The Proper Way to Install a Sump Pump

Preparation

• 1

  Place the sump pump in your basement, close to an electrical outlet and about eight inches from the wall.

• 2

  Measure and mark off a square or circle about 6 inches larger than the basin's circumference.

• 3

  Break up and remove the concrete from the area with the demolition tool.

• 4

  Dig a cavity deep enough for the top of the sump basin to sit flush with the floor, using the shovel.

• 5

  Surround the outside of the basin with filter fabric. Place it into the center of the hole.

• 6

  Fill the open area around the basin with 3/8-inch gravel to within 3 inches of the basement floor. Use a wood float or short piece of scrap lumber to even out the gravel top.

• 7

  Mix the concrete according to manufacturer's directions. Pour concrete over the graveled area, level with the floor. Use the trowel to smooth the concrete. Allow it to dry for about two days.

Installation

• 8

  Hand-thread the PVC pipe adapter into the pump's discharge port (located on the side of the pump) until it's snug. Tighten the adapter with pliers.

• 9

  Cut a piece of PVC pipe to rise about three inches above the top of the basin. Attach it to the adapter and glue it in place with PVC cement, following the product instructions.

• 10

  Connect the check valve to the PVC pipe, with the check valve arrow pointing up. Secure it with a rubber coupling and hose clamp.

• 11

  Place the sump pump into the basin. Position it so the pump's float does not touch the basin wall. This allows the float to move up and down freely.

• 12

  Connect the vertical PVC drainage pipe to the upper portion of the check valve. Secure it in place with a rubber coupling and hose clamp. The vertical drainage pipe reaches the basement rafters.

• 13

  Drill a hole through the rim joist to the outside of the house. Align the hole with the vertical drainage pipe. Slide a PVC pipe through the hole horizontally, to the outside of the house.

• 14

  Connect the inside portion of the pipe to the vertical drainage pipe, using a 90-degree angle elbow fitting. Glue the elbow in place with PVC cement. Trim off the vertical pipe if necessary for proper alignment of the pipes.

• 15

  Test the pump. Plug it into the electrical outlet. Pour enough water into the sump basin to make the valve rise and kick the pump on. The pump should turn off when the water recedes.