I've noticed a LOT less water coming into the sump pit since making these changes which is a huge plus. The pump, during heavy rain, was running 30~45 seconds on and 10~15 seconds off. Now it's running 30~45 seconds on and 1.5~2 minutes off which is a much lighter duty cycle. Found out my backup pump is shot so I'm going to get a battery back-up pump I think... Will be fun attaching it to the existing PVC because I have no plumbing experience either .