Sump question

Hi, I'm trying to solve a leaky foundation problem by putting in a sump or floor sucker pump in the area where the leak is. The leak is under the chimney where the clean out is where the foundation juts out 1 1/2 feet from the rest of the foundation. The dimension of the space is 18" X 42". It looks like I could just set a floor sucker pump in the area. The bottom of the space is the concrete foundation so it is 4" lower than the actual basement floor. It has a small crack on one side that could be filled in with concrete so that it would be continuous concrete, no dirt. Do you think a floor sucker pump would be ok there? I was hoping to be able to contain the pump/sump to that area. Or should I think about putting in a normal sump and just break up the floor out into the existing floor area? It has only leaked a few times in the last couple of years when we have had torrential rains and melt from the largest amount of snow ever in this area of the country.

Thanks,
Mike

Some facts about water infiltration:

1. A "floor sucker" pump will only collect surface water that has already leaked in and run to the location of the "floor sucker".

2. It is impossible to seal a basement floor against infiltration of ground water. If you are temporarily successful in sealing the floor, the ground water pressure will break the floor.

3. The only way to prevent infiltration of ground water into a below-grade structure is to pump the ground water level down to below the floor level.

4. The lower you pump the ground water level below the floor level, the larger is the area around the sump that is proteced against infiltration.

Hi, Bob,

Thanks for your response. I'd like to post a picture and get your advice once you see the picture and can look at the description once again. It is hard to imagine the situation without the pic. I'm the area where the leak is and the water accumulates is 4" lower than the basement floor already. The area is only 18" wide so it would be hard to get a sump basin in there. Do you think I should try to get a smaller pump basin in there or just go ahead and break up the adjoining floor to get a sump basin in there? The bottom of the area where the water accumulates is the top of the foundation footing.

Thanks again,

Mike

If the bottom of that hole is 4" below the basement floor then I would just dig down a bit if possible and put a sump pump on the lowest level that I could get to. If that is the top of the foundation, then that is the bottom of the sump.

You then need a float switch that will operate over a small range. They are available but you may need a relay to carry the current required for the pump.

In other words, don't worry about a basin; pump out of the hole.

Thanks, Bob!