How to Install a Basement Sump Pump

A sump pump is a device that pumps rising groundwater out from below the bottom level of a building and deposits it elsewhere. Sump pumps are essential in areas that experience flooding, and are already installed in the basements of most houses in these areas. If your home does not already have a sump pump, you may want to install one to minimize the possibility of water damage in your basement, especially if the basement is finished or contains valuables. Installing your own sump pump can be a lot of work, but it can eliminate the cost of hiring a professional.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

Preparing the Liner

1. Use masking tape to outline a square that is about ten inches wider than the pump's liner.

2. Because most basement floors are made of concrete, you will need a jackhammer to break through the ground. Using the spade bit, cut around the perimeter of the taped area.

3. Cut several lines across the middle of the square to break the concrete into smaller chunks. Remove the chunks and discard.

4. With the spade, dig a hole about 6 inches deeper than the liner.

5. Place a few inches of gravel into the hole, and then lower the liner onto the gravel.

6. Surround the liner with additional gravel. The gravel should reach about 1 inch above the bottom surface of the concrete floor.

7. Pour concrete over the gravel and use the float to level it. Smooth the concrete with a trowel.

8. Allow the concrete to cure for 24 to 48 hours before installing the pump.

Installing the Pump

9. In the pump's discharge pipe, glue the male adapter to the female adapter.

10. Drill a weep hole into the discharge pipe about 6 inches above the pump. This hole will allow the water to flow back into the pump when it is off, which will keep it primed.

11. Attach the electrical cords on the pump to the discharge pipe with wire ties.

12. Lower the pump into the hole, and secure the lid.

13. Install a check valve on the open end of the discharge pipe by sliding the valve's couplings over the pipe and tightening the hose clamps on the valve with a screwdriver.

Allowing for Discharge

14. Drill a 1/4-inch hole through the rim joist and siding of your house's wall from the inside. Then go outside and enlarge the hole with a 2-inch drill bit. The pipes that will fit through this hole will allow the water to flow out of the house to prevent flooding.

15. Attach PVC pipe to the end of the discharge pipe. Add extensions until the pipe leads from the pump to the hole in the siding.

16. Add caulk to the opening between the PVC pipe and the wall. Caulk both the inside and outside surfaces.

17. Go outside and attach additional lengths of pipe until you reach about 4 feet away from the house. If desired, add an increaser or corrugated pipe to more effectively disperse the water.

18. Plug the pump into the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. Test the pump.

Tips & Warnings

• If your basement has flooded multiple times, try to trace the problem to its source before treating the symptoms with a sump pump.
• Do not allow the water from the sump pump to flow directly into the municipal water supply. This practice is discouraged and may be illegal in your area. Do not drill into your sewage or water lines.

Resources

• Popular Mechanics - Installing a Sump Pump with Illustrations