There are a lot of ways to keep water accumulation in the basement, the best among these ideas is a sump pump. The sum pump installation is an easy process. A sump pump is usually set in a sump pit or in a basin, Basically the lowest spot situated in the basement wherever you see an easy water accumulation. Sump basins are usually made up of plastic or fiberglass, you can easily purchase these at home centers. As the water level beneath the basement floor starts to rise, the pump gets activate automatically when the pit gets filled up with water due to the rise in water level, and then the sump pump discharges excess water to the outdoors. And it shuts off automatically once the water level gets back to normal. It turns off on its own because of a floating device on the pump.
If you are facing an occasional water accumulation in your basement, then a sump pump can help you to an extent. But if you are going through a Seriously flooded basement on regular basis, then you need to look out for other options. Well, installing a sump pump would not stop water from coming in, but yes it can help in discharging excess water from your basement, and it is relatively inexpensive.
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For its better effectiveness, it is suggested that you should install a sump pump with a drain tile system, This drain tile system makes the ejection of water more convenient for the sump pump.
Types of Sump Pumps
There are two types of sump pumps, Submersible and pedestal these are the most common choices for installation in the houses. The submersible is fully concealed in the pit, whether the pedestal pumps are partially covered in the pits, with the motor resting above in the water. Pedestal pumps are way cheaper than submersible pumps, and also easy to maintain and repair, there is an advantage with submersible pumps, it doesn’t makes loud noise, and that is why it is more preferable for living areas.
Usually, there is a cord you get with the Sump pumps, which let you plug them into a receptacle Protected by GFCI (Ground Fault circuit interrupter). Well, you should never use an extended cord until and unless it is recommended to match the recommendation of the pump manufacture.
A plumber can install a sump pump for you but if you want you can do it on your own all you need are some equipment and enough time.
Tools
These are the must-have tools. If you are installing a sump pump on your own you should have these tools.
- Drill bits
- Electric drills
- Hammer
- Pipe
- Cutter
Materials
- Sump pump
- Pressurized fittings
- Wire ties
- Gravel
- PVC pipe
- Corrugated pipe
- Cement
- Check valves
- J hooks
- Increaser
- Silicon sealant
- Fittings
Steps to install a sump pump
Find a location
Finding the correct location for installing a sump pump is very important, because if you chose the wrong spot then your hard work would be in vain. Choose the lowest spot in your basement or the spot where water collects easily. The next thing you need to pay attention to is a GFCI (Ground Fault Current Interrupter), In which you will plug your sump pump, if there is no GFCI available nearby then get it installed by a certified electrician.
Dig a hole for the sump
Dig a hole, This whole should beapprox. 6 Inches deeper and 10 inches wider than the bump.Now in the bottom of the hole you need to put 3 inches of gravel.And Lastly place the pump in that hole.
Add more gravel
Once you put the pump in the hole, you need to add more gravel, leave the space of two to three inches.
Attach the adapters
You need to glue the male adapter to the PVC pipe ( there for discharge propose) And then place it into the female adapter on the pump. Make a hole into the discharge by with the help of a drill machine, The distance of hold should be 6 inches above the pump. Basically, it is a weep that allows the water to flow back once the pump is shut off.
Install a check valve
Use wire ties to attach the Pump’s electrical cords to the discharge pipes. On the open end of a discharge pipe install a check valve. You need to ensure that the check valve you are using Is suitable to vertical options.
Channel water away from the house
Now it’s time to use pressurized waiting and 11/2 inches PVC to channelize the water away from the house.
Run PVC through the wall
You can use J hooks to hold PVS From the joints.
Apply sealant to the hole
Apply sealant, to seal the hole (from where the pipes come out).
Cover the sump
Now cover the sump with a cover. If required put more gravel around the corrugated pipes to keep it on place.
