How to Install Sump Pump Drain System

Basements are prone to flooding. Water can seep in not only during heavy rains, but also from faulty plumbing and clogged drains. In fact, there are many ways your basement could get flooded without any warning.

Sump pumps are the surest way to keep water out of your basement. 

There are two options. Call in a professional who provides the service of installing sump pumps, or attempt the task all by yourself.

Although taking upon the job on your own may prove to be majorly tiring, not to mention pretty darn laborious, it can save some big bucks. Here’s a step by step overview for a DIY sump pump installation. If you think you can do it after the overview, check out the videos for more details.

Check it out and judge for yourself.

Step 1: Gather your tools and materials

You will need a tool box with an electric drill, drill bits, hammers and other general installation essentials. For the sump pump, you would also need pressurized fittings, wires, pipes, meter tape

Step 2: Dig a sump pit

Find an appropriate location in your basement where you will install the sump pump. The spot should be located where water usually collects, and there should also be an electric plug nearby for plugging in the pump.

Once you have the spot marked, you need to dig a hole for placing the sump pump. Make sure the pit is the right size, neither too big nor too small. It should be at least 6 inches deeper and 10 inches wider than the size of the pump.

Step 3: Installing perimeter drainage

It is always better to have some sort of perimeter drainage system for the basement. The perimeter drain will ensure that water is collected into the sump pump from every possible place, the wall-floor joint, the basement floor and from under the floor.

Also install pressurized fittings that will channel water from the pump out of your house. Use sealant wherever necessary, especially at the place where the pipe comes out through the wall. This task may be somewhat extensive and if you are not much informed about the layout of your home, you should call in an expert for a thorough job.

Step 4: Install the sump pump

When you install the sump pump, you need to connect it to the perimeter drain, so that the set up is complete. Fill the area around the sump pump with gravel to keep it secure from any sediment or silt.

Step 5: Electrical installation

Now you need to fix the electrical installations so that the pump will be ready to operate. This will require fixing the adapters in the discharge pipe and drilling a weep hole. The weep hole is drilled above the discharge pipe to allow flow back of water into the pump when it’s not in use.

Next, take the electrical wiring of the pump and attach it to the discharge pipe with the help of wire ties. You should also fix a check valve on the discharge pipe’s end.

Step 6: Cover the pit and restore the floor

Once you are through, secure the top of the sump pump with an airtight lid for safety sake. The lid will also prevent humidity and odors from escaping out of the sump pump.

Now that the major job’s all done, you will have to restore the area around the sump pit. You also need to finish the flooring wherever the perimeter drain was installed. Thorough finishing touches and waterproofing are also important for avoiding any future troubles.