Sump pump basics for Ohio basements

Key takeaways

A sump pump removes groundwater collected around the foundation. It does not handle sewage.
Test it every spring and fall by filling the pit until the float lifts.
A battery backup keeps pumping when storms knock out power.
A frozen or blocked discharge line can make a working pump useless.

How a sump pump works

Many basements in the Miami Valley have drain tile, a perforated pipe around the footing that collects groundwater and carries it to a pit in the basement floor. As water fills the pit, a float rises and switches the pump on. The pump pushes water up through a discharge pipe and out of the house, and a check valve on that pipe keeps the water from falling back into the pit when the pump shuts off.

Most homes have a submersible pump that sits in the pit, or a pedestal pump with the motor mounted above it. In spring, when heavy rain lands on soil that is already saturated or still partly frozen, groundwater rises quickly and a pump may cycle for hours.

A sump pump deals with groundwater only. Water coming up through a floor drain is usually a sewer problem, covered in the drains and sewer guide.

Testing your pump

Test the pump before the wet season and again in the fall:

Make sure the pump is plugged in. It should be on its own outlet, not an extension cord.
Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit until the float lifts.
The pump should start, lower the water quickly and shut off on its own.
Go outside and confirm water is coming out of the discharge.
Listen for grinding, rattling or a motor that hums without pumping.

While you are there, clear any debris from the pit and check that the float can move freely without catching on the pit wall or the power cord.

Battery backups and power outages

The storms that raise groundwater are the same storms that knock out power, and a primary pump does nothing without electricity. A battery backup system adds a second pump that runs off a battery when the main pump loses power or cannot keep up. Many include an alarm that sounds when the backup kicks on or the water gets too high.

Backup batteries need attention too. Check the system when you test the main pump, and replace the battery on the schedule the manufacturer recommends. Some homes on city water use a water-powered backup instead, which typically needs a backflow preventer and should be installed by a plumber. If your basement is finished or stores anything you care about, a backup is worth discussing. See sump pumps for installation and replacement.

Keeping the discharge line from freezing

In an Ohio winter, the discharge line is the weak point. Water left sitting in the outside section of pipe can freeze and block it. The pump then runs against a closed line, can burn out, and the pit may overflow.

Ways to reduce the risk:

Make sure the outside line slopes downhill so it drains completely after each cycle.
Avoid long runs of flexible hose lying in low spots where water collects.
Ask a plumber about a freeze-protection fitting near the house that lets water escape if the line further out is blocked.
Keep the outlet clear of snow, ice and leaves.

Water should discharge away from the foundation, not toward a neighbor's property, and most communities do not allow sump pumps to connect to the sanitary sewer.

Signs of trouble

Call a plumber if you notice any of these:

The pump runs constantly, even in dry weather.
It turns on and off rapidly in short bursts.
The motor hums but water does not drop.
The pump does not start when the float rises.
Grinding, rattling or heavy vibration.
Rust, a burning smell or water on the floor around the pit.

If the pit is overflowing, stay out of standing water that could reach outlets or cords, and switch off power to the area at the breaker if you can do it safely. Then contact a plumber.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I test my sump pump?

Test it at least every spring and fall, and again after a long power outage or any time you hear unusual noises. Testing takes a few minutes with a bucket of water.

Do I need a battery backup if I rarely lose power?

Outages tend to happen during the same storms that send the most water into the pit. A backup also covers a primary pump that fails or cannot keep up. If water in the basement would damage finishes or belongings, a backup is worth considering.

Where should my sump pump water go?

It should discharge outside, far enough from the foundation that it does not soak back toward the basement, and not onto a neighbor's property. Most communities prohibit connecting it to the sanitary sewer, so check with your city if you are unsure.

3 min read.