How To Install A Basement Sump Pump : Basedhomed

How To Install A Basement Sump Pump

A sump pump is an essential part of any basement waterproofing system. It helps to remove water from the basement and prevent flooding. If you're experiencing water problems in your basement, installing a sump pump is a good way to solve the problem.

Installing a sump pump is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. However, it's important to do the job correctly to ensure that the pump works properly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to install a basement sump pump:

1. Choose the Right Sump Pump

The first step is to choose the right sump pump for your needs. There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Submersible pumps are placed directly in the sump basin, while pedestal pumps are placed outside the basin.

Submersible pumps are more common and are generally more reliable than pedestal pumps. However, they can be more expensive. Pedestal pumps are less expensive, but they are not as reliable and can be more difficult to service.

When choosing a sump pump, you need to consider the following factors:

The size of your basement
The amount of water that enters your basement
The height of the discharge pipe

2. Determine the Location of the Sump Basin

The next step is to determine the location of the sump basin. The sump basin is a hole in the floor of the basement where the sump pump is placed. The basin should be located in the lowest part of the basement and should be at least 18 inches deep.

3. Dig the Sump Basin

Once you have determined the location of the sump basin, you need to dig the hole. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the sump pump and the gravel that will be placed around the pump.

4. Place the Sump Pump

Once the hole is dug, you need to place the sump pump in the basin. Make sure that the pump is level and that the discharge pipe is pointing in the correct direction.

5. Connect the Discharge Pipe

The next step is to connect the discharge pipe to the sump pump. The discharge pipe is the pipe that carries the water away from the basement. The pipe should be at least 1-1/2 inches in diameter and should be connected to the sump pump using a flexible coupling.

6. Fill the Sump Basin with Gravel

Once the discharge pipe is connected, you need to fill the sump basin with gravel. The gravel will help to keep the pump in place and will prevent the pump from clogging.

7. Test the Sump Pump

The final step is to test the sump pump. To test the pump, simply pour water into the sump basin. The pump should turn on automatically and pump the water away.

If the pump does not turn on, check the following:

Make sure that the pump is plugged in.
Make sure that the float switch is not stuck.
Make sure that the discharge pipe is not clogged.

If you have followed all of the steps correctly, your sump pump should be installed and working properly. However, it is important to test the pump regularly to make sure that it is working properly.