installing a small sump pump pit at the bottom of some basement access stairs. pit is taking groundwater percolating through soil around foundation, and (just in case) water draining into a top grate. the pit is at the bottom of a set of stairs in an un-heated but enclosed concrete vestibule. i am in toronto, ontario and concerned if i need heat tracing to keep the pit from freezing? the pump is a submersible unit with a float switch, so there is always a bit of standing water around the pump when the switch turns off, or when the garden hose output drains back after the pump switches off.
any comments or suggestions would be appreciated… thanks
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If you're trying to keep the pit from freezing, why not make a loop of soft copper pipe and put the heat tape inside the pipe. (keep both ends above water level) :)