If you have clicked on this article then you probably already know what a sump pump is but if you do not know or if you’re confused about its functions then allow us to introduce you to sump pumps. A sump pump is a pump that can help you keep your basement dry if your basement has moisture. Let’s discuss further about Installing a Sump Pump with step-by-step easy guide.
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Sump pumps are installed where water gets accumulated and usually, it is the basement of your house. What they do is they collect the water and then pump it out of the house. The basements are the foundation of your house. If the foundation of the house is flooded then imagine what would happen to your house. Installing a sump pump can be like an investment that will save you from future disasters. So, dig in (Pun intended)!
Read More: How to Install a Sump Pump in a Crawl Space
Before learning the steps of installation, here is the list of tools and material you are going to need:
Contents
Tools:
- Drill bit
- Electric drill
- Sledgehammer
- Pipe Cutter
Materials:
- Submersible sump pump
- Gravel
- PVC pipe
- Corrugated pipe
- Silicone sealant
- Increaser
- Wire ties
- Cement
- Pressurized fittings
- Wire ties
- J hooks
- Fittings
- Filter fabric
- Flexible Discharge hose
- Float valve
- Hole saw bit
Sump Pump Installation Process
Step 1: Find Location
Identify the point where you usually first see water accumulating. Generally, this is the lowest point in the basement, then make sure this location is near a GFCI (Ground Fault Interrupter Outlet) so that the sump pump can be plugged in here. If you don’t have a plugin near this location then don’t worry a certified electrician can install one.
Step 2: Dig in
Dig a hole in the selected location and the hole should be about six inches deep and 10 inches wide to fit in the sump pump.
The problem arises when your basement has a concrete floor. Digging it will be a task for you, however, you can either rent a sledge or a jackhammer for this.
Step 3: Preparing the Ground
The most functional sump pumps usually have weep holes in it, which allow water to enter from the sides and from beneath as well even when it is turned off. If yours has these holes already, then well and good but if it doesn’t, then don’t hesitate from drilling them yourself. To make this hole into the discharge pipe use a ¼ inch drill and make sure the hole is six inch above the pump.
Next, stand in the sump and add two or three inches of gravel to the bottom of the hole. Place some pebbles on the floor of the dig so that the sump pump can have a stable platform to sit
Step 4: Float Valve
Check if the float valve is operating or not before going further. It should freely move up and down. Whenever the water level in the basement will rise, the float valve will rise too and the sump will turn on to do its job. Use your hands to move it slowly just to check if it is operating.
Step 5: Check Valve
Now is the time for the check valve, it channels the water from the sump to the outside of the house. A flexible discharge hose or a PVC pipe (with elbows) will run between the valve and the exterior of the home. Make sure you check that the check valve is for vertical operation and not just horizontal.
Make a big hole in the wall from where the output will go out of the house. You can use a discharging hose or PVC pipe for this, whatever you use should fit in that hole. Use a tool which is suitable for making a hole through the wall, it can be a drill or driver fitted with a hole-saw bit. Once the pipe is fitted in this hole apply silicone sealant to fill any gaps. The PVC pipe you’re using here should be 11/2 inches.
Step 6: Test Run
When you’ve done all the labor, it’s time for a test run to check if it all works properly or not. Fill the basin with water almost to the top and if the float is working properly it should rise, the pump should start working and the water should be out leaving your basement dry.
Place the lid over the basin and check if there are any leakages in the entire system.
Step 7: Cement it
The last step should be to cover the hole surrounding the pump with cement. You won’t need a whole lot of it anyway so make a small batch with a thick consistency then spread it around to conceal everything except the lid of the sump pump.
Phew! You’re done installing the sump pump. You don’t have to get all worried the next time if there’s any moisture in the basement.