Can anyone identify what this huge hole/well? is in this basement?

[zenonithus]

Hi all,

Can anyone identify what this large hole/opening could be? I figured it could possibly be water related as to why I posted in this forum. Is it something that could hinder converting this into a habitable room?

 

[just pumps]

Sump pump?

 

[zenonithus]

Yeah I think you're right. Just read up about them. Are they something that is permanently installed? Is it not possible to make it habitable room if it has a big pump down there?

 

[DAZB]

You will find it an advantage as any water getting in is already being managed via the pump so it has potentially saved you a small fortune. At worst if it needs a new pump they are fairly cheap to replace and you can just reconnect it to the existing piping.

 

[zenonithus]

Ok thats good news. How would this work in a room? Is it something that is usually hidden away in basement conversions?

 

[just pumps]

You will find it an advantage as any water getting in is already being managed via the pump so it has potentially saved you a small fortune. At worst if it needs a new pump they are fairly cheap to replace and you can just reconnect it to the existing piping.

If the pump specs on outlet pipe sizes compare that is.

 

[just pumps]

I`ve seen many smaller than that hidden away out of sight. Google the likes of Pumping Stations

 

[DAZB]

If the pump specs on outlet pipe sizes compare that is.

You can buy adapters or reducers to suit so not really a big problem.

 

[DAZB]

Ok thats good news. How would this work in a room? Is it something that is usually hidden away in basement conversions?

Do you have a better image of the hole and pump as it may be possible to adjust the position of it to route the piping nearer the corner and then it would be easier to conceal it and provide removable access panels to both pump/sump and pipe.

 

[zenonithus]

Do you have a better image of the hole and pump as it may be possible to adjust the position of it to route the piping nearer the corner and then it would be easier to conceal it and provide removable access panels to both pump/sump and pipe.

Yes I will have some tomorrow when I view it. Will post those up as soon as I get back.

 

[mattylad]

A big sump & pump like that suggests that the room has been flooded at some point (s).
That may make it unsuitable for development into a usable room without a lot of cost.

Figure out why it's there in the first place before you go any further.
Does the filing cabinet have signs of water up about 1/2 way on it?

 

[zenonithus]

A big sump & pump like that suggests that the room has been flooded at some point (s).
That may make it unsuitable for development into a usable room without a lot of cost.

Figure out why it's there in the first place before you go any further.
Does the filing cabinet have signs of water up about 1/2 way on it?

Yeah thats a good point. I will closely inspect it as well as the wood shelves. Some sort of water discolouration on the joists above too? Is that due to moisture?

 

[just pumps]

You can buy adapters or reducers to suit so not really a big problem.

Could be if you try and claim warranty on a new pump. Manufactures spec pipe sizes for a reason.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Even if the room and floor are dry at the moment, might the general area suffer regular flooding?

 

[Madrab]

It could be a high water table, non permeable ground layer etc and that sump is there to gather and removed the excess water and avoid the founds getting saturated. Could also be an old natural well.

Check out the title/deeds/surveys - it should specify any ground issues/points to note as far as ground water is concerned