Sump Pump Weep Hole – Vent Functions, Size, And Location

Are weep holes necessary? What are the functions of sump pump weep holes? Where are they located? These and many similar questions will be fully answered here.

As you read through, you should have a fuller understanding of how the weep hole impacts the functioning of your sump pump.

Sump Pump Vent Hole

If you’ve used or had a sump pump installed in your basement, you might have an idea of what weep holes are about. However, you don’t need to be ashamed if you have no idea.

This article is written to cater to such needs.

Here, we’ll be covering quite a lot about sump pump weep holes.

About Sump Weep Holes

Sump pumps aren’t designed to run dry.

In other words, these are meant to pump water and could easily burn out when they get dry. Weep holes were specifically designed to guard against such.

Also called relief holes, these provisions help prevent airlock (that is, running but not delivering water).

Weep holes help keep your pump running continuously even when it isn’t delivering water. With relief holes, the water level is maintained, thus preventing a burn-out.

Here, the importance of the weep hole is evident.

Your sump pump is kept functioning for longer without developing problems.

Plus, the lifespan is extended further. More importantly, your sump pump doesn’t become problematic at the most crucial times when you most need it.

However for the weep hole to serve such function it must always be inspected and water must be added when it drops or goes down.

• Weep Hole Size

Although they all perform the same function, not all sump pump weep holes are of the same size. The weep hole size is mostly dependent on the size of the pump.

Such holes vary from 8” to 12”. There are situations where buyers consider weep holes as being too large. In such instances, smaller or miniature weep holes can be bought and replaced.

Is a Sump Pump Weep Hole Necessary?

From our discussion so far, it’s easy to see why a sump pump relief hole is important. It serves as a backup system against sump pump failure.

Every good work of engineering ranging from the most complex to the least should have some form of fail-safe provision. This is where the weep hole comes in handy.

Your sump pump is kept functional for longer with the chance of a burn-out significantly reduced.

However, the presence of a weep hole alone isn’t sufficient enough to guarantee that your sump pump remains functional at all times.

It has to be installed and maintained by an experienced professional.

You Might Have to Buy a Sump Pump Replacement

Incorrect usage of a sump pump is likely going to lead to its damage. This could be caused by the absence of a small component that you might consider as being insignificant.

No matter how insignificant it appears or sounds, the relief hole does a lot more than most people assume.

So, instead of having to change or replace your sump pump completely (which is a more costly alternative), you should ensure all components are present and working properly.

Your best shot at having a functional system is by having a reputable professional install your sump pump and also maintain it.

Where’s the Weep Hole Located on a Sump Pump?

When it comes to the positioning of a relief hole on a sump pump, there’s no standard placement.

First off, there are different sump pump brands each having unique designs. It’s only normal to expect that weep holes could be located anywhere on the sump pump.

Irrespective of positioning, all weep holes perform the same function; maintaining the water level in sump pumps. The weep hole mustn’t get clogged in order not to disrupt its vital functions.

This is why periodic inspections and maintenance by a professional are non-negotiable.

About Air Lock

One of the things synonymous with sump pump weep holes is airlock prevention. An air lock is simply a situation that’s likely to occur in sump pumps having no weep holes.

Here, pressure changes occur that negatively impact water flow through a sump pump.

With water pressure negatively impacted, your sump pump hardly functions effectively as it’s unable to push or pump out water effectively. This further complicates the problem.

Your best bet of eliminating airlock is by having or buying sump pumps with weep holes.

Can Weep Holes Be Installed in Sump Pumps having none?

A sump pump will most certainly misbehave or malfunction when a weep hole isn’t present. While this is true, the existing problem can be remedied by having the hole installed.

The best approach to remedying such a problem is to have a trained and experienced professional handle the job.

If you must perform this task yourself, you must have considerable technical knowledge as well as some plumbing skills. It’s important to also note that installing a weep hole on your sump pump isn’t rocket science.

You’ll need a drill as well as 1/8” drill bits.

The weep hole is best drilled at a height of about 6” above the sump pump.

This should be drilled upwards at a 45-degree angle. If you can’t seem to figure out the process or what to do, you should abandon your DIY efforts and allow a pro to handle the job.

The objective is to perform a thorough job without having to complicate the process. Installing a relief hole on a sump pump can be a delicate process.

This is especially true for sump pump installations already in use.

Weep Holes Can only do so much

Having weep holes installed on a sump pump isn’t a guarantee against other issues developing.

This is why it’s important to have your sump pump inspected frequently by a professional. You’ll need to research available technicians closest to your location.

However, not everyone called a plumber is qualified for the job. You’ll need to only go for reputable plumbing contractors with years of experience and evidence of satisfied clients to show.

Now you know what a sump pump weep hole is all about. You can take a closer look at your sump pump to see if it has a relief hole.