What is this thing in my basement
 

Hi Guys-

I have something installed in a 6" deep well in my basement floor that I can't identify. I'm assuming it's an old pump of some sort, but there is no electrical service to it that I can see. I've attached photos. For size reference, the bricks around the edge are regular sized.

I'd like to get it out of there to make room for a sump pump but I don't want to do anything stupid.

What the heck is this thing?

Nate Greeene

I don't know what it is, but it's colorful.

First drill a small hole in the cap plate on the left in the middle photo to make sure there isn't something under pressure underneath that plate.
Then I guess you should unscrew the four bolts holding the plate or grind off the four bolt heads, to see what exactly is capped.

I'm in Texas so I have never seen one with my own two eyes but it appears to be the remnant of a sump pump.

thanks
 

Thanks guys--

As soon as the water subsides a bit, I'll try drilling a small hole as you suggest. If nothing squirts out then I'll feel pretty safe trying to remove the cap. I'll post back here what I find.

thanks.
-Nate

Hard to say with the picture quality but it looks like you have clean outs for drain line and the larger dome covered thing might be an old backwater valve...

Only four bolts clamping down a thin plate almost certainly does not hold back much pressure. But be cautious anyway.

Follow-up
 

Hi-

Thanks again for helping me ID this thing in my basement.

It's dry and I've cleaned it up a bit --I've attached better photos.

The bolted on plate is definitely thicker than I thought.

I have room to put in a sump pump next to this thing so that's what I'll do-- I'm just going to leave it alone.

Best Regards,

Nate Greene

Now that I can see the flange better, if I didn't know any better it looks a lot like the flange on a vertical jet pump or two that I've seen over the years. Not sure why the (what looks like) two inch hubbed pipe is leaving the housing, but it sure looks like someone unbolted a vertical pump, and plugged the housing with a flange and cover.

Ever had "oil heat" in that house?:)