How to Install Sump Pump: Homeowner’s Guide

Do you need some advice on installing sump pump in your home? Every homeowner can accomplish this task if they possess the know-how and the proper equipment.

Read our handy guide on how to install the sump pump in your home. If you need help, do not hesitate to hire a plumber to complete the job. However, with this guide, you should be able to complete the process on your own.

How to Install Sump Pump And What Is a Sump Pump?

The sump pump is the self-activating electrical pump to protect your home from flooding. Typically, installed in the basement, they remove surface run-off and groundwater before it can enter your home. Water can cause damage to your home as well as mold growth, which is harmful to your health.

It is advised to have your sump pump inspected by a professional plumber annually to ensure that it works properly. However, if you notice that it is not working properly, you can use the following guide to installing sump pump in basement.

Locate the area where the water is collected. This is typically near the GFCI (or Ground Fault Interrupter Outlet) where the sump pump is plugged. You should have this installed by an electrician if you do not already have one in your basement or crawlspace.
Dig a hole for the pump that is 10 inches (ca. 25 cm) wider and 6 inches (ca. 15 cm) deeper than the pump itself. Three inches of gravel should be placed at the bottom of the hole and the pump should be placed in the hole on top of the gravel.
Add gravel around the pump, but make sure to leave one to two inches exposed at the top.
Attach the male adapter to the discharge PVC pipe using glue and then insert it into the female adapter on the sump. Make a weep hole 6 inches (ca. 15 cm) above the pump into the discharge pipe using a ¼ inch drill
Using wires, attach the electrical cord of the pump to the discharge pipe. At the open end of the discharge pipe, install a check valve. Next, the pump will be placed into the sump. Check to see if the valve is vertical before running water out of the house.
Using 1 ½ inch PVC and pressurized fittings, channel the water away from the house via the sump pump.
Hang the PVC from the joists by installing J hooks. Run the PVC out by making a hole from the outside wall.
In the hole where the pipe leaves the house, apply silicone sealant. The connecting should run at least four feet away from your residence.
To spread the flow of the water, at the end of the pipe, affix a 1 ½ inch increaser. Attach the PVC pipe to the corrugated pipe to evenly dispense the water.
To cover the sump and keep it in place, disperse more gavel around the corrugated pipe. Finally, plug in the sump pump and cover it.