There is a significant probability that you are risking your house without realizing it if you have been neglecting water issues in your basement. Most homeowners install sump pumps in their homes to prevent basement flooding, particularly those living in areas that experience heavy rains. Even though installing a sump pump may seem like a job for professionals, any householder can complete it easily.    

You can set up your sump pump within minutes, provided you have the proper hand tools, a bucket, and some PVC components. However, this task should not be taken lightly as the process can get complicated. Before beginning the installation, ensure to check the instructions on the manual to avoid mistakes. You can always contact an expert to execute the task if you are not up for the challenge. 

Choose a Location

Find the lowest place in the basement, which is typically where you always detect dampness buildup then make a large hole that can fit the pump. If your basement floor is cemented, you will find this task difficult unless you get a sledgehammer or a jackhammer. Digging should proceed upon breaching the masonry until the hole is large enough to hold the pump basin.

Put the Pump in the Basin

When executing this step, you have to be extra careful to prevent silt from blocking the basin. Weep gaps, which enable water to infiltrate the sides and below, are frequently seen in the best sump pumps. If yours lacks these crucial holes, drill them yourself. To stop sediment and mud from filling the basin, enclose the outer side with a layer of filter fabric. 

For a solid foundation, set a brick or stone veneer over the pebbles after adding 3 inches of sand to the bottom of the basin you dug. After inserting the sump pump, backfill the surrounding area with the earth you dug up earlier. Even if you give the device a light shake at this point, it should remain stable.

Examine the Float Valve

The float valve should actively rise and fall, enabling the sump pump to function appropriately. Each time the water level goes beyond, the float valve also rises, activating the pump.  Examining and testing the float valve is essential before continuing, and you can do this by bumping it up and down to ensure nothing is blocking it.

Connect A Pipe to The Valve from Outside of the House

The check valve ensures all the water is drained from your basement, and none is backed into the sump. This prevents a motor overload and an infinite loop of on/off operation by expelling the water that remains in the pump’s tube after it stops operating. The majority of check valves have hose connectors and fittings with directional indicators. With the aid of a screwdriver, secure it properly to the riser.

Connect the Pump to a Power Source and Test

Test your setup by filling a pail with water and pouring it into the sump pump basin. Check the pipe for leakage, confirming that it drains outdoors as intended and that your check valve closes properly. Once the water level rises to a point where the float valve on the machine is lifted, it should instantly switch on, and when it falls, it should immediately switch off. Follow the operating manual for instructions on adjusting the pump’s float point.

You’ll need to clean material out of the hole to prevent clogging periodically. If the pump is not used frequently, test it occasionally by filling the basin with water. Before clearing the dirt out of the hole, be careful to unhook the pump from the source of electricity.