How To Install A Sump Pump

Most of you know that I ran all of the plumbing for this home after I gutted it back in 2014. Though plumbing is pretty basic (water runs downhill we all know that lol) I also really hate it. I much preferred running the electrical over running all the drain, vent and water lines for this home. The sump pump in the basement was a HUGE stresser for me. I had never installed one before and I over thought myself into almost a panic about it. But, just like this article this sump pumps are not complicated and it was amazingly easy when I finally went to install ours!

Any homeowner knows the dread of the possibility of basement flooding. It is an unavoidable reality that, because of its depth, the basement is always susceptible to water damage. Even when your basement is not flooding, you may find that underground moisture causes issues.

This is where a sump pump comes in. Sump pumps are not complicated devices. They do a simple yet crucial job. They collect floodwater and pump it away from the foundations of your home.

A sump pump can make a huge difference to the maintenance of your basement. The good news is that you don’t need to hire experts to install it. You can DIY one that operates perfectly.

Here is how to install a sump pump in your basement.

What Tools Do I Need?

You are going to need the following tools to install your sump pump:

• Submersible pump
• Hose or PVC pipe
• Filter fabric
• Electric drill or driver
• Weatherproof caulk
• Sledgehammer
• Check valve
• Gravel
• Concrete mix
• Hole-saw drill bit

While you may be tempted to get started and work things out as you go, it is advised that you get all your tools in order first. This will save you time and trouble, and you won’t be left with a half-job that is susceptible to problems.

Here is how to install a sump pump.

Step 1: Choose a spot

Where do you install it? Your sump pump should be installed at the lowest point of your basement. You have probably noticed moisture accumulating here during rainy seasons. In this spot, you will dig a hole large enough for it to sit in. Its top should sit flush with the floor.

The difficulty level of this step depends on what your basement floor is made of. If it is concrete, you will have to use a sledgehammer or jackhammer. Make sure you understand how to use these powerful tools and don’t take a trial-and-error approach.

Step 2: Place the pump in the hole

Wrap your filter fabric around the exterior of the basin of your sump pump. This will prevent it from getting clogged. Then, sit your sump pump into the hole and fill some of the space around the bottom with dirt.

Step 3: Test the float valve

The float valve is one of the most important components of the sump pump. This valve, which rises with the water levels, causes the pump to turn on when necessary. Test the float valve before going any further, so that you don’t have to undo any of the following steps.

Step 4: Run the hose or pipe to the check valve

The check valve is as important, as it channels the water in the right direction – away from the sump only. Run a hose or pipe to the exterior of your house. Make a hole in the wall large enough to accommodate the pipe. You can use a drill or driver fitted with a hole-saw bit.

Use the caulk to fill gaps around the pipe once you have run it through the hole.

Step 5: Test your pump

This is where you experience the fruits of your labor. Plug the pump in, but before you close the hole over, test it out. You can fill the basin with water manually. It should automatically turn on when the float valve rises and the water should pump right out through the hose.

Step 6: Finishing touches

Now that you know your sump pump works, it is time for you to close the hole around the sump pump. You may need concrete to do so. Mix a small batch and conceal everything except for the lid of the sump pump.

A sump pump is one of those things that you want to think about as little as possible. Once it is installed, it should do all the work for you. Instead of a flooded basement or a buildup of water, your basement will remain as dry as possible.

Step 7: Sump pump insurance

Finally, you should add sump pump insurance as backup. Regular homeowners insurance does not cover water damage that occurs due to sump pump issues. While you will have installed it as best you can, issues are always possible because the weather is unpredictable. A massive storm could cause your sump pump to malfunction, leading to serious water damage.

Water backup coverage fills in the gaps. It does not cover flooding due to natural causes – as that is covered by FEMA flooding insurance. Rather, it covers any damage caused by your sump pump, sewer, or a drain backing up.

As long as you take the time necessary to install your sump pump according to the above steps, you should be able to rest easy. That said, accidents happen, and having the right insurance as backup cover can save you a lot of money.