Elevator Sump Pump Installation

The purpose of a sump pump is the removal of unwanted water. The most common locations for sump pumps are in residential basements and crawl spaces. They are also used in industry and commercial areas to perform primarily the same task. One such application is a sump pump located at the base of an elevator shaft. Water removal from this area is essential to the equipment, and to the overall air quality of the facility.

Location

• Elevators

  Depending on the type of elevator in use at your facility, the elevator pit could be a variety of sizes and depths. It is located at the base of the elevator shaft and extends below the lowest level serviced by it. Because the pit is normally below ground level, groundwater seepage can be a particular problem. If water is allowed to gather in the elevator pit, it can cause major damage to the machinery and create an environment where bacteria, mold and mildew can grow. These contaminants could then be spread throughout the facility by way of the elevator shaft. For these reasons, it is vital this area remain as dry as possible.

Pit Size/Type

• Protective grate

  The sump pump will be located in a sump pit. This pit will be approximately 24 to 30 inches square and up to 36 inches deep. The pit is made of reinforced concrete. The sump pump will either be a pedestal pump or a submersible pump. These pumps are automatically activated when the water in the sump pit reaches a predetermined level. The water is then pumped up and out of the pit and into a main drain line. A check valve in the sump drain line will prevent water from flowing back into the pit when the pump is not in operation.

Electrical/Safety

• All electrical supply to the sump pump must be protected by a GFCI (ground fault circuit interruption) device. These devices protect against shorts and can help prevent electrical fires and shocks. Because the sump pit will occasionally be used by technicians, it must be covered with with a protective grate. The grate must be of sufficient strength to easily support the weight of a large adult. The pit should also be marked with a warning decal stating the pump is activated automatically and LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures must be used before servicing.