Sump Pump Installation Steps

1. Placing the sump pump liner

First, we excavate the pit for the liner to place the sump pump inside. The liner protects your system from the mud and debris around the area. We have to measure the pit to ensure efficiency. If the hole is too small, it can pump water out faster, causing it to burn out sooner. When too large, it goes too deep into the ground, causing unnecessary work and energy waste.

The best place for the sump pump is the lowest spot. We determine that spot using a laser level. If we cannot find it, we will run a PVC feed through the floor to the sump pump location.

2. Installing a perimeter drain system

When installing a reliable sump pump system, it's a good idea to install a perimeter French drain system, like WaterGuard®.

First, the floor around the edge of the basement is jackhammered and a layer of clean stone is set down. A perimeter drain is installed on top of the stone, and is backfilled with more clean stone.

The purpose of this drain is to collect water from the basement wall-floor joint, from the basement walls, and from under the basement floor, and direct it to the installed sump pump.

Our patented WaterGuard® Basement Drainage System includes a wall flange that extends slightly up the basement wall to collect water that may leak from the walls.

If you have basement vapor barrier installed, the wall covering will be tucked behind the flange to direct moisture from the walls into your drain.

If your home has concrete block walls, weep holes will be drilled in the blocks at the very bottom to relieve the water and the pressure from the walls.

3. The sump pump installation

A special outlet connects the perimeter drain to the sump pump system and clean gravel is backfilled around the sump pump liner.

This gravel helps to keep your sump pump system as clean as possible, discouraging silt and sediment from entering the liner.

An airtight sump pump lid with rubber grommets around all pipes and wires keeps odors and humidity from rising out of the sump pit while also preventing items and debris from falling in from the basement floor.

Having an airtight, secure lid on your liner is also excellent in preventing animals and children from attempting to play in the water!

If you have a secondary pump installed in the pit, an additional discharge line will be installed. This prevents the pipes from being overwhelmed and also ensures the pumps won't pump back and forth between each other. Discharge lines should NEVER be tied together on the inside of your home!

4. Restore the floor

To complete the sump pump installation, the floor is restored flush for a clean, attractive look.

The system we use does not leave a gap around the perimeter of the basement floor which can collect dust, debris, and other items that can clog your waterproofing system. This helps ensure better drainage and a more reliable system. Our system also provides a clean, neat, and professional basement repair.

As an option, the discharge line can be buried underground, assuming grade and soil conditions allow for it.

5. The cleanup & finishing touches

Our sump pump installation crew takes extra care to leave your basement clean, neat, and clear of debris for you at the end of the installation.

Dust is cleaned from the basement floor and the discharge line outside is inspected to be sure that the water is being discharged to an appropriate location.

We remove all the debris that we create, and most times customers comment their basement is cleaner than before we started!

To allow for future testing or inspection, we install several "ports" in the perimeter drain where a hose or dehumidifier drainage line can be inserted. During annual checkups and sump pump maintenance, this helps us with testing and inspection.

6. Upgrading your basement

Once your basement is protected from water seepage, it's a great idea to take advantage of the cleaner, drier, more attractive area as storage or living space.

If you don't already have one installed, be sure to ask about our battery backup sump pumps, as well as our basement wall coverings, energy-efficient dehumidifier, waterproof basement flooring, and other basement products that can add energy efficiency, beauty, and comfort to your home.

When you decide it's time to waterproof the basement and install a sump pump in your home, we are ready to help!