Newly installed sump pump sitting in a basement sump pit
Generic photo: Famartin · CC BY-SA 4.0

Water in the basement but the sump pit is dry

If the pit stays dry while the floor gets wet, the water is not reaching the drain system that feeds the pit; the pump is not the problem. Usual causes are surface water (grading that slopes toward the house, short or clogged downspouts, overflowing gutters), a pump discharge that dumps next to the foundation, or a basement with no perimeter drain tile tied to the pit. Also rule out condensation and plumbing leaks.

Single source ~45 min easyBrands: All

Before you start

  • Do not stand in water near outlets or appliances; cut power to the area if water is near electrical
  • Keep the sump pump on a GFCI-protected circuit as required

Diagnostic steps

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