Will a sump pump still drain without power as a result of gravity?

[NoobDude]

We had massive amounts of rain so I put a pump in the pool to drain some of the water. Out of pure laziness and because it was raining cats and dogs, I just unplugged the pump but left it in the pool. I come back 24 hours later and the pool is about 6 inches lower.

I'm guessing a pump will still drain the water as a result of gravity? The pump is a good 3 feet higher than the end of the hose.

 

[mknauss]

That is called a siphon. You have to break the siphon if you wish to stop the water flow.

 

[VinnyinNJ]

Yes, once you establish the flow turning off the sump pump will let it still flow. I used this method for draining the pool's cover so not to have to worry about the sump pump overheating without water.

 

[NoobDude]

2 years later I'm still a noob