Contractor referral needed to adjust current sump pump pit

Hello! I’m looking for a referral for a contractor who can enlarge our current sump pump pit, lay cement for bottom and sides, put the sump pump in a bucket and make a new grate/cover.

BACKSTORY:
We have been flooding for the past 11 years. A plumber came 3 years ago and re-did some of the pipes, installed a new sump pump and it’s been a lot better. However, there is still water coming in under the basement level door when it we have heavy rain.

Our plumber said he can’t line it with cement or get a new grate.
A general contractor I met said he can’t touch the sump pump.

I really need someone who can solve this issue and bring in whomever necessary. Any referrals to a clever cement/plumber would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

sandietrombert

in General Discussion 5 years and 2 months ago

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sandietrombert | 5 years and 2 months ago

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Thanks for your input @restorationcontractor. The plumber that made the suggestion did fix some major flooding issues we had in the front of the house. I’ll try to get in touch with @masterplumber to get his input. Maybe I need a new plumber.

restorationcontractor | 5 years and 2 months ago

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This seems utterly ridiculous 11 YEARS of flooding? First trial solution looks to be the high curb at the rear door. Second trial solution inadequate dry well. Third trial solution exterior sump pump, which certainly must freeze in the winter and damage the pump as well as being non-functional during the winter months. None of these will ever work.

This is a relatively new construction building (I remember when they were built)
I would see if you can tie the areaway drain into your house sewer, or a proper sized ejector pump located inside.

This is not a handyman or contractor issue, this is a professional plumber issue. I can’t believe a licensed plumber told you to dig deeper and line it with cement?

Maybe MasterPlumber or Eman who frequent this site will chime in.

As No-Permits said you are just wasting your money on Bandaids which don’t cost much but are not going to solve anything.

yudashasom | 5 years and 2 months ago

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Agree w/ restorationcontractor – figure out where the water is entering, why it is entering and fix it. Pumps, drywells, french drains are all bandaids.

sandietrombert | 5 years and 2 months ago

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Here is the pic of the current situation:
Overall Platform: 34″ x 44″
Current Opening: 13″ x 12.5

There is a small dry well that only holds a couple of gallons of water and with the water going down the stairs, it builds rapidly during flash floods. Our plumber suggested demoing the platform, digging the whole thing deeper and lining it with cement (it’s currently dirt & sand)

Thanks for any suggestions/vendors you might have. [175-GreeneAve-Rear-1](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s1/:brownstoner:KzVQ:175greeneaverear1.jpg.jpg)

benjaminswanton

in General Discussion 5 years and 2 months ago

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Call Jay Alvarez at Quality 1st & ask him to come take a look. He may be able to propose a solution: 973-847-2971.

restorationcontractor | 5 years and 2 months ago

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I would want to try and solve the water problem before it got inside. If you can post some photos you will get better advice from myself and the other professionals on this site.