Sump Pump Drainage

I have an above-ground sump pump in the basement of my split-level that drains through a 2-inch PVC pipe about 12 inches above the ground. At this outlet is a 90 degree elbow, then another 15-foot section of PVC carrying the water away from the foundation. This PVC is an above-ground eye sore. I'd like to remove the 15' section of PVC and attach a perforated flex pipe that I'd extend down and away from the house underground. Can/should this be done? How far away from the foundation should the buried pipe extend? Depth?

Dave

You can definitely do that. If it were me, though, I'd stay with pvc and not switch to corrogated.

Sch40pvc is stronger and will last longer.

I'd bury the pipe about 4-6" below surface and run it at least 6' from the foundation. The farther, the better - ideally to the property or swail line.

I'd also use 3" pvc. If you stay with the small diameter (<2") the pump has to work against the forward column of water when pumping. Since the pipe will be downward sloping, there's no reason to make the pump work this hard.