Sump Pump Installation helps to keep a basement dry, reducing the risk of mold and mildew, and eliminating pests that thrive in damp environments. Get free project estimates from top-rated professionals near you. Contact Sump Pump Installation Aurora CO for professional help.
Find the best location for the pump, preferably at the lowest point of your basement floor. Make sure the discharge line runs outdoors to a spot that slopes away from your home’s foundation.
A sump pump offers significant benefits, including enhancing your home’s safety and value. But not all pumps are the same and choosing the right one is essential to ensure your home is protected against flooding and other water intrusion problems.
Various factors will impact the type of pump you need, including the size of your home and its basement, the area around your home susceptible to flooding, and the expected volume of water accumulation during heavy rains. Evaluate your needs and consider options like alarm systems, automatic switch mechanisms, silencing check valves and adjustable float switches to find the best fit for your property.
Pump power ratings are also an important consideration. The higher the power rating, the more powerful the pump. The pump you choose will depend on the amount of water it can move in a certain period of time and the maximum head distance (the vertical distance the pump must travel to expel the water).
The type of pump you choose should also be compatible with the discharge pipe system, which should be made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and have a diameter of 1-1/4 inches or larger. If the discharge tube is too small, it will create back pressure on the pump and decrease its efficiency.
Other considerations include the power source and battery backup options for your pump. Most pumps run on electricity and plug into a standard household outlet, but you can choose a model that runs on a battery in the event of a power outage or other interruption. Some models even have a backup battery that can power the pump for a limited time, helping to protect your home against flooding until the power is restored.
If your sump pump has been running continuously despite the level of water in the pit, this could indicate that the float switch is obstructed. This is a common problem that can be easily fixed by removing the obstruction from the switch. If the pump continues to run without a clear obstruction, it may need to be replaced. Lastly, it is recommended to disconnect your sump pump from the sewer system, as connecting the pump to your sewer line increases backflow and could overload the system.
Dig the Pit
It’s a good idea to install a sump pump any time water accumulates in your basement or crawl space, but it’s especially vital to do so before the rainy season and if your home has a history of flooding. Having one installed during these times can help prevent future problems.
Once you decide where to put the sump pump, use a shovel or post-hole digger to dig a hole 6” deeper and 10” wider than the size of the tank. You can also use a jackhammer, depending on the type of floor in your basement and whether it’s concrete. Once the hole is dug, place the basin inside and then put in a layer of gravel around the edges of the pit. This helps promote proper drainage, and it keeps the basin from sucking up soil or rocks that could damage the pump.
You may also want to install a check valve on the discharge pipe. This can stop the water that’s already been pumped up from draining back down through the pipe when the pump shuts off. Once everything is set up, install a cover over the sump pump to keep it from being tripped or otherwise ruined.
Once the basin is in and the cover is on, pour some concrete over the gravel to form a solid floor in your basement. Be sure to mix it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and take all necessary safety precautions when working with cement. If you’re unsure how to do this, consider calling a professional. Also, make sure the power to your sump pump is on its own circuit and a dedicated outlet so that you don’t accidentally trip the breaker while it’s operating. A licensed electrician can assist you with this.
Connect the Pipes
Your sump pump needs a discharge line to eject the water it pumps out of your basement and away from your home. Installing a discharge line helps prevent your basement from flooding back into your home after the pump shuts off, as well as protects your neighbors’ homes from water damage. A proper discharge location will also help prevent the sump pump from overflowing, which can cause further property damage and flood your basement or crawl space.
Depending on your house’s location and the amount of water it typically pumps, you may need to run multiple lines to get the water to a safe location. It’s important to plan ahead during your sump pump installation, and consult your local building codes for requirements and regulations in your area.
Before lowering your pump into the pit, prepare the pipe for connection. First, glue a male adapter onto one end of the PVC pipe using primer and PVC cement. Then, thread the adapter-end of the pipe into the pump’s float plug and tighten to secure it in place.
While the float is in its down position, move it up and down to make sure it moves freely and nothing is obstructing it. If it’s difficult to move, this could indicate a problem with your float switch. If you have any doubts about your float switch’s operation, call a plumber for professional assistance.
Then, install the check valve. This will prevent the pump from overflowing once it shuts off, as it’s designed to do. Next, connect the discharge pipe to the pump using a union or coupling, which makes it easier to remove the pump for maintenance or replacement. Make sure you have a physical air gap of at least two inches between the bottom of the pipe and the surface of your basement or crawl space, to avoid water freezing in the line.
If your sump pump is electric, make sure it’s connected to a GFCI outlet. This type of outlet is required for all electrical connections near water and prevents electric shock. If you do not have a GFCI outlet in your home, contact a plumber to install one before proceeding with your sump pump installation.
Install the Pump
You can install a sump pump yourself, but you may find it easier to have a professional plumber do the work. This ensures that the job is done right and that all necessary plumbing connections are made.
Whether you’re installing a new pump or replacing an existing one, first, it’s important to mark the area where your pit will be located. Then, dig the pit, making sure that it’s a good size. Ideally, the pit should be at least two feet deep. It’s also important that the soil around the hole is level and that it slopes down towards the sump pit.
The next step is to line the pit with a special pump liner. This will prevent mud from getting into and clogging the pump. Once the liner is in place, the pit can be filled with gravel, and the pump itself can be placed in the hole. A sump pump is powered by a small electric motor. When the water level in the pit rises enough, a float switch will activate the motor. The motor then uses an impeller to force the water out through a discharge line. This line runs out of your house and away from the foundation.
If you’re installing a new pump, be sure to choose a model that is compatible with your home’s electricity supply and backup battery system. You’ll also need to connect a check valve to the pump and a discharge pipe. It’s best to use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes for both the discharge line and the check valve. You’ll also need a saw for cutting the pipes and pipe cement for connecting the fittings.
Be sure to review local codes and regulations regarding the location of your discharge line. It’s important that the line is directed away from your house so that it doesn’t reenter your basement or cause flooding on neighboring properties. To do this, a trench should be dug along the planned route of the pipe. Finally, a 90-degree PVC elbow should be glued to the end of the pipe to direct the flow of water.