Repairing a Hole in a Basement Septic Sump

Punctured Sump Basin

• The sump basin is the plastic or metal basin that slips in to the hole in which the sump pump is installed. The basin prevents dirt and debris from getting sucked into the pump, and prevent rising water levels by draining water from the floor before pumping it away with the sump pump. A hole here may necessitate replacing the entire basin, which can be purchased from any home improvement store. As a temporary fix, duct tape or a piece of plastic and caulking may work to seal off a small hole.

Sump Pump Output

• The sump pump output hose or pipe is the channel through which water drains away from the sump pump to your septic system or house drain. Depending on how far the waste water must travel, this output line may be a rubber hose or a length of PVC pipe. Rubber hose can be repaired using an ordinary hose repair kit, which can be purchased from any home improvement or auto part supply store. A PVC output pipe with a hole or leak will need to be cut. Once the leaking section or coupler is removed, use PVC cement and a length of pipe with a new coupler to replace the removed portion.

Sump Pump Leaks

• If your sump pump itself is leaking, you may opt to have it professionally serviced. Sump pumps have numerous seals and gaskets, which are responsible for separating the electrical components of the pump from the potentially damaging and corrosive groundwater. Most sump pumps do not have user serviceable parts inside the pump case, and it is not advisable to disassemble or tamper with the pump housing.

Note on Discharge Location

• If your sump pump is tied in to your municipal sewer or septic system and you are servicing the pump to repair a leak, you may want to check your local building codes to ensure you are in compliance. Many municipalities do not allow sump pumps to be tied directly in to municipal sewer lines, as the sewer system can become overburdened during periods of heavy rains. As long as you are servicing your sump pump, take the time to ensure it is installed properly and save yourself a fine.