Air infiltration through sump pit
jdclassen
| Posted in Green Building Techniques on
Ran a blower door on what should be an extremely tight home. However I am getting significant leakage through the sump pit which is essentially connected to the outside via the drain tile. (grading has not been completed on the property) I found some other air sealing to do, but i have never run into this situation. Do I need to wait for the grading to be done, or have the sump pit sealed?
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Replies
Jeff, sump pits should always have a sealed cover. More info here: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/community/forum/mechanicals/27510/sealing-dry-sump.
Jeff,
A company named Jackel makes sumps with airtight lids. Here is the link:
Jackel sumps and lids
For more information on basement air sealing, including information on air leaks through sumps, see Air Sealing a Basement.
You can get retrofit sealed lids that are supposed to be universal so you dont have to tear out your pit. They are usually available from box stores and will have provisions for pipes and cords.