A sump pump should be set in a plastic or ceramic "pit" where it is low enough to keep standing water 6 to 12 inches below the underside of the basement floor. Set any higher and the pump may not be able to keep up with the demands of long or heavy periods of rain. The discharge pipe should exit through the exterior house wall and terminate no closer than 10 - 20 feet from the house. Look for a pump with a good guarantee and a discharge pipe measuring 1 1/2 to 2 inches. And don't forget to connect the pump to a grounded or GFCI outlet and test the pump monthly.

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