A sump pump basin is an important part of your sump system – but many homeowners are not sure if they need to drill holes in their sump pump basin.
In this article our plumbing experts will teach you everything you need to know about sump pump basin holes including how large, how many holes to drill, and if they are 100% necessary in all homes!
In this guide we’ll take a look at:
Are Sump Pump Basin Holes Necessary?
Is it necessary to drill holes in my sump basin? Yes, – drilling sump pump basin holes is almost always needed! If you skip drilling these holes, you risk the basin ‘floating’ in the pit. This can cause damage to the pump as well as broken drain lines! Many new homeowners think that a powerful pump is enough to keep their basement dry, but there are other things you need to do to set up the system correctly!
Fixing Sump Pump Basin Floating
Basin floating is a serious problem that can cause ater damage in a shortr amount of time. If you see your basin floating drill additional holes and add filler garvel to weigh it down.
Basin Hole Size and Location Guide
We recommend drilling 1/4″ holes in the basin for the best water flow. Holes of this size are large enough to allow water to pass but small enough to keep gravel and other debris from enter the pit and damaging the pump. This is also the same size hole we recommend drilling for weep holes.
Drilling Basin Holes
The best place to drill holes in the sump pump basin is a few inches up the side of the bottom. Do not drill too close to the bottom of the sides or directly into the bottom of the pit. Doing so can ruin the suction created by the pump – causing it to run too often and the motor to burn out early.
Drilling the holes is easy. Start by removing the basin from the pit and drying it. Then, attach a 1/4″ drill bit to a drill and firmly press down into the side of the pit and drill the hole! We recommend using a drill like the BLACK+DECKER 20V – it is powerful but light enough to use with one hand.
How Many Holes are Needed in my Sump Pump Basin?
After you have decided to install holes in your basin it is time to decide how many holes to drill. We recommend drilling at least 4 holes. Each hole should be drilled at an even distance around the exterior of the basin.
If this does not provide enough room for water to flow drill extra holes 2 at a time. It is important to drill them evenly across the basin so it does not crack the plastic. Continue adding additional holes (or more filler gravel) until the basin stop floating in the pit.
Related Posts About Sump Pump Basins
Drilling basin holes is easy – but there are a few things to keep in mind before you start drilling. First, make sure to drill the holes on a flat surface. Second, apply steady pressure using and drill the hole using a power drill or electric hammer. Do not try and make the holes using a screwdriver, nails and hammer. It can crack your pump pit and you may hurt yourself!
Always drill from the inside of the basin outwards – and drill holes one at a time on the opposite sides of the basin!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drill holes in my sump pump basin?
Yes, we recommend drilling 1/4″ inch holes in the basin to prevent basin float and improve waterflow.
How large should sump pump basin holes be?
Basin holes should be drilled using a 1/4″ drill bit. Holes of this size are the best because they allow water to enter the basin during flooding, but keep large rocks from damaging the sensitive pump motor.
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Sump Pump Basin Guide