Sump Pump Discharge: Drywell, Not a Shallow Hole

Question: Sump runs constantly post-rain. 4" corrugated pipe 50 ft to 2.5-ft-deep hole (constant lake). Bad idea? Run on surface to street? Who to call?

Answer: Hole Too Small & Too Close—Install a Proper Drywell or Detention Basin

2-ft hole next to foundation lets water re-enter basement. Municipalities prohibit street discharge (icing, nuisance). Some allow sanitary sewer connection (licensed plumber).

Better: plastic drywells (battery-configurable) or concrete/masonry drywell. Size to pump volume; surrounding soil must drain in ~48 hrs. Or permeable detention basin/rain garden (sediment buildup).

Hire a drainage-system specialist; independent designer protects you from contractor shortcuts.

Follow-up: Hole is 30 ft from house. Underground detention: gravel + filter fabric + 1–2 ft topsoil or permeable paving (concrete pavers with grass joints, permeable asphalt, grass pavers, etc.). Large corrugated pipe in gravel works too. Use smooth-wall or smooth-lined pipe; bury in 6" gravel bed, 2-ft wide trench, ¼"/ft slope, 8" cover. Tie-downs prevent frost heave.

—Mark Harshman | harshmandrafting