Tech Updates

HOW TO INSTALL A SUMP PUMP

If you are a homeowner, a flooded basement could be your worst nightmare. However, that should not worry you because there is a solution. A sump pump expels water from your basement out of your home, protecting it from heavy rains and rising water levels that can cause substantial structural damages. Typically, a sump is a constructed pit beneath your basement floor’s main surface known as a sump basin. The sump basin holds the pumps equipped with valves that automatically sense escalating water levels and pumps out the excess water to a designated drainage area.

SUMP PUMP

So, if your home has a wet basement, a sump pump gives you peace of mind by monitoring the basement moisture and protecting your home’s foundation. However, you must choose the best type of sump pump that fits your needs as they come in different styles. You can determine the right one by seeking advice from your supplier and buying from the best manufacturer, such as Ponstar Pumps. The critical thing is that you should choose a pump with enough horsepower to cater to your flooding level. With that in mind, here is how to install a sump pump.

Identify a location

The first thing is to identify a location in your basement where you usually notice the first moisture collection sign. This is the lowest spot in your basement. When you identify the location, dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate a sump pump of which the top edge should level up with the floor. If your basement floor is concrete, digging a hole becomes easier.

Place the sump in the hole.

Typically, sump pumps have holes that allow them to seep water from the sides and beneath. If yours doesn’t have them, you can drill them yourself. Use a filter fabric layer to wrap the basin exterior to prevent sludge and silt from clogging it. Then add 2-3inches of some gravel at the bottom of the hole you dug. Place the sump in the hole, then pour more gravel around it but leave one or two inches on the sump’s top exposed. Ensure the unit doesn’t wobble.

Test the float valve

For the sump pump to function, the float valve must move up and down freely. When the water escalates, the float valve rises, and the sump turns on. Testing the valve is essential before you do anything else. Move it up and down to ensure nothing is obstructing it.

Fix the check valve

The check valves direct the water away from the sump and never back. Run a flexible discharge hose between the valve and the home exterior. Then, at the point of contact between the output and basement wall, create a hole for the hose pipe to fit in through. You can use a drill to do that. When the pipe fits in through the hole, fill in the gaps with caulk.

Plugin the pump and test

Plugin the pump and test it by pouring water into the basin nearly to the top. If you have correctly installed everything, the float is supposed to rise, the pump turns on, and pumps the water out. Check if there are any leaks in the connections, then close the lid.

Cover the hole surrounding the pump

Finally, cover the hole surrounding the pump with a cement mixture to conceal everything except the sump pump lid.

Wrap up

With a sump pump in place, the next time it rains heavily, you will have total peace of mind.

About author

Extreme tv nerd. Analyst. Typical web lover. Food guru. Pop culture ninja. Twitter fanatic. Set new standards for licensing accordians with no outside help. Garnered an industry award while writing about country music in Prescott, AZ. Earned praise for creating marketing channels for action figures in Los Angeles, CA. Earned praise for analyzing glucose in Suffolk, NY. Had some great experience developing strategies for Roombas in Ohio. Won several awards for working on dolls in the aftermarket.
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