Sump pumps do not stop groundwater from entering below grade areas
Always a controversy among confused homeowners with home drainage problems. Which to install, the sump pump or the hand excavated french drain.
I have covered this in detail with many articles on this website, but a basic premise must be stated again for the clarity of those individuals who do not read through this site extensively, or are first time readers.
Without collection of groundwater around the homes foundation, you cannot reduce or stop the hydrostatic pressure, caused by the weight of the groundwater that is saturating the foundation area. The continued addition of groundwater weight produces leaking of groundwater below grade.
I do not advise homeowners to install sump pump locations on the outside of the home, because they are placed right next to the foundation wall. Code wants the placement of a drywell at least 10 feet from the foundation, to prevent saturating the foundation wall.
Attempts by sump pump installers to travel long distances around a foundation on the exterior, with what they will market as a french drain, to a deep hole that contains a sump pump, are more detrimental than helpful.
Standing water in the sump well saturates below grade, and the supposed french drain is probably flat rather than containing a sufficient flat bottom grade.
The groundwater needs to be vented away from the foundation. When the electricity goes out, you have a huge hole filled with groundwater that will wind up in your basement or crawlspace.
It really is just that simple to understand. Cut off the weight of the groundwater that pushes on the saturated ground around the foundation, and you will cut off the groundwater entry below grade. Dig a big hole on your foundation, and eventually you will have a big hole full of groundwater on your foundation.
Pump until your electricity goes out, or to your hearts content, and you still will not prevent the groundwater from entering below grade into crawlspaces and basements. Without the proper installation of hand excavated french drains, you will fail in your effort to prevent groundwater entry into your basement or crawlspace.