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In an ideal world, basements wouldn’t flood, but despite best efforts to address underlying issues, basement moisture remains a sometimes expensive and always exasperating difficulty for many homeowners. Sump pump installation is a smart and relatively easy way to prevent water damage and keep your home dry.
A sump pump can prevent soggy carpets, mold formation, and even electrical or structural issues. In some instances, however, installing a sump pump may treat the symptom rather than the cause. If water is entering your basement due to exterior grading or sloping issues, improper downspout drainage, or another design problem needing attention, a sump pump won’t be a comprehensive solution. Installing a sump pump can be an effective option if you want time to work toward remedying the root cause or need an inexpensive fix to an emergency issue.
Though installation isn’t always easy, sump pump technology isn’t complicated. Essentially, these pumps collect water and send it outdoors, where it can drain safely into the ground. Although—or perhaps because—a sump pump operates so simply, the average DIYer may not know whether they’re capable of adding one themselves. Read on to learn how to install a sump pump.
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump is a machine that automatically removes water from spaces that are meant to remain dry. It prevents too much moisture from accumulating and causing damage to structural features, furniture, and belongings. Your home is more likely to need a sump pump if you’re in a floodplain, have previously experienced flooding, or live in an area prone to extreme weather or frequent wet conditions.
Sump pumps sit inside sump pits, which are fiberglass or plastic basins installed in holes dug at the lowest point of an area where water is most likely to accumulate. Sump pumps are generally used to prevent flooded basements, but they can be smart additions to any water-prone place, such as a crawl space or your yard.
For a sump pump to work properly, water under the pump basin must rise sufficiently to enter the pit and trigger a floater, switch, or valve. The sump pump then pumps the water outside through a discharge pipe until the level drops enough to automatically shut off the pump.
Types of Sump Pumps
There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. These pumps typically run on electricity via a standard wall outlet or hardwiring. Some models also have battery or water power as a backup option in case of an electrical outage.
Submersible
A submersible sump pump contains a pump and motor in a single unit. After installation, submersible pumps sit completely submerged within the basins that collect excess water. This type of sump pump is quieter and less likely to clog than pedestal sump pumps. Since they are constantly exposed to water, however, they may not last as long as pedestal pumps. Still, for many homeowners with consistent concerns regarding potential flooding, the best sump pump is typically a submersible model.
Pedestal
Pedestal sump pumps separate the machine’s motor and pump into separate units. The motor portion sits on a pedestal above the water basin or pit that holds the pump. Because they aren’t under water, pedestal sump pumps may last longer than submersible ones and are also easier to access for maintenance. However, these types of sump pumps are louder and take up more space than submersible pumps.
As mentioned, submersible and pedestal sump pumps are typically powered with electricity, but many also work via battery or water backup power. The option to use one or the other in the event of an electrical outage means your pump will always work when you need it most.
Be aware that some cities do not allow water-powered backup sump pumps, however. These types of sump pumps rely on increased water pressure to work, which means they use a significant amount of this precious resource. Because of this, water-powered pumps can raise your utility bill significantly.
Do I need a sump pump?
If your home has previously flooded or you live in a floodplain, it’s a good idea to be prepared by installing a sump pump. Extreme weather conditions, such as excessive or frequent rain or snow, may also necessitate a sump pump. Even homes that accumulate moisture but don’t necessarily flood may benefit from a sump pump installation. Using a sump pump in these homes can reduce moisture levels that could increase the risk of health conditions like asthma, allergies, and upper respiratory infections.
You should consider a sump pump setup if:
- You live in a floodplain or have previously had floodwater in your home.
- You live in an area that gets significant amounts of rain or snow.
- You live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions.
- You live in an area with high humidity levels.
- You are sensitive to mold, suffer from allergies or asthma, or are inclined to develop upper respiratory infections.
While not every home needs a sump pump, having one is less expensive, easier, and less stressful than cleaning up after water damage. Remember that finished basements can hide underlying drainage problems, so a sump pump might be a good idea even if you can’t physically see a basement waterproofing issue.
Tools & Materials
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- Submersible sump pump
- Sump pump basin and lid
- Sledgehammer or jackhammer
- Flexible discharge hose or PVC pipe
- Check valve
- Drill/driver
- Hole-saw drill bit
- Filter fabric
- Gravel
- Concrete brick or paving stone (optional)
- Concrete mix
- Waterproof silicone caulk
Project Overview
Working time: 8 to 10 hours
Total time: 2 days
Skill level: Intermediate to expert
Estimated cost: $325 to $525
Before You Begin
Before you start jackhammering through your concrete subfloor, you’ll want to consider pump location and access to power.
1. Double-check your location: A sump pump should be installed at the lowest point of the floor. Typically, this is where you first notice moisture accumulation.
Also consider how much drainage hose or pipe you need before you begin. Make sure you have enough length to run from the pump, up and through the interior wall, down the foundation, and away from the house. The exterior segment should be long enough to reach a portion of your property that slopes away from your home’s foundation.
2. Ensure proper power: The power supply going to a sump pump should be on its own circuit to prevent tripping a breaker. If you have a battery-backup pump, you’ll need two outlets so both the pump and battery charger can be connected without either requiring an extension cord. If you do not have the proper power supply, you may need an electrician for new circuit and outlet installation.
While you can technically install a sump pump any time of year, it will be easier to dig a hole and set the pump if the ground is relatively dry. If possible, aim to install your sump pump before the rainy season and when there hasn’t been any recent flooding.
How to Install a Sump Pump
Once you’ve determined the proper location and have a dedicated outlet for your pump, it’s time to start digging and installing.
Step 1: Dig a hole.
Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the sump pump, the top of which should ultimately sit flush with floor level.
Of course, when your basement floor is concrete, digging a hole is more easily said than done. To break through concrete, use either a sledgehammer or jackhammer. If you have never used a jackhammer, keep in mind that it’s a heavy tool that’s very loud.
After penetrating the concrete slab, continue digging until the cavity is large enough to fit the pump basin.
Pro tip: Carrying the debris up the stairs isn’t fun. We recommend loading 2-gallon buckets to keep each load a reasonable weight.
Step 2: Place the sump pump basin and pump in the hole.
The most effective sump pumps typically have weep holes, which allow water to enter from the sides and underneath. If yours doesn’t have these important perforations, take the time to drill them yourself. Next, wrap a layer of filter fabric around the basin exterior to prevent silt and sludge from clogging the pump.
Add 2 or 3 inches of gravel to the bottom of your hole, then place a paver or fieldstone over those pebbles to establish a stable platform. Place the sump pump basin into the hole, backfilling around its perimeter with excavated dirt. At this point, the unit shouldn’t wobble even if you gently jostle it.
Place the sump pump itself into the prepared basin and hole.
Step 3: Test the sump pump’s float valve.
For the sump pump to work, its float valve must be able to move freely up and down. When the water level rises, so does the float, which turns on the pump. It’s crucial to test the float valve before proceeding. Move it up and down with your hand to ensure nothing obstructs it.
Step 4: Run a hose or pipe from the home’s exterior to the pump.
As mentioned above, you must run a flexible discharge hose or a span of PVC pipe (with glued joints and, if necessary, elbows) from the pump to your home’s exterior. You’ll need to use a drill/driver fitted with a hole-saw bit to drill a hole where the output meets the basement wall at the band joist. Once you’ve run the pipe through the hole, use waterproof silicone caulk around it to fill any gaps, large or small.
Install a check valve midway up the initial length of the discharge pipe. The check valve creates two connected segments in the pipe and serves to channel water away from (never back into) the sump.
Step 5: Test the sump pump and inspect for leaks.
Finally, plug in the pump and give it a test run. You should never run a sump pump dry, so start by filling the basin nearly to the top with water. The float should rise, the pump should turn on, and the water should pump out. Inspect all connections for leaks, then go ahead and close the basin with its lid.
Step 6: Cover the area around the sump pump with concrete.
The very last thing to do is fill in the hole surrounding the pump with concrete. Mix up a small batch of concrete to the consistency of peanut butter and spread it around everything but the sump pump lid.
You’re finished! The next time a big storm comes your way, you can rest assured that you won’t have to run downstairs in a frenzy to rev up the wet/dry vac!
When should you call a professional for sump pump installation?
Looking for advice about sump pumps or wondering who installs sump pumps? If you aren’t sure where to begin, need help digging a sump pump hole, or are worried about drilling through your home’s exterior wall, you may want to call in a pro. Additionally, homeowners who need a new electrical circuit or outlet for the pump should hire an electrician. If you don’t have any DIY experience with plumbing or are worried about choosing the proper location for installation or drainage, you might rest easier having an experienced installer handle the project.
According to HomeAdvisor, sump pump installation cost is generally between $642 and $2,087. Factors affecting the price include the type of pump, pump capacity, and how long the installation process takes. If you need electrical work done, your total price will be higher. Also, you may have to pay additional fees to dig a proper sump pump basin hole.
FAQs
A sump pump alone typically costs between $50 and $200. Remember that you will need additional supplies and materials, including a sump pump basin, to install a sump pump. According to our calculations, the cost for a DIY sump pump installation will likely be around $325 to $525. Hiring a pro can increase the cost to as much as $2,087.
It depends. If you have some DIY experience, are willing to work hard to get through a concrete floor, and don’t need any electrical work, you can likely install a sump pump yourself. Those with less experience or strength or who need a new circuit or outlet will benefit from professional help.
Sump pump replacement should be easier than installation—if the setup for your previous pump worked correctly and doesn’t need any adjustments or repairs.
If you need to replace a sump pump because your sump pump isn’t working:
1. Unplug your old pump.
2. Remove the drainage pipe from the check valve on the side nearest the pump.
3. Remove the sump pump’s lid, the pump itself, and the drainage pipe attached to it.
4. Clean debris from the basin using a wet/dry vac.
5. Place the new sump pump into the basin and add water if necessary.
6. Reattach the drainage pipe, lid, and check valve.
7. Plug in the pump and test it.
The exact costs to run a sump pump will vary based on current energy rates, the pump’s voltage, and the number of hours per day or month the pump is run. You can use an online energy calculator to estimate sump pump operation costs based on your circumstances.