Ideally, basement flooding shouldn’t happen in our homes. However, realistically, despite the efforts that engineers and homeowners do to address the problem of a wet basement, it always hard to not have a leaky basement. In one way or the other, when homeowners do a sump pump installation, they are technically solving the symptom and not addressing the underlying causes of the wet basement and its sources.
But because there are no super ways to solve this problem the sump pump is one of the best ways to deal with a wet basement. Remember that sump pump installation isn’t a complicated technology but it just does a simple work; it collects excess underground water and then diverts it away from the foundation so that it doesn’t end up creating hydrostatic pressure below the foundation. So, opting for a sump pump installation can help you deal with the wet basement issues.
- The Tools And Materials Needed:
- An electric submersible sump pump
- Flexible discharge hose, or PVC and glue
- Check valve
- Sump pump basin
- Cement
- A paver
- Drill/driver with a hole saw bit
- Sled or jackhammer
- Hose clamps
- Weatherproof caulk
- Filter fabric
- Gravel
Step 1
Assess your basement to identify its lowest level. This is the point where you will dig enough space that your sump pump installation can be done without forcing it. If your basement is made of concrete, you are going to experience a lot of difficulties trying to create this space. In this case, use a jackhammer, and if you don’t have one, use a sledge instead.
Step 2
The next step is to find out if your installation sump pump came with weep holes. If it didn’t, take time and drill them on the sides and under. Once you are done with the holes, use a filter cloth to wrap your outer basin. The filter fabric acts as a protective shield against clogs that are caused by sludge and silt.
Once you have covered the outer part with a layer of filter fabric, add gravel and then put paver or fieldstone on top to create a steady platform. Your gravel should be about 2 or 3 inches deep. Once you have a stable platform, sit your sump pump, and use the excavated soil to backlift.
Step 3
Once you have sited the sump pump, check if its float valve is functional. It determines the efficiency of your installation sump pompe. Do not forget to check the check valve, which works together with your float valve to drain the water from your basement. The two valves should move smoothly, without any struggle.
After you confirm that these valves are fully functional, run a span of PVC pipe or a discharge hose between your home exterior and the valve. When you use a PVC pipe, choose one that has glued joints and elbows.
Fit the pipe on the place where the basement and the output meet. Do this by drilling a hole that is enough to pass your pipe. A drill/saw that is fitted with a hole saw bit would help you in drilling this hole. Caulk the gaps left after drilling and installing the pipe regardless of the size of the gaps left.
Step 4
Before permanently fitting the sump pump installation, you should carry out some preliminary tests. These tests allow you to spot any malfunction of your pump, to avoid last-minute disappointment when the water bed rises.
The test is done by filling the pump basin and observing how it reacts when the water gets in. The float valve should automatically rise, turning the sump pump on and letting the water out. Check if there are leaks on the connected areas. If everything is working fine, put the lid on top of the basin.
Conceal the installation sump pompe with cement, but do not touch the lid. This marks the final step of installing your sump pump, and you no longer have to worry about your basement being wet anymore.
