what is needed to install a sump pump

^{Recommended Tools for Installing a Sump Pump}

• Drill with 3/16” bit
• Bucket
• Shop-Vac (optional for removing water)
• Primer & PVC cement
• Hacksaw
• Check valve
• Adjustable pliers
Rubber coupling boot
Adjustable pipe wrench
Zip ties
Gloves
Rags/towels
1.5” Schedule 40 PVC pipe (10 ft.)

Full Answer

Why do you need to install a sump pump?

Why Do You Need A Sump Pump?

• If your home is previously known for flooding.
• If your home is in a flat zone or a low-lying area with high water retention.
• Precipitation is an important factor if you live in an area where heavy rainfall and snow is known to be common.
• Even if your house doesn’t get affected by floods but has drainage issues.

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How can you install a sump pump yourself?

Sump Pump Installation Steps

• If you are installing a pump in a basement for the first time, dig a pit at least 14 inches wide and 22 inches deep below the floor level. ...
• For a replacement, remove your old pump. ...
• Start your new pump installation by attaching the check valve to the PCV discharge pipe. ...
• Attach PVC pipe to the adapter and pump. ...

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How to install or replace a sump pump?

Sump pump installation can be a DIY job, but you’ll need all the time and tools needed to:

• Pick the right spot for your sump basin and pump
• Install or have access to a GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlet
• Dig a hole at least 6” deeper and 10” wider than your sump pump
• Attach the adapters
• Install the sump pump check valve to prevent backflow of water into the house’s water system

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How to install a sump pump in a basement?

Sump Pump Installation in Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Exterior Drainage

• Sump Pump Installation Process in 8 Steps. The process begins with setting the sump basin upside down on the basement floor and marking its outline.
• Installing Crawl Space Sump Pumps and Exterior Sump Pits. Not all sump pumps are built the same. ...
• Recommended Tools: Is your home protected against unexpected repair needs? ...

Can you install your own sump pump?

If your sump pump is failing and you need to replace it, it's a DIY job you can handle yourself.

How do I install a sump pump in my basement?

Installing a Sump Pump in the BasementSTEP 1: Select a location and prepare the site. ... STEP 2: Prevent possible clogs and place the sump pump in the hole. ... STEP 3: Test the sump pump's float valve. ... STEP 4: Run a hose or pipe from the home's exterior to the valve. ... STEP 5: Test the sump pump and inspect for leaks.More items...•

Does a sump pump need to be hardwired?

Sump pumps are usually hard wired directly into the electrical system of a home; however, some sump pumps may have an additional battery back up system.

What you need to know before buying a sump pump?

The switch should be mechanical, not a pressure switch, and the float should be solid so it can't become waterlogged, fail to switch off, and burn out the pump. Look for one with an alarm to alert you when the water reaches a certain level.

Do plumbers install sump pumps?

While some plumbers do work with sump pumps, most of them aren't experts in waterproofing. A waterproofing contractor specializes in keeping water out of basements and crawl spaces. Many waterproofers both install and repair sump pumps. Plumbers fix plumbing leaks, not a chronic wet basement or crawl space problem.

How much does a sump pump cost to install?

According to HomeAdvisor, sump pump costs range from $639 to $1,977, with the national average at $1,257. A pedestal pump costs approximately $60 to $170, while a submersible pump costs between $100 and $400. Labor can run between $45 and $200 per hour for installation.

How deep should a sump pump be?

Most sump pumps and basins should be installed 3 feet deep but the exact depth depends on your local soil conditions and the amount of floodwater you expect to receive. Deeper pits can collect more water but will require a more powerful pump to drain all the water before overflowing the pit.

Should sump pump sit on bricks?

Ensure your sump pump doesn't sit on debris such as silt or gravel, which could be sucked up into the pump, ruining the motor. Instead, place it on steady, flat bricks. Also, ensure the sump basin has a filter fabric around it to stop debris from coming in.

Where do you drain a sump pump?

WHERE SHOULD MY SUMP PUMP WATER GO? Run your sump pump drainage away from your home. Do not let it flow onto driveways, sidewalks or other paved surfaces. Discharge must be clear, clean water such as ground water or residential air conditioner condensate.

What's better 1/3 hp or 1/2 HP sump pump?

If you live in an average-sized home with an above-average water table, you will most likely need a 1/2 HP sump pump. These pumps will generally pump about 35%-40% more than their 1/3 HP counterparts, and can also handle higher vertical lifts for water being pumped through your discharge pipe.

How many sump pumps do I need in my basement?

2 pumpsEach Sump Pit should have 2 pumps, a Primary and a Backup (whether it be a battery backup, or in the case of a home-generator, a secondary Primary) Drain Tile needs to be sloped 1/8” per Linear Foot. Incorrectly installed Drain Tile and inadequate Sump Pumps and Pits will cause your basement to flood.

What type of sump pump is best?

The Best Sump Pumps Of August 2022The 5 Best Sump Pumps.Wayne CDU1000 Sump Pump.Zoeller Model 63 Sump Pump.Zoeller Model 57 Sump Pump.Red Lion 14942746 Sump Pump.Liberty Pumps 287 Sump Pump.The 5 Best Sump Pumps.How to Determine Which Sump Pumps Are Best for You.More items...•

Where should a sump pump be placed in a basement?

Ideally, your sump pump basin should be in the lowest-lying location in your basement so water will naturally flow there. Go by sight as much as you can and then use a level to be sure the area is sloped downward.

Should every basement have a sump pump?

If your house is built on a concrete slab (no basement) then odds are there is no sump pump. Sump pumps are designed to take water that surrounds your foundation and pump it outside before it can seep into your basement. So—no basement—no need for a sump pump.

How do you install a sump pump in a concrete floor?

0:289:54How To Install Sump Basin and Sump Pump in flooded basement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd clear up into the wood there's water damage on the wood. We'll just install your sump pump you'MoreAnd clear up into the wood there's water damage on the wood. We'll just install your sump pump you're going to need to remove that concrete floor you can use a jackhammer or you can use a concrete saw

How deep should a sump pump pit be?

The typical pit is 30 inches in depth and 18 to 24 inches across. The standard sump pit inserts available in home improvement centers is 26 gallons and 18 inches in diameter. In many cases, the pit needs to be a minimum of 24 inches and up to a depth of 36 inches. But some builders just use a common 5-gallon bucket.

1. Determine the right location for your sump pit

The first step in installing a sump pump is finding the right spot for your sump pit.

2. How deep should my sump pit be?

When digging your sump pit, it’s important to remember that the deeper the hole, the easier it will be to maintain. However, too deep of a pit can lead to problems like flooding and water damage.

4 . Connecting the Discharge Pipe

The discharge pipe is what will carry the water from your sump pit to the outside of your home.

5. Attaching Check Valve to Discharge Pipe

The check valve is a key part of your drainage system and should be attached to the discharge pipe as close to the pump as possible. This will help to prevent any backflow of water into the pit.

6. Connecting the Drainage System

The final step is connecting your drainage system to the sump pump hose.

7. Installing Your Pit Cover

The very last step in setting up your sump pit system is to install the sump pump pit cover.

9. Maintaining your Sump Pump

Now that your sump pump is installed and working properly, it’s important to keep some things in mind to ensure that it continues to run smoothly:

What Is a Sump Pump?

An electrically powered sump pump is central to the system that collects water and removes it from the basement.

How does a sump pump work?

A detector in the sump pump turns it on automatically when enough water builds ups. The sump pump then forces the water up and out through a discharge line, where it connects to a sump well or city drainage system to dispose of the excess water.

How to attach PVC pipe to pump?

The adapter will have male threads. Use PCV cleaner and glue to attach it to one end of the pipe. Then thread the adapter onto the pump. Tighten with a wrench, taking care not to over-tighten the plastic fitting.

How deep should a basement pump be?

If you are installing a pump in a basement for the first time, dig a pit at least 14 inches wide and 22 inches deep below the floor level. Ensure that the bottom is level. Place tiles or concrete blocks in the bottom of the pit to provide a flat, level surface for the pump to rest on.

What is inside a sump pit?

Inside the sump pit, a plastic liner captures the water from the drainage channel until it builds up to the level required to trigger the sump pump. Gravel may be placed around the inside of the sump pit to keep the liner stable. A bead of caulk can also be run around the rim of the liner.

Where should a sump pit be located?

The sump pit should be located in the lowest part of the basement floor.

What is a pump made of?

Some pumps may be able to cope with solids up to 2 inches in diameter without clogging. Pumps may be made of plastic, stainless steel, cast iron, or other materials.

How deep should a pump pit be?

Measure the depth of the pit, which should be at a minimum of 22 inches deep. Then, measure the distance from the bottom adapter of the check valve to the base of the pit. From there, you need to measure the height from the ground to the center of your pump's discharge pipe threading.

What is a sump pump alarm?

Sump pump alarms come in all shapes and sizes and are meant to notify you of when the water reaches a certain height or the pump is unable to remove the water fast enough.

How to attach a PVC coupler to a PVC pipe?

Attach the coupler to the top of the cut PVC pipe using the same technique: using primer and PVC cement. Make sure to slide the adapter for the bottom of the check valve over the coupler before you glue it to the discharge pipe.

How to run a float pump?

Plug the pump cord into the float plug and into the outlet. Flip your float over and run the pump for no more than a few seconds to make sure it activates . Do not let the pump run dry. If you can hear the pump running, switch the float off again and grab your power drill.

How to cut PVC pipe?

Take the measurements from earlier and cut the PVC pipe a few inches longer than the length you measured. Cut the pipe on a raised surface, using milk crates or something similar to lift the pipe off the ground.

How to make a weep hole for a water pump?

Lean the pump at an angle to make things simple. Measure approximately 2 finger-widths above the adapter. Using a drill with a 3/16” bit, begin drilling and angle your drill down at about a 45-degree angle, creating a downward-facing weep hole for water drainage.

How to attach a check valve to a discharge pipe?

If using a glue-in check valve, use a primer first and prime the inside of the fitting and the outer edge of the discharge piping to ensure the glue will adhere with a strong bond. Then, slide the coupling over the piping before attaching the fitting to the discharge pipe.

How much does it cost to install a sump pump?

Plumbers usually install sump pumps, but a motivated DIYer can also handle the job. If you want to install your own sump pump, plan to spend $300 to $500 for materials and the better part of a weekend for the installation.

Where is the sump pump located?

The pump is set in a basin, or a sump pit, located at the lowest spot in the basement floor or where water first accumulates. Sump basins, which can be purchased at home centers, are most often made of plastic or fiberglass. As the water level beneath the basement floor rises, it fills the pit and activates the pump, ...

How does a sump pump work?

The sump pump turns on and off automatically through a float device on the pump; it operates much like a toilet in this regard, activating when the float device rises with the water level in the pit, shutting off once the water level drops.

How do I turn off a sump pump?

Plug the sump pump into a GFCI-protected receptacle. Fill the basin with water, and test the pump for proper operation. It should turn on automatically when the water reaches a level that lifts the float on the pump, and it should turn off when the water level drops. Adjust the float level of the pump as directed by the manufacturer.

How long do sump pumps last?

Sump pumps typically last about 10 years, but better models with more powerful motors often have a longer life expectancy. Look for a model with a good warranty. If power outages are a problem in your area, you may want to invest in a backup battery system that will keep your pump operating even if the power goes out.

What do you need to break through concrete?

You will need a jackhammer to break through the concrete. Electric jackhammers are usually available at rental stores or in the tool rental department at home centers. They are easy to use and can be plugged into regular household outlets. Be sure to get a flat spade bit to use with the jackhammer.

How long does it take for a concrete slab to set?

Smooth the surface of the concrete level with the surrounding floor, using a trowel, and allow it to set for at least 24 hours.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a submersible device installed in a sump pit dug at the lowest point of your house, such as the basement or crawl space. This small but important addition to your home helps prevent your basement from flooding.

Why do you need a sump pump?

By removing water from the pit and draining it into a nearby storm drain, dry well, or detention pond, the sump pump prevents the groundwater from rising to the level of your basement floor, which could cause a flood. In this way, you can think of a sump pump as an extra piece of flood insurance!

What happens when it rains on a sump pump?

When it begins to rain heavily, the soil around your house becomes oversaturated. Excess groundwater funnels toward the sump pit, and it begins to fill with water. This activates the sump pump float switch and turns on the pump.

How to contact Len the Plumber?

Contact Len The Plumber at (800) 950-4619. (800 ) 950-4619. to speak with a qualified plumber about installing a sump pump in MD, DC, VA, PA, or DE.

Is a sump pump a good investment?

A sump pump is a small investment with big advantages. Here’s how you can benefit from adding a sump pump to your home:

Can a plumbing expert install a sump pump?

If you have decided a sump pump is right for your Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Delaware, or Philadelphia home, it’s vital to have the device installed and serviced by a plumbing expert. Len The Plumber can meet your needs! We offer upfront, written estimates and a no-surprises-pricing policy, giving you the confidence to move forward with your project. Rest assured that our fully trained, licensed, and certified professionals will guide you through the sump pump installation process so you know exactly what to expect.