How to Design a Concrete Sump Pump Basin
A sump pump is used to remove unwanted water from areas such as basements and crawl spaces. These pumps are activated automatically when the water reaches a predetermined level. The pump sits in a sump pit which is used to gather and contain the water until the pump can remove it. This pit can be constructed of a variety of materials, but when used in conjunction with a concrete slab floor, the best option is a concrete sump pit. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Evaluate the area to determine the best location for the sump pit. Ideally this would be in a corner which would allow the pit to be out of the way and not interfere with storage or living space. The pit however needs to be located where the water tends to gather, which will be at the lowest point in the floor. For best removal the floor should slant very slightly toward the sump pit. Once you have the area determined, mark it out so you can get a feel of the size and scope of the project.
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Measure the sump pump you intend to install in the sump pit. The base of the sump pit must be large enough to accommodate the pump and allow excess space on all sides. In most cases the minimum size sump pit will need to be 18 inches across. The depth of the sump pit will also depend somewhat on your preferences. If you are planning to use a pedestal pump and you want it completely concealed within the sump pit, the pit will need to be deeper than if you are intending to use a submersible pump. In most cases the pit needs to be a minimum of 24 inches and up to a depth of 36 inches. The average pit will be 30 inches in depth and 18 to 24 inches across.
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Design the frame to allow for the walls of the sump pit to be a minimum of 3 inches in thickness. The base of the pit should also be a minimum of 3 inches thick. These measurements must be taken into account when determining the size of the hole to be excavated. In most instances the 3-inch lining and base will be of sufficient strength. If you wish to further strengthen the linings of the pit you can include re-bar, a wire mesh or wire fence within the concrete. This will reinforce the concrete and make it far stronger and more durable.
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Construct the frame out of any spare materials you may have. It can be made of plywood, or boards such a 1-by-6's. You need to build a box with the same dimensions as you want the final pit to have. If the pit is to be 18 inches square by 30 inches deep, then that is the size box you build. When you mix and pour in the concrete you will lay a 3 inch base, then place the frame on top of the wet cement. After centering and leveling the top of the frame with the existing floor, you will pour concrete around each side and allow it to sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours.
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As a final touch to the frame you can add a 1-inch by 1-inch board to the top outside portion of the frame. When the concrete fills in around the frame the 1-inch board will leave a square indention in the finished concrete. This can then be used to install a pit cover which can now be flush with the floor level.
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Tips & Warnings
Make the pit slightly larger than needed. The extra cost will be minimal and it will allow you to step up to a larger pump if needed and not require an entirely new pit.
You do not need to seal the inside of the pit. If there is water seepage the pump will remove it, which is its purpose.
