Wet basements are a common problem throughout the country and, for many, installing a sump pump is the answer.

Replacement basement sump pump installation is a pretty simple task that the majority of homeowners can complete on their own. The key to replacement basement sump pump installation is to understand how the system works and to find the best way to optimize its potential.

The first step in basement sump pump installation is to know the parts of the sump pump and how it works. There are four primary components to a sump pump: a sump tank, a groundwater collection system, a pump, and an outlet drain.

How Basement Sump Pumps Work

Basically, the groundwater is collected and carried to a sump tank, which is buried in the floor. The sump tank can be made of a variety of materials, including steel, clay, or fiberglass. The size of the sump tank can vary, but the standard size is about 2-3 feet deep and 18 inches in diameter.

During initial basement sump pump installation, the sump tank is placed in the lowest point in the basement. Usually, the sump tank has a hole on either side for incoming water. Once the water reaches a certain level in the sump tank, the pump is activated. This activation is generally triggered by a float, which is similar to that found in the tank of a toilet.

The water then bases through a filter trap and exits from the basement through a discharge pipe or hose. Sometimes this hose leads to a sewer, but it can also just lead to the ground somewhere far from the home. Once the water in the sump tank is reduced to a certain level, the sump pump stops pumping water out.

Replacement Sump Pump Installation

Replacement basement sump pump installation first requires locating the current sump pump. The old unit needs to be removed, so start by disconnecting the electrical plug and the piping. It is important to disconnect all electricity prior to removing any other components or even handling the sump pump. Draw a diagram or mark the pipes and wiring with tape so that you will know how to reconnect the pump. Next, the new sump pump can be easily connected to the existing pipelines and electrical outlets, assuming you have purchased a compatible or exactly similar replacement unit.

An initial basement sump pump installation is best left to a professional who is trained in basement waterproofing or a plumber. This is because installing a new sump pump requires breaking through the basement floor in order to lay pipe. Obviously, this can become a little costly, but it is well worth the cost if you are not comfortable in breaking and repairing the floor in the basement in order to lay pipe work.

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Photo by pdz_house, Creative Commons Attribution License