Installing a sump pump drain system can save you from many problems such as flooding, mold and mildew growth, and even potential health issues.
If you want to install a sump pump drain system for your basement or crawl space, you can choose the right one by reading this article. Here we will show you how to install the sump pump drain system.
Tools Required:
- Bucket
- Measuring tape
- Saw
- Hammer
- Drill
- Screws
- Caulking gun (optional)
- Pipe cutter (optional)
- Flathead screwdriver
Why do you need to install a drain sump pump system?
The main reason for installing a sump pump drain is to prevent flooding. Flooding occurs when water overflows into the foundation, causing damage to all parts of the house. This may include the walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, etc. When flooding happens, it is better to call professional services to fix the problem immediately because there are chances that the flooding could cause severe damage.
When you have a sump pump with a drainage system installed, it prevents water from entering your basement. The water that enters the basement drains through the pipe and out of the building. You don’t have to worry about having a flood in the basement.
Steps to Install Sump Pump Drain System:
Finding The Exact Location:
Find the location where you would like to put the sump pump drain. Ensure that the area has enough room to accommodate the sump pump drain installation. You don’t want to put the sump drain near the floor because it might get blocked easily. Also, make sure that there is no electrical outlet nearby so you won’t be able to connect the electricity source to the sump pump.
Choosing the Right Size:
Before choosing the exact size, consider the amount of water coming into your basement. Also, if there are any leakages around your house, find out what type of pipes they are using. Take note of these things before making the final decision on the size of the sump pump. For example, if you have a leaking roof, you must choose a bigger sump pump. On the other hand, if there are no leaks, you can choose smaller ones.
Measurement:
Once you have chosen the right location, measure the height and length of the sump pump drain pipe. Measure twice to ensure accuracy. Then mark the areas where the line connects with the wall and ceiling. Check if there are any obstructions around the location that you chose.
Cutting Hole:
After marking the pipe’s location:
- Cut them open with the help of a saw.
- Don’t forget to use cutting blades that suit the diameter of the hole that you decided to cut.
- If possible, try to drill holes to reduce the time needed for drilling.
Connecting Pipes:
Once you have made the cuts open, you should attach the pipe to the hole carefully with the help of screws. Use pliers or a clamp to hold the pipe while connecting it to the spot.
Wiring:
Take note of all the necessary pieces of the wiring, such as the power cord, water line, etc. Before connecting these wires to the electrical socket, avoid leaving loose ends when attaching them. Otherwise, they could become tangled up after some time. Always double-check if you haven’t overlooked anything.
Testing Your Sump Pump Drain:
After completing the installation, test the sump pump drain to see how well it works. If everything goes as planned, you will notice a difference after the installation. Water will not flow into the basement anymore.
How to check the functioning of the sump pump?
Check the power supply first. Turn off the power supply at the breaker box. After turning off the power, turn it back on again. Now, look at the sump pump. It should start working currently.
Check the water level inside the sump pump. Open the sump pump lid and check if there is water inside. If there is, then there is something wrong with the sump pump. The water may be overflowing from the sump pump. Or it may be clogged. In this case, you need to clean the sump pump. Clean it by removing the filter and cleaning the parts thoroughly.
If the water level is average, there is nothing wrong with the sump pumps. It means that the sump pump is working correctly.
How far should the sump pump drain from the house?
The discharge point should be located somewhere between 1/4-1/2 mile away from the house’s foundation. This distance depends on the size of the house and the volume of water that comes into the basement.
What happens if I don’t have enough space for my sump pump drain?
If you do not have enough space for installing the sump pump drain, you can always buy an extension kit. These kits usually come in different sizes so that you can install one according to the size of your home.
How to bury the sump pump drainpipe?
The sump pump drain pipe is buried underground. You can choose either concrete or asphalt, depending on what material suits you better. Concrete is more durable than asphalt but requires more maintenance. However, asphalt is cheaper than concrete.
Concrete:
You can dig a trench about 3 feet deep and pour concrete over it. Then fill the rest of the trench with gravel and soil. Cover the whole thing with grass.
Asphalt:
Dig a trench about two feet deep. Cover the trench with asphalt. The remainder of the trench should be filled with gravel. Make sure that the ground’s surface is flat before pouring the asphalt.
How to extend the sump pump drainpipe?
Extending sump pump drain pipes are available in two types. One is PVC, and the other is steel. Both of them are very effective and reliable. They both work fine, even if the length of the pipe is extended. But PVC is less expensive than steel. Steel is more durable than PVC.
PVC:
Extend the length of the PVC pipe using PVC cement. Once the PVC pipe has been extended, put a cap on each end.
Steel:
Cut the old pipe and weld new sections together. Put a cap on each end of the pipe.
How long does the sump pump drain pipe last?
The sump pump drain pipe lasts for many years. But they require regular maintenance. So make sure that you maintain them regularly.
What is a discharge pipe?
You can use plastic pipes with tight joints. It safely drains the water far away from the basement.
Installing a sump pump system is easy when you know how to do it. Follow these instructions carefully to avoid any problems. And remember to keep the sump pump well maintained. Sump pump drain system is essential for every home. It helps prevent flooding in the basement. It also prevents damage to the foundation. It reduces the risk of mold growth. And it protects against flood damage. All these benefits make it worth having.
