What is a sump pump weep hole?

BSC Series Sump Pump Check Valve Models with Air Release (Vent) Hole

The BSC Series Sump Checks are now available with an air release hole, also referred to as a weep hole or air vent. Typically, this hole is drilled in the discharge pipe approximately 5" above the pump discharge connection and below the check valve by the installer. Its purpose is to provide a passageway to expel air that can get trapped in the sump pump housing, preventing the pump from priming and removing water from the pit.

IMPORTANT: Always follow the pump manufacturers installation instructions!

Valves with MPT (Male Pipe Thread) connections, designed to thread directly into the sump pumps discharge, must have the air release hole drilled into the check valve body, above the MPT connection and below the flapper assembly. These new -AR valves with the molded-in air release hole eliminates the time and expense to drill it in to the valve at time of installation.

CAUTION: Not all sump pumps require an air release hole in the valve or discharge pipe to prevent air-locking. Some brands of sump pumps have a specially designed impeller or pump casting with a hole drilled in it that prevent the pumps from becoming air locked.

IMPORTANT: Always follow the pump manufacturers installation instructions, some manufacturers will not recommend a check valve with an air release hole in it.

The Standard BSC Series without an air release are still available for pumps requiring a NON-VENTED check valve.

BSC Series Sump Pump Check Valve Models with Drill Positioning Countersink:

The standard BSC Series Sump Check remains the same from a structural design standpoint. However, you will notice a small change with a blind hole which provides the installer with a quick and easy means of positioning the drill bit if the sump pump manufacturers installation instructions require that an air release hole (weep hole/air vent hole) is to be drilled in the discharge piping above the pump discharge connection and below the check valve.

This new feature makes this valve an excellent option for both installation scenarios. Contractors can carry one inventory on their service trucks and the valve can be installed as is for the pump brands / models which have built in air lock prevention. While the blind pilot hole (countersink) makes it quick and easy to drill the hole in the proper position for the pumps which require the drilling of an air release hole. BEST of all in one!