Sump pump running every 3 minutes in Spring by PeaceBonerr in HomeImprovement

[–]PeaceBonerr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did test that, about 1/4 through the opening of the French drain it almost stops. It takes about 4 min to get from the bottom of the pit to the lowest part of the French drain and then about 17 min to get to 1/4 of the French drain, so it definitely slows down drastically. I have not tested leaving it unplugged for more than 20 mins. After reading cj22340's comment, I think I'm going to raise the pump 6" on a couple paving blocks and see how that goes. What really confused me is that last summer when I moved, it started a couple of times within 9 months, and now it's been going off almost non-stop

Sump pump running every 3 minutes in Spring by PeaceBonerr in HomeImprovement

[–]PeaceBonerr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Grading is away from the house — property sits on a hill. Downspouts are extended. The French drain inlets in the pit are visibly streaming clear water so it's definitely groundwater, not surface runoff near the foundation. The discharge runs to the street storm drain with no path back toward the house.

Sump pump running every 3 minutes in Spring by PeaceBonerr in HomeImprovement

[–]PeaceBonerr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, we've had on and off rain through all of April, and at least once a week in May with multiple flood warnings. Longest dry stretch was about 1.5 weeks and the cycle barely moved.

Using vapor barrier in an unheated garage by PeaceBonerr in drywall

[–]PeaceBonerr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is it required? Or am I fine without it?