A sump pump helps keep a home’s basement dry and reduces humidity, eliminating mold and mildew growth and leading to a more comfortable indoor living environment. Homeowners can save money by completing this project or hiring a top-rated pro near them. Contact Sump Pump Installation Aurora CO now!
Locate the pump at the lowest point in the basement or crawl space. Dry fit a short length of PVC pipe and glue it to the discharge port’s male pipe adapter.
Ideally, the sump pump should be in a place that is easy to access for regular maintenance and service. A finished basement allows this, but even if you have a finished basement, it’s important to consider the location of the pump and pit. An exposed pit in the floor of your home can allow radon to leak from the soil into your basement, which is dangerous for you and your family. A cabinet around the pit or a raised stage can keep this from happening.
Before the installation begins, your professional should locate any underground utilities on your property using a utility-locating device. This is especially critical if you live in an area that has a history of flooding or frequent, extreme weather conditions. Once they’ve found the right spot, they’ll dig a hole that is wide enough to fit the pump basin, which should ultimately sit flush with your basement floor level. This can be done by hand or with a jackhammer, depending on the type of basement and depth of concrete slab. It’s a good idea to wear hearing protection and a dust mask for this part of the project.
When the hole is ready, they’ll add a discharge pipe that runs from the pit up through the basement wall and outside your house, ideally to a spot where it can slope away from your foundation. They’ll also install a check valve midway up the initial length of discharge pipe to prevent water from backflowing into the pit.
They may also install a battery-backed backup sump pump in homes with high risk for flooding or those that experience frequent, excessive moisture problems. Customers with this additional coverage are often eligible for lower home insurance rates. Contact us to learn more about protecting your home and possessions with a battery-backed backup sump pump or for a free online quote on your home insurance.
Liner
A sump pump is a device that pumps water from a pit or basin installed in your home’s basement or crawl space. It’s used to remove excess moisture and prevent flooding, protect paint, appliances and the foundation, and reduce mold, mildew and fungus.
Our sump pump installation team starts by determining the size of your home’s sump pit and the capacity needed to pump out your highest predicted water volume. They also assess the location of your home in relation to flood plains and other challenges that may impact your water accumulation needs.
Once a sump pit is excavated, it’s lined with a durable plastic sump liner that fits into the pit and can be customized to accommodate your particular requirements. A sump pump discharge pipe is then run from the pit to a drainage spot elsewhere on your property (like a rain garden, dry well or detention pond) to channel the water away from (and never back into) your home.
The last step in the sump pit installation process involves ensuring that the drain pipe is positioned correctly. It is important that the piping slopes downward slightly where it enters the sump pit in order to promote proper drainage and prevent the pump from becoming clogged or overworked. Once the liner is seated and the drain is set in place, gravel is added to promote drainage and level the pit floor. A concrete pad is then poured over the gravel and leveled to the surrounding floor surface before a sump pump is inserted into the pit.
Before the sump pump is activated, a check valve is installed on the outflow pipe. This one-way valve stops the water from flowing back into the pit once the pump shuts off, preventing an endless on/off cycle and saving energy usage.
A battery backup sump pump is also often recommended to provide additional protection against power outages and other emergencies. This system works in conjunction with your primary sump pump to keep your home dry when the main system is down. It’s a good idea to install a battery backup in any home that experiences frequent water accumulation, especially in regions that experience extreme weather conditions.
Check Valve
During sump pump installation, it’s important to install the right check valve. This prevents water from flowing back into the pit after it’s been pumped out. This is a vital part of the pump that’s often overlooked. It also helps the pump run more efficiently.
To install the check valve, first, take some measurements. You’ll need to know how long the PVC pipe is that runs from the discharge outlet of the pump. This will help you figure out where to cut it. Make sure the length of your PVC is enough to reach a drainage ditch or storm drain and slope away from your house’s foundation.
Once you have the measurements, use a hack saw to cut the pipe. Be careful to avoid cutting any ducting or wiring that might be present, and always wear safety glasses and gloves. Using milk crates or other items to raise the pipe off the ground will also help you stay safe while working on it. It’s also a good idea to mark where you will be cutting on the pipe. This will help you avoid any accidental cuts that could damage the pump or surrounding areas.
While you’re preparing the pump and piping, make sure that the area is free of any debris. This will help you ensure that the float switch doesn’t get caught up on any obstructed parts of your pit, pump or piping and doesn’t stop working.
After the piping is cut, apply PVC primer and cement to both sides of the fitting for the discharge pipe. Then, put the male-threaded adapter on the end of the PVC. After that, slide the coupling over the pipe and tighten it.
After the piping is completed, plug in your pump and test it. Make sure that it’s plugged into a GFCI outlet and the cord isn’t tangled or ripped. Then, pour some water into the pump to see if it starts up and pumps the water away from your home. If it doesn’t, there could be a problem with the GFCI outlet or the pump itself.
Pump
The pump is the heart of the system and it’s important to choose a good model that fits your home and budget. Some pumps are built to handle a large volume of water quickly while others can be slower and more reliable. The pump should also be connected to a backup power source, such as a battery. This will keep the sump pump running in the event of a power outage caused by storms or flooding.
A professional plumber can help you choose the best type of pump for your home. They can also install the pump and connect it to the discharge line. If you prefer to do the installation yourself, start by digging a pit. It should be big enough to accommodate your pump and allow room for the float switch and other plumbing connections. Line the pit with coarse gravel to promote drainage. Next, place the pump basin in the hole and backfill around it with excavated dirt. Use a level to check that the basin is level and does not wobble. If the pump is a pressure-sensing model, be sure the pressure switch is completely enclosed and immune to floating debris in the sump basin. If the pump is a float-type, be sure that the float is unobstructed and can rise to activate the switch when the water level rises and fall back down when the water recedes.
After installing the pump, run a short length of PVC pipe (with glued joints and, if necessary, elbows) to the sump pump discharge line. A check valve can be installed midway up the initial length of pipe to make sure that water is channeled away from (not back into) the house.
To complete the installation, install a cover over the sump pit to eliminate odors and debris. The sump pump should be connected to a GFCI outlet and tested for proper operation. It should be plugged in and partially filled with water to verify that the pump turns on and drains the pit. The sump should also be plugged in to a backup power source, such as an AGM battery, and tested periodically during severe storms or heavy rainfall.