We looked at a house today that is right next to a sump. Does anyone have any opinions about why this would be a bad choice - or any information about sumps in general? We were told that it was used for sewage before there were sewers.
Thanks! Christine
chmlengr
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Re: What do you know about SUMPS?
Posted by lc214
We were told that it was used for sewage before there were sewers.
I've never heard that before. Actually, as an environmental engineer in the field, I want to say that's ridiculous. If that is the case, it's a cesspool or septic tank, but I wouldn't call it a sump.
Generally, a sump is a water retention basin, an area that is designed to collect water during rain and snow. We live across the street from one. It's nice in a sense that its a preserved land and it will not be built on and we like the wooded look of our area and not having neighbors across the street.
lc214
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Re: What do you know about SUMPS?
I'm sorry - you are right - I guess I used the wrong words. it was described as a place to prevent flooding before there were drains in the street. I'm glad you look at it as an advantage. We were trying to figure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. Thanks for your opinion! Christine
Jenny5150
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Re: What do you know about SUMPS?
I grew up with one behind my house. My father saw the sump as a plus for the same reason that chmlengr mentioned, privacy.
CherylBooch
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Re: What do you know about SUMPS?
I grew up near one as well. The only think I didn't like was all the animals... like the raccoons and opossums that were always hanging around since they lived in the sump. (I'm not a fan of those types of animals, but others may be)
ETA- I'd go for it... the privacy will be great.
pschica
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Re: What do you know about SUMPS?
we live where there is one down the hill.....if anything, i think it adds that 'natural' look to the property.....you have trees, plants, etc. which is nice, i think!.... as long as there is adequate fencing around it, there shouldn't be a problem! i would recommend motion lights (you can set them so they don't go by if a bug flies past it though!) just in case..it might deter any 'neighbors' (animals!) who live nearby in the sump from hanging out in the backyard if you are afraid of that!
soon2bMrs
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Re: What do you know about SUMPS?
I grew up near one too and my dad used to take me sleigh riding there in the winter. Don't know if it was safe, but we sure had fun.
DebsNY
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Re: What do you know about SUMPS?
We have one right in front of our current house... not exactly the prettiest thing to look at, but it hasn't caused any problems in the 16 years my parents and I have lived there.
Kriss2c
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When we were kids, my sister and I used to 'break in' and ride our sleds down the slopes in the winter when it was empty.
Dani00518
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Re: What do you know about SUMPS?
Posted by lc214
Hi
We looked at a house today that is right next to a sump. Does anyone have any opinions about why this would be a bad choice - or any information about sumps in general? We were told that it was used for sewage before there were sewers.
Thanks! Christine
What area was this in...I never saw that....but it doesn't sound bad to me.
LisaT
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Re: What do you know about SUMPS?
we had one behind our house growing up- couldn't see it from the house, but it was back there and provided more privacy between us and the nieghbors.
Only downside I can see, is that people tend to hang out in them. We'd climb the fence when we were kids (can't even count how many jeans I ripped on the barb wire) and then when we were older I know others would go back there to smoke or hide. Once someone lit a small fire in there.
No serious problems, just something to think about.
lc214
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Re: What do you know about SUMPS?
Thank you all for your feedback. We were kind of worried about the animals - and also if we would be eaten alive by bugs if we sat at in our yard.
