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Frequently Asked Questions
Standpipes
What is a standpipe?
A standpipe has been used to stop, or at least reduce, basement
flooding in some situations. A standpipe is a vertical pipe that is installed
over the basement floor drain connected to the sanitary sewer. It is
sealed at the floor so that sewer water cannot enter your basement at
the floor level. The water can rise in the standpipe but the water will
not flow into the basement until it overflows the top of the standpipe.
Is it safe to install a standpipe without a sump pump?
Without a sump pump, the footing drain water normally drains out through the sanitary sewer lead. If the footing drain water cannot flow out through the sanitary sewer lead, it builds up around the basement walls. A standpipe can allow this build up of water up to the level of the water in the city sewer.
If a standpipe is more than about 5 inches in height, your basement floor and walls may be at risk. If the water level in the standpipe and the sewer rises to a level more than about 5 inches above the top of your basement floor, excessive pressure may be exerted on your basement floor and walls. This could cause structural damage. If the water level in the sewer remains below the five inch level, the weight of a four-inch thick concrete floor alone should counteract the extra water pressure.
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