Water reservoir below cellar in Victorian house?

[RedB]

Thanks (again!) We have seen the cistern dry so when it does get to that stage I will send in my husband (a caver fortunately, so quite keen to get in and have a look!)

One question about the float pump, presumably we would need to have the outlet go direct to the sump hole in the corner of the cellar? Or into the outlet pipe (presuming we find one and its not blocked!) in the cistern itself?

 

[Lime]

If I were installing a pump I would ensure the outflow pipe ran out of the house as far away as possible.
I would not rely on any existing piping or drain except that which I knew to be able to take the water away.
i.e. a drain connected to a main sewer or a good soakaway far from the house.

 

[Penners]

and rainwater is always soft.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Pford75]

One question about the float pump, presumably we would need to have the outlet go direct to the sump hole in the corner of the cellar? Or into the outlet pipe (presuming we find one and its not blocked!) in the cistern itself?

In our case, the pump is connected to a pipe which exits the cellar through an air brick at close to ground level outside. It then runs underground until it reaches our mains drainage inspection chamber and connects in there. That way, if the water level does rise or the pipe out of the sump gets blocked, we can be sure that the cellar won't flood

 

[Lime]

In our case, the pump is connected to a pipe which exits the cellar through an air brick at close to ground level outside. It then runs underground until it reaches our mains drainage inspection chamber and connects in there. That way, if the water level does rise or the pipe out of the sump gets blocked, we can be sure that the cellar won't flood

Yes, it is essential that the water can be pumped out (and stay out) at any time.
There is one concern I would have with Pford75's method and it is sewer overflow returning back down the pipe into the cellar.
It all depends on the difference in level of the cellar sump in relation to the pipe outlet and many installations will be fine but it should be born in mind that water can be syphoned back unless there are safeguards to stop it.
If the outflow pipe terminates so that it empties directly over a gulley (drain) there is less chance of syphoning.
In any case, under no circumstances terminate the outflow pipe under water.