Is it possible to have a sump pump without an inlet (input) pipe? Is this normal? I am told my house has a sump without an inlet, but instead many small holes in the container that allow water to penetrate the pit (sump). The discharge works in a regular way. The sump motor is always running during heavy rain or snow. I am wondering does the lack of inlet pipe (drain pipe) cause excess water into the pit? What exactly would be the approximate area around the pit allowing water to flow in without an inlet?