Unlike a conventional well or recovery tank, the sump does not store water, but allows it to gently infiltrate into the depths of the ground.
What is the role of a sump?
A sump is in the form of a hole dug in the ground, with the aim of
collecting rainwater
in the absence of other facilities such as sewers or a recovery tank.
Why not just let the water seep into the ground?
In certain cases, large quantities of rainwater can accumulate in specific areas of a plot, in the case of sloping land, for example, or soil that is too clayey.
Collecting rainwater and evacuating it is then necessary to avoid unfortunate consequences on neighboring buildings and/or flooding of the land.
Furthermore, more and more municipalities require in
their PLU (Local Urban Planning Plan)
that rainwater be treated on the ground.
It then becomes prohibited to discharge rainwater into the sewer system or onto public roads.
And since rainwater that falls on a plot of land becomes the property of its holder, it is up to the latter to manage it.
In this case, the installation of a recovery tank associated with a sump, or a simple sump, is no longer a choice but
an obligation
.
Also read Collecting rainwater: an eco-friendly and inexpensive practice, but be careful before you start!
How does a sump work?
A sump is in the form of a hole dug in the ground, with the aim of collecting rainwater in the absence of other facilities such as sewers or a recovery tank.
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The bottom of the sump is filled with large stacked stones approximately 5 cm in diameter.
These will allow the water to distribute and infiltrate correctly into the depths of the soil.
The walls and bottom of the sump are pierced in several places so that the water can escape to land capable of absorbing it.
Thus, rainwater is drained towards
layers of the soil that are more permeable
than on the surface.
Most often, a cesspool is made of a meter-wide concrete culvert.
The depth is determined by the nature of the soil and the rainfall rate of the region.
How much does a sump cost?
Count between €1,000 and €3,000 for the installation of a sump, materials and labor included.
The price depends on the type of sump, its storage capacity and the material used (steel, concrete or PVC).
Do not hesitate to make several quotes from certified professionals to make the best choice.
Also read: What are the steps to build a well in your garden?
What are the rules to follow when installing a sump?
Installing a sump
requires respecting technical constraints as well as the regulations in force relating to the sanitation of your place.
Contact your municipality to find out about these rules defined and controlled by the non-collective public sanitation service (SPANC).
Furthermore, to ensure an installation adapted to the needs of your land, you will need to carry out a soil diagnosis.
Installing a sump requires respecting technical constraints as well as the regulations in force relating to the sanitation of your place.
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No use without permission.
Other rules must be respected for a professional installation:
A sump must be located at least 5 meters from any construction;
It must not be placed less than 30 meters from a well or other water collection point;
It must be kept away from trees, as their roots could damage it.
What is the difference between a cesspool and a septic tank?
What differentiates these two works is
the nature of the treated water
.
A sump only treats rainwater so that it infiltrates into the ground, while a septic tank is installed for the treatment of wastewater (sewage).