You step into your basement following a downpour, and the scene that meets your eyes makes your heart sink: it’s flooded, some items you’ve stashed there are floating around, and the air smells dank. Water is seeping in from somewhere, though you’re not sure where. A thought crosses your mind, “why don’t I install a sump pump.” This leads you to browse “basement pumps, London“.
Well, such scenarios frequently unfold the world over. And buying a sump pump can help you resolve the problem. But how do you go about installing it? The sump pump installation could be a piece of cake if you’re handy. Here’s an easy guide to doing it:
1. Identify Where You Need to Install it.
You need first to establish where the unit will go. Sump pumps are usually installed in the lowest part of the basement, near a floor drain. This is also the spot where moisture or water starts to accumulate. If your basement doesn’t have a floor drain, you’ll need to create one for the pump to work properly.
Once you identify the location, mark out an area about 24 inches square. This will give you enough space to work with when installing the pump.
2. Clear the Area and Prep the Site
Upon selecting the site, you can now get to the real work. This may involve breaking up the floor so you can access where the pump will sit. With a sledgehammer, break up the concrete in the square area you had earlier marked. Then, dig a hole into fitting the unit. The pump’s top edge should align with the floor level once it sits in the cavity.
3. Install the Basement Drain and Pipe
The next thing to do is install a T-shaped basement drain. This is what the sump pit will connect to and help carry water away from your home once the pump activates. Before you install the drain, though, line the hole with gravel to protect the pipe from any sharp objects that may puncture it. After this, set the drain in place and then mix some concrete. Use this to secure the drain in place.
Let the concrete dry before attaching a PVC pipe to the drain. The pipe should slope downwards so that water flows smoothly through it. Otherwise, it might not work as expected.
4. Install the Sump Pump
To keep the basin from clogging, install a screen over the hole you dug for the sump. Most sump pumps come with a manual with detailed instructions on how to do this so that it won’t be much of an issue.
With everything in place, you can now install the sump pump. Start by connecting the pump to the discharge pipe using a hose clamp. Then, lower the pump into the sump pit. If it doesn’t fit snugly, you may need to add or remove some gravel from the pit. After that, backfill the hole you dug, leaving the discharge pipe sticking out.
5. Test the Float Valve and Pump
Connect the power cord to an outlet and then turn on the pump to test it. If everything is in order, the pump should start working, and water should flow through the discharge pipe.
To ensure the pump’s float valve works properly, pour water into the sump until it activates the pump. The float should rise with the water level and cause the pump to turn on. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to adjust it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Alternatively, use your hand to move it (with the power off), ensuring it’s unobstructed. While at it, check your connections for potential leaks. If everything is in order, cover the basin with the lid.
6. Pour Some Concrete to Cover the Pump
If you want a neater look, use concrete to cover the area around the sump pump. Use ordinary or quick-setting cement to prepare your concrete mix, and spread it around the pump, leaving only the lid exposed. Once you do, you’re good to go.
Installing a sump pump sounds like an easy job, and it often is. But, you can quickly get it all wrong, especially if it’s your first time. Thus, it’s advisable to leave the task of basement waterproofing to a pro. They can determine what needs to be done, including looking for the genesis of your problem.
Usually, installing such a unit is a stopgap measure. But if all your efforts to stop water from entering your basement fail, then this may be the only solution at your disposal.
