Sump Pump Installation: 6 Steps to a Dry Basement

Why put up with water in your basement any longer? It’s a common problem, but it doesn’t do your home or your family’s health any favors.

Ready to create a dry basement? Your home can greatly benefit from a professional sump pump installation. A sump pump is an important piece of the basement waterproofing puzzle.

For effective sump pump installation, look no further than Baker’s Waterproofing. Our certified basement waterproofers can install a complete sump pump system in just one visit to your home! Learn how as we outline the 6-step process in this article.

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How We Install a Sump Pump in 6 Steps

Here are six essential steps our basement waterproofing technicians take when installing a sump pump system.

sump pump liner installed in a sump pit in a basement floor

Step 1: Placing the Sump Pump Liner

First, an appropriately sized sump pump pit is excavated for the liner and pump. This protects your sump pump from the mud and debris around the pump pit.

Sump pumps are most effective at removing water from under your basement floor when located in the lowest spot on the floor. Your inspector determines where that spot is by using a laser level. If the sump cannot be located in the low spot, a PVC feed line should run through the floor from the low spot to the sump pump location.

installing an interior drainage system in a basement

Step 2: Installing a Perimeter Drain System

When installing a reliable sump pump system, it’s a good idea to install an interior perimeter drainage system. The purpose of this drain is to collect water from the basement wall-floor joint, the basement walls, and from under the basement floor and direct it to the installed sump pump.

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 the trench is backfilled with more clean stone.

Our patented BasementGutter™ Basement Drainage System includes a wall flange that extends slightly up the basement wall to collect water that may leak from the walls. When we install a wall vapor barrier, it is tucked behind the flange to direct moisture from the walls into your drain. If your home has concrete block walls, weep holes are drilled in the blocks at the very bottom to relieve the water and the pressure from the walls.

Step 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, including 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.

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!

pouring cement over excavated basement floor

Step 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.

Step 5: The Cleanup & Finishing Touches

We install several “ports” in the perimeter drain where a hose or dehumidifier drainage line can be inserted to allow for future testing or inspection. This helps us with testing and inspection during annual checkups and sump pump maintenance.

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 we remove all debris we create. Many customers comment their basement is cleaner than before we started!

Step 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 STAR® rated dehumidifier, and other basement products that can add energy efficiency, beauty, and comfort to your home.

Trust Baker’s Waterproofing for Your Sump Pump Installation

While basement leaks can be a cause for concern, they shouldn’t fill you with dread whenever the rain starts to fall. At Baker’s Waterproofing, we empower homeowners to conquer wet weather with confidence, offering reliable sump pump installations and comprehensive basement waterproofing solutions. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free inspection and estimate.

Our team understands the unique wet weather challenges faced across Pennsylvania. Our powerful sump pumps are engineered to handle even the heaviest of rains and flooding, ensuring your home remains a safe and dry haven. Trust us to protect your home from water intrusion for years to come.

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FAQs

What are the benefits of a basement sump pump?

Think of a basement waterproofing system as the body’s circulatory system. A sump pump is the “heart” of this system. While interior drains collect water, a sump pump actively removes it from your basement to keep it dry. A quality sump pump should be cast iron for longevity and carry a long-lasting warranty.

Is a battery backup sump pump necessary?

It depends. It’s particularly important for homeowners who experience regular power outages, or for those who don’t frequent their basements often. Installing an AquaStop™ sump pump with a battery backup ensures your basement remains dry even when the power is out.

Can you install a basement sump pump yourself?

You can, but there are many factors to consider. You’d have to put time and effort into installing the system, and the manufacturer’s warranties are typically limited. Many big box store sump pumps are lower quality, lack an airtight lid, and do not have a pump stand to keep them upright and elevated off sediment.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.

Related Resources

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The Pennsylvania Guide to Basement Waterproofing

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