Why would a trentch be in a basement near a sub pump?

Question

I recently looked at a house that I was interested in purchasing. In the basement there was a subpump in a corner and a trench going across the floor of the basement. The trench was not covered. Because the current owners are still updating, I'm not sure if this should be a concern or not. Does anyone know what this would mean? The basement didn't smell musty or didn't seem damp.

Answer 1

if there was a leak in the basement the water would go to the trench instead of running all the way across the floor. if there were proper drainage under the house this wouldnt be needed. I would ask questions!

Answer 2

I have an old house with a trench that leads to the sump pump. What mine is used to discharge water from a 2 compartment laundry tub that sits right above the trench. It discharges right into there. I also have a wringer washer that was in the house. That too discharges into there. Legal or not that is what it does. I once poked around and found that the house had a storm drain where all the downspouts led to. That had been removed and a sump pump added. So id assume at one time all of this water went down the storm sewer and storm and sanitary then were on same line, Not so today of course.

Answer 3

I have a sump pump in my basement in my house I bought 15 yrs ago. The former owner and builder put in a dutch drain. Its the same as you have, but. The trench is covered by cement. With tile and gravel underneath.It runs to a sump pump pit. Mine is there for spring snow melt and rains. The underground water level raises in the spring Make sure the house is not on a flood zone. Any real concerns hire a certified home inspector

Answer 4

The trench near the sump pump is to catch the overflow of water from the pump area if necessary. It's a good setup and is probably why the basement didn't smell musty and wasn't damp.

Answer 5

This is nothing to be concerned about. Instead of the trench being digged outside around the house, the owner decided to use this method which is just as effective. The link I provided below gives a diagram. Hopefully, this is helpful.

Answer 6

It should be covered with something that water can drop thru. Some kind of firm screen or wire