will try to split hairs to make everyone happy.

There are two types of sump pump basins. Some come with holes and some need additional holes.

  1. The seeping type of sump pump basin has small holes all around the sides of the basin. Water drains through the holes into the sump basin where the pump pumps the water out.

The effective drainage area is limited by the type of soil the sump basin sits in. If the soil drains slowly the sump basin and pump will be of little use.

  • The standard sump pump basin has a large hole in the side where the drain tile pipe enters the basin. The drain tile enables water to be easily collected from the entire perimeter of the foundation. The basin may or may not come with small holes in the side of the basin.
Jackel brand sump pump basin with holes.
This Jackel brand sump pump basin with holes can be used in the basement or outdoors. No products found.

How Do I Keep the Sump Pump Basin from Floating?

When a sump basin is placed into a watery hole dug into the ground, the basin will float like a boat in water. Which could break the plastic pipes connected to the sump pump.

But won’t the weight of the sump pump weigh it down? Yes, but that might not be enough.

Especially if you have to remove the pump for any reason. Fortunately, in that case the discharge pipe will be disconnected prior to removing the sump pump. However, except for the end of the drain tile pipe there is nothing to keep the basin from floating upwards. Then you might have to remove the caved in soil or gravel to be able to replace the basin.

Can I put Rocks into The Sump Basin to Hold It Down?

That is not a very good idea. The rocks will displace the amount of water that the basin can hold. Which means that the sump pump must turn on more often. That will wear out the pump much faster than normal.

Can I Drill Holes into The Bottom of The Sump Pump Basin?

Although this would prevent the basin from floating, it would cause the pump to lose some suction ability. Which would make the pump have to run for a longer period of time to remove the same amount of water.

Also, the reduced amount of suction would lower the height and distance that the sump pump is able to pump water. All of this means that the pump would die a premature death, and costing you more money.

Where and How Can I Safely Drill Holes in the Sump Pump Basin?

On the sides of the basin a few inches above the bottom. The holes should be evenly spaced around the basin and not too close together. Otherwise, you will overly weaken the strength and durability of the basin.

Start with four holes of ¼ inch size and then add two more holes at a time until the basin stops floating.

The ¼ inch diameter holes are big enough to keep most dirt out of the sump basin. At the same time ¼ inch holes will permit plenty of water to flow through.

Related article: Perforated Jackel Sump Basin Review 18 x 24 Inch (SF22A-DR)

Why Do I Need an Exterior Sump Pump and How Does It Work?

Last update on 2024-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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