How to Install a Sump Pump Basin

Adding a sump pump to your home begins with installing the basin. Once your basin has been installed, the hard labor will be over. Putting in a pump basin is quite simple; however, you must do it properly to avoid future problems.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Sump pump basin
• Jackhammer with proper bits
• Cement (amount will vary)
• Trowel
• Shovel
• Safety equipment (glasses, gloves, boots)

1. Select a location for your sump pump. Because you'll have to dig a hole beneath your basement floor, this step is extremely important. Before you run your jackhammer, make sure you know where your water main comes into your house. Some water pipes and other utilities could run under your foundation, and you need to avoid hitting them.

2. Mark an outline for your basin on the floor. Turn your basin upside down. Using the basin as a center, trace a square around it. The square should be approximately 6 to 10 inches wider than the top of basin. When you begin breaking the floor, you will likely experience some chipping, which may make the opening bigger than desired. Make sure you are at least 10 inches away from any walls. Digging closer than 10 inches from your foundation is not recommended.

3. Drill the hole. Using a jackhammer, cut along the lines you traced. Take your time, and don't cut the hole too large. Once you have the perimeter cut, begin chipping away at the interior of the square with a smaller bit until you can remove the concrete. Clear the area of debris so that only dirt remains.

4. Dig a hole for the basin in the center of the area, using a shovel. When your hole is deep enough, set the unit in place. The top of the basin should be 1 to 1 1/2 inches above the ground, not flush against the dirt. You will fill the area in with cement so your basin is level with the rest of the floor.

5. Fill in the area around the basin with gravel until the gravel reaches the top of the hole. The basin should be secure and level. If it isn't, gently rotate it. The gravel will fall into place, and the basin should stand upright.

6. Smooth the area around the basin with a wooden float or trowel. As you smooth, pick out any debris left from the jackhammering. Chunks of cement, rocks or roots could cause problems as the cement dries. The top of your basin should still be 1 to 1-1/2 higher than the bare ground.

7. Apply cement over the smoothed dirt area using the trowel. Be sure to mix it properly and spread it evenly. Spread the cement so that the opening of the sump pump basin is level with the floor. Allow the floor to dry completely before installing the sump pump and plumbing.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a location that is fairly close to existing plumbing and an electrical outlet to avoid creating unwanted electrical and plumbing work for yourself.

• Get a building permit if you are required to do so.

• Always wear safety equipment, such as goggles, gloves and steel-toed boots, when using a jackhammer.

• Make sure you have proper electricity to run your jackhammer. An improper electrical setup could blow fuses and circuits.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish