How to Install a Sump Pump in a Residential Area

A sump pump is a device that pumps collected water out of the lower level of buildings. In a residential area, channeling the water to a safe location can be especially challenging. In the past, sump pumps deposited water into the main water supply. Eventually, this has become frowned on and, in some locations illegal, because it overloads the municipal sewer plant. Therefore, you must take specific steps to ensure that the water is being disposed of correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Jackhammer
• Spade bit
• Spade
• Gravel
• Wooden float
• Cement
• Trowel
• Drill
• Wire ties
• Check valve
• Screwdriver
• PVC pipe
• PVC glue
• Increaser
• Corrugated pipe

Instructions

Preparing the Ground

1. Break through the concrete in your basement floor by using the spade bit on your jackhammer. Outline a 4-by-4-foot square, and use the jackhammer to break apart large pieces and discard them.

2. Dig a hole that is 6 inches deeper than the sump pump's liner.

3. Lower the liner into the pit, and surround it with gravel. The gravel should reach about an inch above the bottom surface of the concrete floor.

4. Add a layer of concrete to the top of the gravel to seal in the liner.

Installing the Pump

1. Connect the pump to the discharge pipe.

2. Drill a hole in the discharge pipe about 6 inches above the pump. This will keep the pump primed by allowing water to flow back into the pump while it is off.

3. Secure the electric cords to the discharge pipe with wire ties.

4. Install a check valve on the end of the discharge pipe. The check valve should come with rubber couplings and hose clamps. Slide the couplings over the discharge pipe and tighten the clamps with a screwdriver.

5. Lower the pump into the liner.

Connecting the Drainage System

1. Connect lengths of PVC pipe to the discharge pipe. Make sure they lead toward a wall of your house that faces the outdoors.

2. Drill a hole through the rim joist and siding of the wall. To do this, first drill a ¼-inch hole from the inside. Then go outside and use a 2-inch bit to enlarge the hole.

3. Slide lengths of PVC pipe through the hole, and connect them to the other PVC pipes. Continue to add PVC pipes that lead away from the house.

4. Add high-grade, flexible caulk to the area between the PVC pipe and the wall, both from the inside and the outside of the house.

5. Plug in both pump plugs to the GFCI-protected receptacle and place the cover over the liner.

Perfecting the Drainage System for a Residential Area

1. Make the water drain as far away from the house as possible by adding enough PVC pipe to lead at least 4 feet away from the house.

2. Attach an increaser (1 ½ by 3 inches) to the end of the last PVC pipe. This will disperse the water flow.

3. Attach a corrugated pipe over the increaser to disperse the water even more.

4. Add gravel around the corrugated pipe to keep it secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the water is being deposited downhill from your home. This will stop the water from cycling back through the pump several times.

• Make sure that any invasive activities are not done near water lines, power lines or sewer lines.

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: Installing a Sump Pump With Illustrations