A flooded basement could be your worst nightmare if you are a homeowner. 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 damage. 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 with valves that automatically sense escalating water levels and pump out the excess water to a designated drainage area.
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 step is to identify the lowest spot in your basement where you usually notice the first moisture collection sign. When you identify the location, dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate a sump pump, the top edge of which 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. A filter fabric layer wraps the basin exterior to prevent sludge and silt from clogging. Then, add 2-3 inches of gravel at the bottom of your hole. Place the sump in the hole, pour more gravel around it, but leave it exposed one or two inches on the sump’s top. Ensure the unit doesn’t wobble.
Test the float valve.e
For the sump pump to function, the float valve must move freely up and down. 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 through. You can use a drill to do that. Fill in the gaps with caulk when the pipe fits through the hole.
Plugin the pump and test
Plug 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, and the pump turns on and pumps the water out. Check for leaks in the connections, then close the lid.
Cover the hole surrounding the pump.p
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, you will have total peace of mind the next time it rains heavily.
