skip to main content

Building a Home Basements

sump pumps and generators

6 years ago

Building in North Vancouver BC and near a Creek. Lots of groundwater on the lot. Additional gravel and drainage needed before forming began. We currently have one sump in the plans. Is it recommended to get a generator in case of outages or electrical issues? This would be an addition to existing budget but I suspect worth it!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
6 years ago
Talk to your neighbor to see what they have and/or recommend.
User
6 years ago
Also in the Pacific Northwest. Our county required a generator with an auto transfer switch.
Related Discussions
Sump pump/ejector pump run frequently
Q
Comments (4)
Update: I installed a Zoeller M98 and replaced pipe on inside of house and check valve two days ago. Then ran it to 25' of 2" pipe on the outside to 25' of 1 1/2" pipe and then ran a hose from that about another 30' away from the house. The time between cycles is starting to increase. When I first installed it, sump pump ran ever 10 minutes. Now it's running about ever 40 - 45 minutes.
...See More
Back-up sump pump and radon-sealed sump
Q
Comments (1)
"My plumber is familiar with water-powered pumps, but says they're not compatible with a sealed sump..." Find another plumber. Add a vent to a sealed sump and then it is exactly the same as a non-sealed sump.
...See More
Opinions/Experiences with Sump Pumps
Q
Comments (16)
weed what part of the country do you live? any idea of the soil type - clay, loam, sandy? Is the house on the downward slop of a hill? any idea on the water table in the area? I live in the mid-atlantic region and sumps are standard here for new homes and have been for quite some time. They are typically part of a foundation drainage system designed to relieve hydrostatic pressure that can build up on the perimeter of the foundation walls. So if this happens to be your case then having a sump pump is a good idea. My pump runs a one or 2 times per day for brief periods - especially after hard rain or snow melt. I do know of one case in my area where a person built a home and they put the foundation too low - and the lot is on top of an area where the water table is high. In this case - the pump runs almost continuously (except in dry season) and pushes out a lot of water (like 3 gallons PER MINUTE!). If the pump ever failed, the basement would flood in less than a day. If that is the case - then I would be very concerned. So the answer to your question is that it depends on a number of factors.
...See More
Sump pump pumping below capacity
Q
Comments (7)
"I am trying to find a reason why the pump doesn't pump at capacity" A reason(the main one) is that dirt,sand and other abrasives in water grind away impeller and impeller housing. The resultant effect is decreased pumping capacity. As weedy pointed out,simply installing a new impeller kit will restore flow rate. It's exactly why you must replace/renew parts of your automobile then eventually the automobile itself.
...See More
Allison0704
6 years ago
In our last home, we had a natural gas generator with auto transfer switch, sump in unfinished crawl space. It was only needed after a hard rain. I would definitely get a generator. Otherwise, you'll have water problems. I would also bump it up in size to run at least the main floor during power outages. We've had a generator for +/-28 yrs, and even with underground power in our neighborhood it has come in handy.
PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
6 years ago
Sounds like at least one sump and pump is a good idea. Does your area have a history of power outages? If so, definitely get an appropriately sized generator and transfer switch. Pick out the critical circuits for backup power and size the generator accordingly.
David Cary
6 years ago
Forgive my complete ignorance about your topography. Why do you have to build to rely on a pump to prevent damage? Seems like a bad idea. Here we only see them as bandaids on poorly designed old construction.

Near a creek means potential for flooding. So you build elevated on pilings. Right? At some point a pump can't keep up
User
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi All. Thanks for the replies! So apparently I’m in error in my post in general. Our sump is for sewage being pumped up to the city line and not water. So we will likely still need a back up battery in case of outages, which happen a few times a year. Last year one was three days long.

But we won’t need it for the groundwater and run off. We put in a rockpit and the water drains to that and off site.

Sumps are extremely common here. We are basically building on the side of a mountain, near a creek, in a rainforest. It’s wet! No one builds on pilings here.
David Cary
6 years ago
That is called a sewage pump, not a sump pump.
User
Original Author
6 years ago
My mistake, as outlined in my comment, I got the lingo wrong. Many homes here do have sump pumps for water. It is extremely common. They also have sewage pumps tooX
wishiwereintheup
6 years ago
Will you need the pump for the entire house or only a basement bath? If only for basement, why bother with a generator for only a few times a year? If the power is out, just use the upstairs facilities, unless, of course, you want backup electricity for the rest of the house too.

If it's for the sewer line for the entire house, you may want to consider a heavy duty pump, not the typical home center store junk. I don't know what's available in the BC area, but in the Chicago area, we've got a local pump company that makes heavy duty pedestal sump and sewage pumps for residential use with a 10 year warranty and expected life of 30+ years. Of course, it's going to cost more than the $250 special from Home Depot. Tramco Pumps
User
Original Author
6 years ago
It’s just for the basement but the basement has a two bedroom self contained suite. I’m not sure we can’t realistically demand tenants not use the facilities during a power outage. We can go upstairs they can’t.

Related Stories

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY More Power to You: How to Pick the Right Generator

By Marianne Lipanovich

If your home's electricity goes, don't let it take your necessities with it — keep systems running with this guide to backup power

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Connecticut Farm Restored for Generations to Come

By Mary Jo Bowling

A man renovates his extended family’s stately farmhouse and land. Sustainable practices are used in gardens, wetlands and recreation areas

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: 10 Acres, 3 Generations and Many Animals in North Carolina

By Mitchell Parker

Check out a throwback-style cabin that celebrates simplicity, reclaimed materials and family

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 25 Ways to Pump Up Your Pool for Summer Fun

By Marianne Lipanovich

Accent lights, sun shelves and fire features can give a swimming pool an extra burst of style and function

HOME TECH If ‘High-Def’ TV Isn’t High Enough, Maybe You Need Ultra-HD

The ultra-luxury next generation of TV, called Ultra-HD, is finally here. And so is the first content, if you know where to look

ATTICS More Living Space: Making Room for Family

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

8 considerations for remodeling an attic or basement to create additional living space

HOME TECH Small Solar: Big Home Tech Trend in the Making

New technology enables everyday household objects to power themselves by harnessing natural light

HOME TECH 7 Ways to Charge Up and Connect After Disaster

Products and tips for communicating and keeping essential items running till the power's back on

TASTEMAKERS New Series to Give a Glimpse of Life ‘Unplugged’

By Stacy Briscoe

See what happens when city dwellers relocate to off-the-grid homes in a new show premiering July 29. Tell us: Could you pack up urban life?

LIFE How to Prepare for and Live With a Power Outage

By Lisa Frederick

When electricity loss puts food, water and heat in jeopardy, don't be in the dark about how to stay as safe and comfortable as possible

Sponsored

More Discussions

Help me locate this tile manufacturer or where to find it please pleas

7

Seeking Design Advice to Elevate Our Bedroom Aesthetic

5

Which floor plan would you pick??

26

Interior design

4

Floor outlet placement - Living Room!! FURNITURE LAYOUT RECS!

12