Things You'll Need:
- Sump pump Jackhammer Safety glasses Gravel Shovel Cement PVC pipe Buckets Trowel
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Step 1
Choose the location where you will be installing the sump pump. It should be in an area that is near a wall in the basement since the discharge will need to exit the basement and travel at least 10 feet to be discharged outside. Also pick a location that will be easy to work in and one near an electrical outlet.
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Step 2
Dig a hole that will be 6" deeper and 10" wider than the size of the sump pump liner. If the floor in your basement is cement you will need to dig the hole with a jackhammer. If it is dirt then you can use a shovel to dig the size hole you need. Carry out the debris in 5-gallon buckets.
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Step 3
Install the sump pit or liner in the hole. To hold it steady, place 6" of gravel in the bottom of the hole. Place the tank into the hole on top of the gravel. Pour more gravel in the hole around the edges of the tank. This will make sure the tank is level and stays upright. Be sure the lip of the tank is 2" between the level of the floor.
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Step 4
Mix concrete and pour 6" of concrete up to the edge of the sump liner. Use a trowel to smooth out the concrete. Allow eight hours for the concrete to dry.
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Step 5
Begin installing the sump pump plumbing. Most pumps use 1.5" PVC pipe but read your instruction booklet to be sure. Assemble the sump pump plumbing and run to the outside. Leave a short stub of PVC pipe on the outside. You can attach a flexible hose such as a garden hose to run the rest of the way. Before gluing the plumbing together, put the piping together to make sure there is a good fit. Once you see that the fitting works, glue together.
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Step 6
Finish off the sump pump installation. Place your actual pump into the liner and attach the last section of pipe. Plug in your pump to the electrical outlet.
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Step 7
Check your sump pump float. The pumps come with different size floats. It is necessary to be sure the float is unobstructed so that it can rise and fall with the water level in the sump. As the water flows in, the float will rise and cause the pump switch to come on and then the float will be able to fall back down without getting stuck in between the pump and the liner. This is usually just a matter of centering the float in the sump liner.
