The majority of homeowners have water problems in their basements. Sadly, they tend to ignore these problems, which leads to substantial loss that can amount to damage. However, these water problems can be rectified with a sump pump. Installing a sump pump in your wet basement will help protect your basement and helps control basic moisture. Installation of a sump pump is quite easy; read below to understand How to install sump pump effortlessly.
Material You May Need;
Installing a Sump Pump - 10 Easy Steps
Step 1
Check for a suitable location. The sump pump should be placed near the wall because the discharge needs to exit the basement and go at least 10 feet outside to discharge. Ensure the installation will not interfere with the waterline. There should be considerable spacing between your installation and the foundation to avoid interfering with any footing.
Step 2
Begin digging your sump. The lowest point in the basement where water accumulates is the most ideal for digging your sump. Dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate the sump pump. The hole should be 10 inches wider than the sump and six inches deeper, or more.
If your basement floor is made of concrete, digging will not be as easy. You will need an electric jackhammer that uses approximately 120-volt household power. It will get you through the hard part faster and with reduced effort. Ensure you do not shred the concrete. Rather, cut it into squares or patterns to remove them easily.
After penetrating the concrete, keep digging until the cavity fits the pump basin. You should note that cutting through concrete, especially in an enclosed space such as in the basement, will result in excessive dust particles. So if possible, wear a mask and eye protection.
If the basement floor has reinforced steel wire mesh installed, you can use metal grinders or heavy wire cutters to cut through it. Use a basin or bucket to cart the debris out of the basement.
If your basement floor is wet and sandy, and water infiltration erodes the hole, you can wait for the soil to dry. You may also need to dig faster ahead of the eroding water.
You may need to drill several holes in the liner to allow water to enter and pump out, depending on the liner you have used. The hole sizes should be smaller than the gravel size to prevent gravel from going through them.
Step 3
Wrap filter fabric around the basin interior to sludge and silt from clogging the basin. Place three inches of gravel in the bottom of the sump hole to allow the sump liner to sit flush with the basement floor when laid in the hole. The gravel helps to direct water into the sump, where it is then pumped out of the basement. You can then add a fieldstone or paver over the pebbles to ensure a stable platform.
Step 4
Place the liner in the hole and place more gravel around it. Brim the floor up to the edge of the liner. Spade the concrete layer to get a smooth surface. Make sure the unit should not wobble at all, even when slightly touched.
Step 5
Install the pump. Put the pump in the liner, attach the last section of the pipe, and plug the pump in.
Step 6
Once the pump is in, it is time to install the check valve on the liner. The check valve keeps the pump from burning out and avoids a persistent on and off cycle. It also expels water left in the tube when the pumps turn off.
You can get a check valve with couplings and hose clamps. Most of them have directional arrows, so ensure you use the ones made for vertical operation. Tighten the coupling using your screwdriver.
Ensure to check the float position. Ensure it is unobstructed to allow it to rise and fall with the water level inside the sump. To make it easier, center the pump in the sump liner.
Step 7
Piping must be connected to drain the water system since groundwater should not be flushed into the house plumbing system. Drill through the rim joist of the house. Run the pipe via the joist and the outer wall, then ensure it is carried far enough from the wall to prevent water from flowing back to the basement. You can use a drill fitted with a hole-saw bit.
Once the pipe has crossed the hole to a considerable length, apply silicone sealant into the hole to fill the gaps. Then spread out the water flow by attaching an increaser on the end of the pipe to widen the water flow. Link the corrugated pipe to the PVC pipe, which dispenses the water more.
Step 8
Add gravel around the corrugated pipe to ensure it’s in place.
Step 9
Finish by plugging in the pump and then cover the sump.
Step 10
For the last part, do a test run with a container filled with water. Fill the basin with the water almost to the top. Expect the float to rise and the pump to turn on, which then pumps the water out. Check for pipe leaks and ensure the valve functions accordingly when you turn it off.
Tips to Keep in Mind While Installing a Sump Pump
Bottom Line
A well-installed pump sump will keep your house and basement protected the next time there is a storm. After installation, you should check on the pump sump once in a while to ensure it is functioning effectively in case you received faulty equipment and may need to return.