Allowable distance of water to basement floor?

Question

I have a basement with 2 sump pits. They are of the perforated type. I experience quite a bit of run frequency with them. Each pit is about 2.5 feet deep. I want to raise the base level of the pumps to allow the water to rise higher in the pit. My question is what distance is allowable as to prevent water from entering the basment either through hydrostatic or head pressure? What should the distance be beetween the base of the basement slab and the max height of water. I cannot find an answer anywhere. Also....am i correct in assuming the water will only rise to a certain height in a perforated sump pit and follow the rules of head pressure...or can the water rise higher than the surrounding. My present main source of water is ground water entering from around the crock....not the weep tile. Thanks for input. People with experience in this matter is really encouraged Thank you

Update:

I think you are missing my point. I have a pedstal pump in the pit and it is set to its maximum limit. I want to know what distance from the bottom of the slab to the top height of the water is allowable to cut down the frequency. Thats why I wanted experience in answering the question. The goal is to reducce pump frequency...the unit itself will remain operational. I have 2 sump pits and they are connected via exterior weepers.

morris · Accepted Answer

When I build foundations in wet areas, I always set the sump pump to keep the water level lower than the bottom of the concrete slab floor. Other wise the floor will tend to be damp. Water certainly can rise higher than the pit and floor due to precipitation peculating down from the ground surface (gravity).

Rex K · Answer

I would most  certainly leave the pumps in the bottom of the pits..As long as they are "keeping up"..consider yourself lucky..You are probably on the edge of the water table..& water tables do fluctuate..some times rising a bit in the fall..a lot depends on the weather in your area..lots of rain..or drought.

Jim T · Answer

DO NOT mess with the pit. For another part of your question...if the ground is saturated, your perforated pipe is the only way for the water to go. Don't oversimplify hydrolics.

? · Answer

get a high volume sump pump and make sure you gutters are drained atleast 4 feet from your house also try to add to the soil near your house so that the ground slopes away from it drainage is the largest cause of basement leaks and it can usually be fixed rather cheaply without expensive "basement sealing" some companies will try to sell you

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Allowable distance of water to basement floor?

4 Answers