Installing a Sump Pump

1. Select a Location: The sump pump should be placed near the wall in the basement.  When the water level fills up, the discharge needs to be removed in the quickest possible way and an easy location will help facilitate this.    Trace the outline of the sump liner in the floor while exposing a gap about 3-4 inches around the liner to fit inside the hole.  The liner is essentially a template for the hole that you will need in the basement floor.  Additional space around the hole can be filled with extra gravel and concrete.
2.  Early Obstacles: The hardest part of the installation process is removing the concrete floor.  The only way to do this is to use a jackhammer and cutters (if necessary) for any wires underneath.  Water will always look for the path of least resistance and will occupy space left and right before moving upwards.  Moisture beneath the floor will ascend through the layer of gravel to the sump pit before it floods the basement floor.
3.  Depth: The sump hole should be dug at least 12” deeper than the sump liner.  Put rough gravel at the bottom of the hole.  This allows the sump liner to sit on the basement floor when placed in the hole.  The gravel will stimulate good drainage and help the water move into the sump where it can be pumped away.  Additional holes may be needed in the liner in order to enable water to enter and then be pumped away again.  Mix the concrete and pour a 6 inch layer over the gravel filling it up to the top.  Mix it in different directions and use a trowel (a small hand tool used for digging with a flat back edge) to get a smooth finished surface.  Give it time (approximately 8 hours) to sit before you continue work.
4.  Installation:  Review the instructions and parameters of your pump before installing the plumbing.    Assemble the PVC piping from the pump outlet through your home’s rim joist and out through the house.  Leave part of the PVC pipe outside to attach a flexible hose for the remaining distance.
5.  Assembly: Put the piping together while dry-fitting the entire section before using any glue.  Cut a hole through the siding and rim joist with a hole saw.  Place the sump pump into the liner while attach the final section of the pipe and plug the pump in.
6.  Measurement: The sump pump pit should fit the pump being used with the appropriate float.  Once the water is released, the pump switch needs to be able to return to its original position.  It is important to center the pump for this reason.

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As discussed in our previous blog post , there are many different factors that can influence your selection on a sump pump. Once you have selected the right pump for your home, there are some guidelines to follow upon installing it. Upon installing your sump pump, be sure to investigate the exterior drainage around your home. Do a thorough examination of your gutters to ensure that no clogging has taken place and that there is enough room beyond the foundation of the house with favorable slopes. The installation process is easier if there is an existing sump pit in place with a drainage-tile system under the basement floor that can move water to the pit. This could save time and energy into the setup process. If this feature doesn’t exist, consider removing the concrete and soli from the inside perimeter. Add gravel, drain tiles while replacing the concrete. Only way to check is to break the floor or bore a few holes with a drill to see if there is a gravel bed. Hiring a professional could cost a few thousand dollars so if you wanted to do the sump pump installation yourself, here is a step by step process.