Sump Pump Installation

Here I add a new sump pump into an existing sump pit in preparation for our basement finish.

Summary:

Our current home’s sump pit never had a sump pump installed, so here I go through the process of getting one installed. Note I did this at roughly the same time I installed a new lift station in our sewage pit – see that post here: . Note some items below are links to Amazon products – if you’d like to support my efforts, you can do so at no cost to you by buying through these links for items you already might need to purchase.

Parts:

• 1-1/2″ PVC pipe & fittings
  • 10′ pipe
  • 90 degree elbows
  • 45 degree elbows
  • Male threaded adapter
  • Union
  • Coupling
  • Check valve
  • Manual valve
  • Pipe clamps
  • PVC glue & primer
  • Teflon tape
• Radon Sump Dome (Jackal)
• Sump Pump, 1/3 hp (select hp according to your specific needs)
• PL 300 foamboard latex construction adhesive

Tools:

• Safety glasses
• Pipe saw
• Scissors
• Drill & bits
• Ramset, pins & cartridges
• 2×4
• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Markers, pencils
• Utility knife
• Screw drivers
• Electrical tape
• Caulk Gun
• Buckets & trowels

Detailed Description:

• Start by scoping out exactly what you’ll need for your project.
  • Design your install
  • Gather all your materials
  • Assemble your needed tools
• Clean out your sump pit – try to give your new pump a fighting change against the junk it may encounter!
• Install the threaded adapter on the outlet to the pump to allow you to start determining how long your up-pipe needs to be, then set it down into the sump.
• Wipe down the concrete and the sump lid, mark the lid location and glue in place with your adhesive.
• Mount your 2×4 to the wall with the ramset.
• Determine the length of pipe needed from the pump to the first fitting, glue in place, then seal the pipe at the top of the sump lid. Don’t forget to drill the small hole just above where the pipe screws into the pump.
• Assemble the remaining portions of the piping, allowing some parts to be cut later after final install of the pump. Generally follow this order starting at the pump:
  • Pump
  • Union (to allow lid removal)
  • Check valve
  • Manual valve
  • Outside or sewer connection
• Determine final dimensions of the remaining pipe and glue it all together.
• Connect the exit piping (may be dictated by local codes)
  • into existing sewer, or
  • send it outside to drain away from your home
• Plug in the pump, then fill the sump with water from a garden hose – ensure the pump turns on as the water rises, then turns off again as the water level drops.
• If the float controlling pump operation does not operate as expected, make minor adjustments as needed in pump location.
• Seal everything up and you’re good to go!
• Check this one off your list!! 8^)