How to Install a Sump Pump in Your Basement

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

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There is no better way to remove standing water from your basement when it floods, than with a sump pump. Many homeowners will wisely choose to call in professionals like SERVPRO of South Atlanta, others sometimes take on this job themselves in hopes of saving a little dough. Installing a permanent sump pump is often the best option for basements and crawl spaces that routinely flood. DIY projects around the home, are very popular and with resources available, such as helpful youtube videos or the DIY Network, homeowners are tackling all sorts of jobs on their own. 

Unfortunately, sump pumps don’t last forever and have an average life expectancy of about 10 years. With the average age of homes in the U.S. being over thirty years, and the average age of commercial buildings around fifty years old, you can see why this is a common issue among homeowners and property managers, alike. So, if your sump pump is aging or starting to malfunction, it may be time to install a new one before disaster strikes. 

H1>Here is a basic step by step plan, for installing a new sump pump:

Tools and Materials: 

• Weatherproof Caulking
• Drill with Holesaw Bit
• Electric Submersible Sump Pump
• Sump Pump Basin
• Sledge or Jackhammer
• Paver Stones (that will fit in the bottom of the basin)
• Flexible discharge hose
• Check valve
• Hose clamps
• Filter fabric
• Gravel
• Concrete

Step 1: The first thing you want to do is identify the lowest point, in your basement and dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate your new sump pump. If your basement floor is concrete use a sledge or jackhammer to break through and then continue digging, until the hole can fit the pump basin. 

Step 2: Prior to setting the pump basin into the hole, wrap its exterior base with felt fabric, to prevent sludge from clogging the pump motor. In order to establish a stable platform for the sump pump basin, place 2 to 3 inches of gravel into the hole and then place a paver over the top of the gravel. Now, place the sump pump into the hole and back-fill, around its perimeter, with excavated dirt, until the unit doesn’t wobble. 

Expert tip: If your sump pump doesn't already have weep holes, take the time now to drill them yourself. Weep holes are perforations that allow water to enter from the sides and from beneath.  

Step 3: Before going any further, you will need to check the float valve. Move it up and down, to ensure there is nothing blocking it. The next step is to run a flexible discharge hose between the valve and the home exterior, being sure that it channels the water away from the sump. Now, where the output meets the basement wall, you will want to drill a hole just big enough for the hose to run through. Once you have run the hose through the hole, use weatherproof caulking, to fill in any and all gaps. 

Step 4: It is now time to give your sump pump a test run. Inspect all connections for leaks and place the lid over the basin. To do so, plug it in, fill the basin with water and the float should rise. The pump should turn on and pump water out. 

Step 5: The very last step is to fill in the hole surrounding the pump with concrete. Mix up a small batch of concrete, spread it to fill in and conceal all but the sump pump lid.

We hope this blog has been helpful and informative. Completing DIY projects can give you a real sense of accomplishment and can even save you a few bucks. As with any DIY project, there are definite risks involved with taking on plumbing repair by yourself. If at any point you don’t feel capable, need advise, or feel unsafe, call a licensed plumber that you trust.

There you have it! In half a day, you have tackled a major home project saving you money and protecting your home from flooding. In an ideal world, your basement or home would never flood, however; If you experience a water emergency, call the leading experts in the water and fire restoration business, call SERVPRO of South Atlanta at (404) 505-1760 or click here to provide us with your contact information and one of our experienced representatives will reach out to you.