Mysterious Tube coming in/out of pit

[mitrellim]

Can anyone tell me what this extra tube is in my sump pit? It connects directly to the city water line, and it is presently turned off. If I turn it on, it just spits water into my pit. I presently have it off, and I am wondering why it was ever installed and what it does. I bought the house foreclosed, so no help there. Thanks. Here is a video link if you need to see it: https://www.dropbox.com/s/r06us1qfc7zjjh1/20150715_112834.mp4?dl=0

 

[Mr_David]

Not sure can't really see it in the video.

First thing. You can't have a potable water supply directly connected to a drain.

I'm going to guess but that could be some sort of water powered sump ejector.
Possibly used when there is no electricity.
I am guessing that it uses a venturi with water to pump out the pit.
Do a web or image search for " venturi sump pump ".

The only time I ever used one was when I was in the US Navy.
Had a big one you can drop down in the bilges attached to a couple of fire hoses.

 

[SHR]

Mr_David is correct. The home probably froze or was vandalized prior to you moving in. That could just be a check valve leaking, if so replace it. Hard to tell in dark video.

I often install water actuated back-up sump pumps. Dependable and work when the power goes out during a storm. Very little maintenance required unlike battery back-ups.

 

[mitrellim]

Thanks much for both of the responses! I think you are correct. I have seen water powered pumps before, but they were always with a float. It appears this is manually switched. Thanks for the information!