Banish basement floods step by step
Installing a sump pump is one of the best ways to prevent your basement from flooding. This handy device detects rising water levels and pumps it from your basement to the outside of your home.
The cost of a professional sump pump installation ranges from $640 to $3,900, depending on the location and type of sump pump. However, if you do it yourself you only need to pay for tools and supplies. Learn how to install a sump pump yourself in six steps to protect your home and your wallet.
When planning your installation, check the weather forecast to determine the best day to begin. The best time for installation is:
Before the rainy season—it’s easier to dig the hole and set the pump if there’s no moisture
During a string of clear days to ensure the ground is dry and ready for installation
Installing a sump pump requires you to use a sledgehammer or jackhammer to break up concrete. Protect yourself by wearing the appropriate safety gear such as:
Safety glasses
Hearing protection
Steel-toed boots
Begin by identifying the area of your basement where you’d like to install the sump pump. Choose the lowest point, where you’d first find moisture accumulation.
Place the sump basin upside down and trace an outline on the floor. Leave a 3- to 4-inch space around the outline to ensure that it fits easily into the hole.
Use a jackhammer or sledgehammer to break through the concrete and begin digging the hole. Dig until the hole is big enough to fit the pump basin. When you’re done digging, remove the concrete in chunks.
Most sump pumps will come pre-designed with weep holes, which let water into the sides and in from underneath. If it does not have these holes, drill them yourself.
Next, wrap filter fabric around the basin of the sump pump to prevent clogging. Fill the hole with two to three inches of gravel and top it with a paver. This will offer a sturdy platform for it to sit on.
Make sure the sump pump is unplugged. Then insert it into the hole and surround it with dirt to make sure it doesn’t wobble.
One of the most important parts of the sump pump is the float valve. The float valve rises when the water level rises and prompts the pump to turn on.
Check that the float valve is working properly by moving it up and down with your hand. Make sure there is nothing obstructing it and that it moves freely.
Between the check valve (which moves water away from the sump pump) and the exterior of your home, run a flexible discharge hose or PVC pipe. Use a drill or driver fitted with a hole-saw bit to create a hole where the output meets the basement wall.
Make sure the hole is large enough for the pipe to fit through. To determine what size pipe you need, check the instructions that came with your pump. Extend the pipe outdoors and attach it to a flexible hose.
Once you’ve attached the pipe, plug in the pump. Fill the pump basin with water and check that the float rises, the pump turns on, and water is pumped out.
Make sure there are no leaks and that everything is working properly, and then place a lid over the basin.
Congrats! Your sump pump is installed.
To complete the process, mix up a batch of concrete to cover the hole that surrounds the pump. Conceal everything in concrete, aside from the sump pump lid, and smooth it with a pointed trowel.
Now that you’ve put in the hard work of installing your sump pump, it’s time to keep up with regular maintenance. The average lifespan of a pump is 10 years, but with proper care, you can extend it even more.
To keep your sump pump running in top condition, conduct quarterly maintenance like:
Testing it every year before the rainy season
Cleaning the pump by removing any debris from the opening
Checking for and replacing any worn parts
Installing a backup battery
Examining the discharge line for clogs
If you live in an area with frequent power outages, installing a backup battery will give you peace of mind that you’re protected from flooding at all times.
If your sump pump stops working, check for common issues including clogged discharge lines, floating switch jams, or a broken check valve. If you discover any of these issues or any other damage, call a local plumber to come take a look at it. If they determine the sump pump needs to be replaced, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $750.
Installing a sump pump can be a tedious job that requires some advanced techniques, and improper installation can result in significant water damage or flooding.
If you find yourself feeling uneasy about taking on the job, consider hiring a seasoned sump pump professional to do it for you. They know how to find the right sump pump for your home, locate the best spot to install it, and have all the tools readily available for professional installation.
Yes, you can install a sump pump yourself. By following the steps above, you can have a sump pump installed in 24 hours. You will have to use some advanced tools and techniques, so if you feel uneasy about taking it on yourself, it’s best to hire a professional.
A sump pump can be added to an existing basement. To do this, you will need to use a jackhammer or sledgehammer to break up the concrete and dig a pit. You will also need to create a hole in your basement wall to run the discharge pipe through.
A sump pump should be placed at least three feet deep in a pit. The rim of the sump pump basin should be level with your basement floor. If you find your pit is too deep, you can fill the bottom with gravel until the rim of the sump pump is flush with the floor.
Your sump pump will discharge water through a discharge line or pipe. The discharge line should be placed at least 10–20 feet from the foundation to avoid any issues.
