Do's & Don'ts of Sump Basin for Your French Drain

[@PetePuebla]

This is the best education I found on sump pumps anywhere on KZbin.

[@appledrains]

@@PetePuebla yes

[@donpaul1128]

You have taught me so much. I could never afford you, so I gotta do it myself. But you have been there right along side showing me how to. We all really apprecieate your contribution and encouragement!

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

You always learn something new listening to you

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

Thank you for your comment (☝️)☺

[@Bikedueder]

I have a backyard issue where HUGE amounts of water gathers, because houses that were rebuilt later than ours, sit higher. So, all of the water from our neighbors yards, fills our backyard like a 10-12 inch deep lake and then it sits for days on end. I was just researching a way to get rid of all of this water, and found your videos. THANK YOU for taking all of the mystery out of it, and giving the knowledge that will help me take care of this. Much appreciated!! Now if I can get the neighbor who lives at the corner culvert to CLEAN OUT THEIR DITCH, to allow water to go away! LOL. Anyway, thanks again. Sometime in the next few weeks, there will be a couple of drains, a sump, and a Zoeller M98

[@gregorymcwhorter1389]

Awesome instruction, what about the power cord? Can you talk about how you address that?

[@wayneasiam65]

Chuck, I'm not sure anyone else on Earth would be better at explaining drainage systems for yards. I've never done any of this stuff and I believe I could go to Lowe's and grab everything I need to get the job done. Thanks for your help.

[@seanile]

Thanks for recommending the Zoeller, right now I have two pumps in my basin, the original old pump and a battery backup basement watchdog I put in because a failure would be catastrophic for my basement. Nice to know what to replace the original one with when it finally dies. Just in case you were curious, I put independent check valves for each pump and the lines come together to the same discharge line above the check valves. The watchdog wont kick on unless the water is way above the float level of the original pump. Thanks, I'm glad I discovered your channel. You make sense to me, I like when someone can blow past the commercialization of the latest new thing and say, "some of the old ways work just as good and their cheaper" or "here's a clever new trick that accomplishes the same thing." For example, how you joined two corrugated pipes together by squeezing a section and putting it inside the pipes.

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

Thank you for your explanation very interesting

[@braindamage396]

My father passed away in late March of this year (2024). He was a music lover. Played numerous musical instruments and very much enjoyed the company others who also do/did too. I hope the last few minutes of his brain activity was peaceful and beautiful. He was definitely a lover of life. RIP Dad. I miss you. 🥰☮️✌️👍🪕🎷🎸🎻🎵🎶🎼🎹🎙️🪇🥁😊

[@appledrains]

@@braindamage396 i hope so too

[@bettypeters9628]

I want to thank you for sharing this easy to follow and easy to apply video, on installing my sump pump.

[@bradsims4662]

Very helpful. I’m installing one for my pool cover drain. I couldn’t figure out the correct way to do it this really helps.

[@nicholasspaeth9790]

Hi Chuck. You mentioned how the sump basin needs a solid lid, instead of a grate. Would you kindly explain why that is? I'm currently in the process of excavating a side of my house for a pair of egress windows, which are on either side of a concrete stairway that leads to the door into my basement. I'm planning to install a sump basin with a grate in this stair landing to catch water that currently pools in the stairwell and connect catch basins that will collect water from the egress window wells. I will run discharge from the sump basin to the street. The purpose of me wanting the sump basin with grate in the stairwell is so I can collect water from the landing and also have the pump in a location where I can easily access it to disconnect every winter. Thank you for all of your great videos! I love your channel!

[@gman8042]

Never install a grate to collect storm drainage water over a sump basin, debris will collect at bottom and could eventually clog and ruin the sump pump unless you have a pump that also grinds debris (such as a lift pump within a sanitary sewer system). This is why a catch basin should be used to collect storm drainage water that discharges into the sump basin to avoid debris in the sump basin.

[@nicholasspaeth9790]

@@gman8042 Many catch basins have a removable basket that catches debris below the grate. One can also fit a piece of geotextile fabric under the lid. This is not a "set it and forget it" solution, so I would not recommend it for people who are not good ar keeping up with home maintenance.

[@karakoropisshan4548]

I really wanted to see what and how sump basin works. This video gave me a good start❗👍 thank you. I will keep watching your videos.🐾😎

[@ericwright3382]

Love your videos. All of the Zoeller folks pronounce it as if it rhymes with "dollar".

[@nancywilliams7833]

Hello Chuck, I'm confused here. What did you do about the lower inlet pipe? Did you cap it or did you remove the basin and replace it with a new one? If that lower pipe was not addressed, the problem repeats itself doesn't it? If you did something about it, I guess I missed that part of the video. Thanks for your wonderful instructions. You are the drain man!!

[@youngprince716]

I was wondering about this too

[@winstonian88]

This is drainage gold Chuck. I’m in Toronto. I need to put a catch basin and sump basin in the back of my yard to collect surface water flooding my yard from my neighbour’s in the spring when the ground is frozen. I can run the discharge line underground, but it eventually needs to pass over an interlock patio on its way to the street. Can I connect the 1-1/2 inch sump discharge to a garden hose to take it the rest of the way? It’s only required during the spring when the ground is frozen, so I could disconnect until the following winter.

[@philiprodriguez2390]

Chuck, I’ve been studying your videos for the last couple weeks gathering enough info and confidence to tackle my own drainage problems. Thank you so much for the vids!! This weekend I installed my own French drain, sump pump/basin, catch basin, and discharge line all thanks to your knowledge and vids! Quick question though, do I need to perforate my sump basin liner which is outside catching water taking it away from a 3 inch sunroom slab we’ve had problems with? I don’t want the pump liner to float...

[@nicholasspaeth9790]

Depends on a few things. What did you use to backfill around the basin? I live up north where there's a lot of clay, so the only way I'd perforate an outdoor sump basin is if it were surrounded with pea gravel and then the pea gravel would need to be surrounded by geotextile, (i.e. filter fabric). I'd also only do this if I were concerned about high water table flooding my basement or other subsurface structures. Your basin shouldn't float if you did a thorough job of compacting the backfill around it and if your french drain is collecting the water before it completely over saturates your backfill.

[@philiprodriguez2390]

@@nicholasspaeth9790 Thanks for the reply. I completed the job without perforating the catch basin like you mentioned. Haven’t had any issues!

[@nicholasspaeth9790]

@@philiprodriguez2390 Nice work! Glad to hear. At least, this way your basin is not susceptible to letting in silt and roots. I've seen how quickly roots can take over a system. Mind blowing stuff. Wish I'd known more about yard drainage when my wife and I decided to buy our house. 🤣

[@isaacdelcid519]

Can i install in and collect the water in a 5k gallon container so i can use it later for summer sprinkler on a 3 acre land?? For animals and grass?

[@mrbrad41471]

Chuck, another awesome video! I need to give you a call and have you help me design the proper exterior sump pump system to add onto what I already have to achieve what I need!

[@robertdane6765]

Good morning, where are you running the power cord out of? The side? Top? Do you seal around the hole being the hole has to be big enough to fit the plug but the actual wire is small? I’m putting one of these exact systems in today and curios about this part.

[@justmyself1000]

I Love these Apple Drains videos....but what is missing is the electrical hook up ideas and suggestions. Just guessing Mr. Chuck is worried about liability.

[@mostlymetalmachines9249]

When you look at the underside of the ADS lid that fits this ADS basin, there are cast-in labels of what the several knock-outs should/could be for. One of these is for the electrical cord. In the best of all possible worlds you can find a grommet to fit that electrical cord hole, put the cord through, and live a long and happy life. Remember, it only takes a fraction of a turn to "unlock" the lid, so your cord won't be turning around in circles. You may be able to find a grommet at your hardware store, or make one from a sheet of rubber.

[@mostlymetalmachines9249]

If you make one, super glue it to the lid.

[@ryanguffy4739]

Any tips for preventing sediment from entering the sump with the water?

[@svitali11]

where can i get those sump pump basins or deeper in Canada? who makes them? thx for all your tips, i love your videos

[@appledrains]

Lowe’s

[@erichowlett3627]

Will this work in mid atlantic climates? Freezing? Snow? Below 32 degrees for weeks at a time?

[@fredbloggs2587]

You want the inflow coming in high to empty the pipe. This stuff about the pump level arm getting stuck in an intermediate position can occur with a light rain from an inflow at a properly placed height too. If your Zoeller can't handle it, then find another brand.

[@raftdweller]

I was actually thinking the same thing. Your sump only kicks on when it has a certain water height right?....so the position of the inlet won't change there being smaller amounts of water in the tank. It makes sense to have it come in higher so that it doesn't slow flow down once the tank gets water high enough to cover the inlet. You want the inlet water be obstructed as little as possible.

[@concretekid129]

Glad I’m not the only one who questioned it. If inlets are high and only small amount of water makes float go up half way it is going to be stuck at that half way. Float freezing is a mechanism problem to me. Only problem their is is that the inlet stays full or will back up when the top inlet dumps water in. The low inlet has to back up to a higher height to allow the pit to fill up higher

[@tadpeterson1677]

Hi Chuck, Is an outlet line a must when doing a sump pump and basin system? It seems counter productive since that is what the discharge line from the sump pump trying to accomplish. If using an outlet line, then why is a sump pump even necessary? Thank you for putting out all this content. We all have certainly enjoyed the information.

[@appledrains]

Hi Tad.

[@appledrains]

Catch basins in French drain collect water. They send it to the sump basin. The pump lifts water up and sends it out to the street or wherever. So absolutely yes. There must be a discharge line from the sump basin

[@tadpeterson1677]

@@appledrains Thanks Chuck, What I am specifically referring to is the second large pipe that sits higher up on the basin. I may have misunderstood you, but do both big corrugated pipes bring water into the basin? I understand the white discharge line from the sump pump, pumps the water out to the street or to daylight. Just a bit confused what the second ( higher ) black pipe line is doing.

[@MooseTurder]

Tad, both corrugated pipes are bringing water into the pit. The 2nd pipe may be from another basin or downspout.

[@traildogsbluegrass]

I gotta have a consultation with you knowledge base i love this channel seen most of the shows and so informative thanks

[@mh70ss]

Chuck, I don't see where you fixed the problem. Yes, you installed a new M98 pump, but I thought you were going to do something with the inlet pipe that was too low? What needs to be done in this case? Move the lower line further up or take the sump basin out and dig it deeper? Thanks.

[@emmett3067]

Yeah, I was expecting him to pull the pit out, dig a deeper hole, install a new deeper pit so the inlet pipes were above the float, install a new pump and fix the outlet pipe.

[@justmyself1000]

Glad to see I wasn't the only one confused by this!!! He (sort of) explained this in the end...but I don't get what he did...?...Just so I know my thinking from these videos is correct: The beginning section of the trench needs to be at least 10 in. (2 in. for gravel, 4 in. for pipe, 2 in. more gravel, 2 in. at least for soil for grass to grow) ...then for every 10 feet of drainage pipe; one needs a 1 in. drop for gravity? Am I correct so far?..so on 100 ft. of drainage pipe, that is an additional 10 in. So at the basin, with 100 ft. of drainage pipe, the trench will be at least 20 in. That basin in the video is 22 in. according to Lowes website. That is only 2 in. from the bottom of the basin. Too low. So the hole for the basin will need to be deeper. About 20 in. deeper? This is where I think many of us are lost. Now I'm going on 100 ft. of drainage pipe.

[@monkichiboi4003]

this dude is drain god

[@jonathanboring5973]

Where are you plugging the pumps into? Can you show us that? Thanks

[@mostlymetalmachines9249]

Check out his other video : Sump Systems - 100% Guaranteed to Work. At 5:30 you see he has the power cord from the pump in the slight gap between the lid and the basin and headed for the electrical outlet. That way you don't have to cut open or knock-out the lid.. I just got a Zoeller M98 a couple of days ago, and it has an 18/3 SJTW power cord that is 5/16" at outside diameter. Hope that helps.

[@kennethmclean3679]

I think in Canada, that no hub is called a fernco fitting. Enjoy your years of experience.

[@LouiseBurt]

Love the videos gold dust

[@stevesmith9173]

Great video and HUGE, huge thank-you for sharing!

[@synergy90t]

For a sump basin installed outdoors in central FL, should you perforate the bottom with a few drill holes so there is not standing water?

[@joelandgard226]

I think others put them low to get more fall out of the French drain if the lot is too flat. A bigger bottom area for water to collect will help the pump not short cycle. Standard pump on off points in an 18” basin only hold and remove about 6 gallons at a time. There is a middle ground to this theory.

[@dalecureton2152]

How did you get the drain to come into the sump pump basin higher? It didn't look like you lowered the basin. So how did you rise the pipe?

[@LouiseBurt]

I’d like to no the and to the question as well as I’m in that position now

[@edgionet1714]

Thanks for the info you are a good guy g

[@Fernando-ns3uv]

How would you handle if the top of the water level is below the inlet lines? If the water is not let in, then the basin will lift, due to the hydrostatic pressure. Would you recommend drilling 1/4” holes, to allow the water in, so that, the basin will not lift?

[@davegordon6943]

The basin I bought from Lowe's doesn't have any holes in it. Should I drill little holes all around it

[@appledrains]

@@davegordon6943 you can

[@bobman32]

can you cover the sump basin with dirt and grow grass over it?

[@CowboyAxe]

Ofcourse,

[@hmg8915]

Yes, but be prepared to remove the grass for maintenance

[@kidjeff4304]

You're my man when I move to Orlando! Looking more at siesta key tho. Who makes that basin?

[@SteveMilligan15]

It's made by ADS (Advance Drainage Systems), I believe. You should be able to pick them up at Lowes.

[@kylejay2661]

How did you solve the problem of the line being too low in the basin? I have a similar problem with the pit in my basement.

[@nicholasspaeth9790]

Did you solve this? I'd pull out the basin and buy a deeper one, if possible.

[@andrewbouzinekis4130]

We need to take care of our drainage problem in our yard. We live in Wesley Chapel, near Tampa, Fl. Do you service this area?

[@Laflamablanca76]

Can you please comes to Delaware 🤔😂🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ljbrandt500]

Chuck, I was thinking about getting a jackal perforated sump basin and putting gravel around it? Bad idea?

[@mngzhx]

why is that relief hole? protecting waterhammer?

[@domingopequeno9413]

what is the type and brand of pump and size of basin used in video? would like to install one similar for my area drainage , floods too often.

[@ReparadorAficionado]

Chuck, I'd like to see your video in its original format, it looks like it is a little shrunk. Anyway, good video and info!

[@COVIDpanic]

the culvert could be inverted and it work just fine, right?

[@erichowlett3627]

How to you plug it in?

[@jeffm2787]

I know of at least one KZbin plumbing channel that claims Zoeller pumps have bad switches, that they fail far too often. That's what he claims at least.

[@peterbergeris6510]

Is that French Drains Man? He guarantees his stuff n uses only his blue pipe.

[@iontheball1]

I do not understand the rationale set forth in this video regarding the inlet to the well. The position of the inlet should not affect pump operation. Some water in the bottom of the well is normal because the pump will not remove water below its impeller which is located at the bottom of the pump. The only way the pump will overheat is if the switch gets stuck in the on position when the water level falls below the body of the motor housing. The water around the cast iron motor housing is what cools the pump. If the pump lowers this water level to the base of the pump and then the pump keeps running because the switch remains on, it will definitely overheat the pump eventually. The only way this could happen is if the switch gets stuck in the 'on' position. It sounds like the other KZbinr knows what he is talking about.

[@KeisukeTakemoto]

Where can I find the recommended basins?

[@appledrains]

Lowes

[@bishopwestcoast6705]

Hi water gets into my basement through my window well as ground water rises. Can I install a sump pump in my backyard and will it not freeze in -40 Canadian winter? Will it work in spring during the thaw?

[@jerrysmith9780]

You should have a piece of weeping tile in the crushed rock of the window well that connects to the weeping tile of your perimeter weeping tile. Window well should be full of crushed stone from grade to the perimeter weeping tile located below your footing.

[@TB-oe4vr]

But up north where it fluctuates above and below 32F, how should such a basin be handled? If the answer is a basin heater, then if it is supposed to be below 32F for several days, is there a way to avoid leaving a basin heater on all the time? It seems like a basin heater would cost a lot to run 24-7 during periods below 32F.

[@appledrains]

Nonsense

[@VgniK88]

That’s how they work

[@jamiemichael4190]

What is it u install again, and for how many years?!? I’m sorry, not sure if u covered that🙄😴😴

[@mikey38632]

How long have you been installing pumps again?

[@mikey38632]

(Just pulling your leg bud)

[@howieswope3020]

Do you need a pit for sump pump?

[@dougrichardson1980]

Where do you get those flat green inlets?

[@appledrains]

Lowe’s 6” SDR 35

[@lelandlewis2666]

Do you set the sump pump on the bottom of the basin?

[@brianlutz7813]

yes

[@petersplat6164]

The reason he gives for the pump burning up with the inlet installed low makes no sense to me. Water goes in and it gets pumped out, who cares where the inlet is. And blaming the installation for the float getting stuck? It sounds like a shitty float design to me.

[@patty109109]

Yes, the pump turns on at a certain level and it ejects water until the level gets lower. This is not impacted by the height of the inlet. in fact, a lower inlet is going to allow more water to be pumped on each cycle because you’ve got water within the inlet as well, back up the line, which starts to immediately fill the sump crock as soon as the motor goes on.

[@raba650]

Are you a plumber? I ask because I’m wondering what type of person to contact regarding my crawl space and its water flooding issues.

[@Doomzdayxx]

Does anybody know if a setup like this is possible in colder climates? (I live in Ohio and the winters can get relatively cold)

[@americarocks1776]

Yes. Check out the French drain man. There's a heater you can use in winter.

[@alexiskerr5161]

Where can I get that sump basin from?

[@willgaukler8979]

.... check Home Depot or alike store ... they might have installers too... thank God for You Tube tho ...

[@peterbergeris6510]

Is $8 to 12,000 a lot for a 100 ft run with 3 catch basins n corrugated pipe?

[@BOHICA_]

yes

[@cm1133]

Wheee does one find a catch basin with a SOLID lid????

[@hmg8915]

I learned alot from you but i believe this only matters if the basin is solid collecting pipe. Yes if they are closed pipe keep it high inlet. But if its french drain means nothing water level will pump at same level wether hi or low You are the pro, but what about french drain basin¿ isnt that different if yhe basin has holes?

[@tbcarleton]

Don't put the check valve below grade!

[@jasonjames2679]

Why not? The problem in my yard is I need to pump water up hill to get it out of the yard. If I don't put a check valve it will back flow the water it just pumped out right back into my basin and continue to kick the pump on. What would you recommend?

[@tbcarleton]

@jason james place the check valve above the ground horizontally, so the flap closes with gravity if you have to. Otherwise, when you go to disconnect it for service, the connection you'll be talking apart will be under water by the time you know something is wrong.

[@youngprince716]

​@tbcarleton hi. I'm trying really hard to u nderstand this could you please elaborate or re word it

[@bishopp14]

​@@youngprince716 Yeah, same here. I feel like I'm missing something in this explanation.

[@MichaelThomas-dr6xy]

Chuck, I really enjoy watching your videos! I have learned a lot from them.

[@jimk4928]

The explanation of why not to put the inlet pipe below the top of the pump is not an adequate explanation. The water is going to flow into the basin at the same rate regardless of where it enters the basin. The pump will shut off as it's supposed to when the level drops either way. If the volume of water entering the basin exceeds the pump's ability to discharge it, then you need a higher capacity pump. The only reason I can think of would be if the inlet were below the water table and the water table level was above the shut off point for the pump. In this case, the caveat would be "Don't put your pump below the water table."

[@nolafeliks6630]

And made in America!!!

[@s70006]

Omg. Chuck have you seen side show Bob latest instulation . What a joke. He literally do stupid install of a huge thing in the ground and a stupid way of water collection. Pleas esee the video 😂

[@socialkruption]

Scam artist from Michigan is such a joke.

[@appledrains]

Yep

[@hmg8915]

If the pump isnt pumping has nothing to do if the inlet is hi or low.. water only pumps at certian level wether the pipe is high or low, the inket pipe dosent determine the pump on off at all ever