drainagewell
My building has some issues in the basement with water coming in through the walls. In order to improve drainage, can I pipe roof run-off and my sump pump into an unused shallow well? My lot is fairly flat. Could this cause water quality issues for the surrounding area?
I live in Indiana, USA.
From the 2012 International Plumbing Code Section 1106, I get a pipe diameter of 3" based on table 1106.3 and this map:
You should not add an upward bend to the pipe, as that will more likely lead to water always sitting in the pipe.
Instead you should add a check valve (one way valve) to the line. This will allow the pump to push water out, while preventing ditch water from flowing back in.
If the pump is strong enough, it should be able to push water into the ditch even when it's full. Unless the outlet is pointed upstream, in which case you should redirect the pipe downstream.
Best Answer
You can, but it is considered an injection well and is regulated by law:
You actually have to get a permit and meet specific conditions in order to operate. Not doing so is actual a violation of federal law. The reason for this is you are putting contaminated surface water into the aquifer, and potentially contaminating the drinking water of anyone else connected to that aquifer.
This would be considered a Class V well:
You should read up from the link above and on the Minimum Requirements for Class V Wells.
If you aren't willing to do all this (because french drains are much simpler..), you should abandon the well. I can't find EPA regulations on this, but here in Ontario, Canada you're actually required to abandon unused wells under the Ontario Water Resources Act, and I'm sure the EPA has similar requirements about unused wells. Well Aware has a good page on Decommissioning unused wells.