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2.80 -C- what prevents this standing water from getting further contaminated with dust, sand, other debris, creating sludge that can possibly cause the pump or check valve to fail?

Posted by Lori Byron on 22 Dec, 2013
Category: Category 2 - about potential recommendations

Frank Burdick’s Log Number: 72
Submitted by: Burdick log
Category (1,2,3): 2
Status: Closed
Estimated date to address: TBD, CAC to prioritize

Q. Existing FDDs as designed require maintenance for a wide variety of issues related to the continued operation of the sump pump and check valve. Considering the 3" of standing water in Item 71 above, what prevents this standing water from getting further contaminated with dust, sand, other debris, creating sludge that can possibly cause the pump or check valve to fail? 
 
A. 

Comments

Lori Byron on 30 Jan, 2014:

[CITY]

The sump is installed with a sealed cover to prevent debris from entering the sump.

Jim Osborn on 30 Jan, 2014:

My parents have had a sump pump in their southern Californian home for decades and it never fills up with "dust, sand, other debris," that creates "sludge that can possibly cause the pump to fail" Dust?
Of course it is under the stairs and they do not use it as a dustpan to sweep debris into.

Frank Burdick on 30 Jan, 2014:

Because the sump now allows water INTO the home, (into the sump crock) the sand, debris, etc that enters the footing drains surrounding the house, can now enter the sump crock.  Many sump pumps fail because of debris such as sand, pebbles, etc get lodged into the impeller of the pump or the same debris can obstruct the float mechanism. (Read the comments)
Perhaps our paid consultants and city staff could get the failure rate and cause of pump failures from the FDD CAC (and the approved contractors) to verify this issue.

 In addition, the "radon" cover over these FDD sump pumps is not water tight, air tight, or radon tight upon the initial installation. Stuff can get into it and the stink can come out. (read the survey commments)  There are numerous penetrations installed thru this LID and the homeowner is counting on the skill level of a Plumber, working outside of his trade, to apply silicone caulk at these penetrations.  Additionally the maintenance instructions provided with the FDD sump pump includes Operation and Maint (O&M) Instructions that include removing this same lid.  The lid is very difficult to remove, even for a trained tradesman. Upon removal for O&M, the silicon caulk is likely not replaced. (read the comments) Perhaps the consultants could sponsor a walking tour of a targeted neighborhood to see:
a. some of these FDD installations
b.some areas where the pumps do not discharge into a new curb line.  
c. some "completed" installations where the landscaping  was not properly restored

Jim Osborn on 31 Jan, 2014:

A proper sump should be deep enough so that the pump is several inches above the bottom. The footing drains carry slow seepage, with minimal turbulence. Any sand or pebble will have a difficult time traveling to the sump. If one were to, it is a leap of faith to have the pebble suddenly jump up into the pump, unless the pump was placed too close to the bottom.

I have a sump pump, and it is covered with a radon cover. It was poorly done with no pump access, so I then cut an opening in it so I could access the pump. I then placed a larger plexiglass cover with a rubber seal and a small weight on it. It works just fine. Even prior to the radon cover being placed, there never was a "bad smell". If there were, I'd place 1 oz of liquid chlorine into it, turn the pump off, wait a few minutes, and turn the pump back on. But since my cat, Sherlock, takes care of any mice, there are no dead mice in the sump pit so I have not had to do this.

Jim Osborn on 31 Jan, 2014:

"Perhaps the consultants could sponsor a walking tour of a targeted neighborhood to see:
a. some of these FDD installations
b.some areas where the pumps do not discharge into a new curb line.  
c. some "completed" installations where the landscaping  was not properly restored"

I'd like such a tour, but will the homeowners cooperate?

Robert Czachorski on 31 Jan, 2014:

Jim - we are planning a follow-up with the homeowners who commented on issues with the FDD to understand just what you are describing.  Frank - during this follow-up, we will document failure rates and their causes as you suggest.  We are discussing the approach for this follow-up with the City today, and will have more information on the approach shortly.